Do you find yourself depressed and distressed by the state of the world? Learn why it is important to let yourself feel these challenging emotions and then to move forward from them.
In Volume 26 of this guest series, psychotherapist, Dr. Francis L. Battisti, and nutritionist, Dr. Helen Battisti, explain to us how to work through the difficult feelings we may experience due to the crisis our world is facing.
For over 10 years, they have worked closely with us on aging concerns and have presented many webinars and in-person workshops. Their newsletter, The Zone, is a weekly mental health and nutrition tip sheet during times of change.
For the past eight months, we have been experiencing an altered and heightened awareness. We have been haunted by an unseen virus that could severely hurt us. We have been told to socially distance from friends and loved ones, and to remain vigilant in taking precautions such as wearing masks and washing hands. Additionally, there is uncertainty as to how long this will continue for. As result of this situation, you may be experiencing feelings of fatigue, discomfort and perhaps depression. It is important to keep in mind that it is OK to have these feelings. While these feelings are uncomfortable, we need to remember that they will pass and, as they do, we become stronger in and because of our resolve.
When we are faced with severe challenges we may want to ask ourselves, “How do we want to act during the crisis?” and “How do we want to act after the crisis?” While the answers to these questions are inter-dependent, we need to keep focused on each one separately. Wherever we place our energies, will continue to grow and flourish. As Newton’s law of motion states, “An object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion.” Keeping our focus on our desired outcomes and acting accordingly is key to overcoming feelings of fatigue and discomfort and ultimately reaching the desired outcome.
Key Takeaways
- Experiencing feelings of fatigue, discomfort and depression can be expected.
- Wherever we focus our energies tend to grow.
- We need to keep on truckin’.
Best Practices
- We need to be vigilant as to our physical, mental and spiritual fatigue and build in stop gaps that allow us to rest and rejuvenate.
- Ensure adequate fluid intake: for women, six to eight 8oz cups of water and for men, seven to nine 8oz cups of water.
- Take walks without distractions.
Things to Limit
- Consuming too many processed carbohydrates such as donuts, cookies, chips etc.
- Grousing.
- Sleeping too much.
In summary, crises have a path that they take and this does not need to determine our path. We can take charge of our destiny by staying focused mentally, physically and spiritually and where we want to see ourselves after the crisis.
Quote of the Week
“In the mountains, fatigue is the greatest controllable limitation that will come between you and success.”
-Steve House
