By Chia Chia Cheng, Dip. NCCAOM, CFNM, L.Ac.
When you were reading my list of emotions felt during SIP, did you find similarities? Two days later I realized the emotion of anger didn’t make it on the Dirty Dozen. Why not?
I have spoken with folks who feel intense anger at our government. So intense that their anger brings them to tears. They anger sits in the place of disappointment and fear. Our government was unprepared to protect us on several levels they tell me. I agree with them.
Along with their fear and anger is a feeling of hope towards the scientific community to produce a vaccine or a cure. They also share a desperate sense of helplessness on the personal level. They don’t know what to do about the situation. They’re stuck.
You and I have had enough time to judge others for what they do or don’t do. Let’s bring the focus back to our sphere of influence.
I propose a change in perspective. Let’s take a look at our current situation from the inside out. Take a moment to answer these questions:
- What is your response to COVID-19?
- What are you going to do moving forward?
- How can you exercise initiative in this situation that you are in?
If you are waiting for someone else or entity to change your current situation, you might be waiting for longer than you’re comfortable. Although change is inevitable, sometimes positive change comes slowly. Especially when it comes to changes in public health policies.
This is where you come in. You can affect change faster as an individual by taking action.
I’m talking about very practical, doable things. I’m talking about actions that are driven by values, not emotions. Sure, I want you to feel hopeful. However, feeling hopeful without being proactive is just positive thinking, wishing upon a star. Positive thinking with purposeful action will get you results.
The fear, uncertainty, and anger have caused you to withdraw. The grief of lost lives and the sadness for how your life has changed are very real. If you don’t start thinking about how you’re going to live differently after this storm blows past, you may miss a valuable lesson.
Look how coronavirus made its way into your backyard. The actions of a few removed individuals had an international impact.
When you take care of yourself, everyone benefits. Your sphere of influence increases the positive energy created by your state of wellness. Your wellness touches beyond your immediate sphere of influence consisting of family, coworkers and friends.
Your wellness has the power to change society as a whole.
Positive thinking + personal action = proactive (conscious) living. You can choose to be proactive by doing the following:
- Pay attention to what’s going on internationally. People who did were aware of SARS CoV-2 a few months before it landed on US soil. They had time to prepare.
- Reduce your stress daily. Stress depresses your immune system.
- Prioritize your health. Mental, emotional and physical. Strive to build a resilience in all three.
- Go out and move your body. Movement reduces stress hormones in your body.
- Get at least 20 minutes of sun everyday.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Eat fresh, whole foods. Avoid processed foods.
- Reduce your daily intake of sugar and processed carbohydrates. Research has shown that ingesting excess sugar can decrease your immune response by 50%.
SARS CoV-2 taught us a hard lesson. We are connected as a people by our ability to travel and share information. In the case of coronavirus the information we shared is viral. And this information literally went viral.
I do feel anger for the loss which has occurred during the past few weeks. Namely lives, making a living, a sense of security. I feel sad for folks who are living in a constant state of fear and grief. I would like for all of us to be able to return to a state of joyful living.
Now is the time to revive your commitment to health and renewal!
Be well. Stay connected.
