Roberta McKay Psychotherapy

Here is more advice from the astronaut Scott Kelly who spent a year in space and his sharing his tips for how-to live-in isolation while this pandemic is going on. He gives a thorough reflection on important things to consider in order to maintain a healthy body, mind and spirit during this challenging time for us all. I specifically liked his perspective from the viewpoint of being in space and seeing that we are all far more connected then different and the more we stick together the more we can turn things around for the better and make this a better place to live.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/21/opinion/scott-kelly-coronavirus-isolation.html

Opinion | I Spent a Year in Space, and I Have Tips on Isolation to Share Take it from someone who couldn’t: Go outside.

During this time of “physical distancing” which is an important distinction from “social distancing”, it is more than ever such an important time to have a sense of community and connection. We are in this together. Social isolation can exacerbate fear, alienation, anxiety, depression. While it is essential to have distance to be safe, creating connection can lift the spirit and help us during this unique experience that we are in together. Although we are going through a challenging time, we have each other and we can let others know we care.

Understandably some of us are in more dire circumstances than others and we are all affected. More than ever it is needed for us to join forces, share what we are learning, help each other around the world. When we step out our doors, we can acknowledge the people in our neighbourhoods or the people we meet along the way.

Most of us have the technology to connect. I encourage all of us to connect in whatever ways we can. We are so fortunate with technology today that we can see others faces without having to leave home. Seeing someone’s face, a smile, a look of acceptance, caring, understanding matters. Plug in if you aren’t already and if you have the means through Skype, Zoom or one of the many platforms that are now out there.

I believe that it is also important to unplug. Of course, we need to keep up with the news and what latest protocol to follow and getting obsessively focused on the news can be addictive and raise anxiety. In addition to having time with friends, family, neighbour’s, its important to take time for ourselves. Do the things that give you a sense of pleasure and that help to lower your stress level. This might be doing yoga in your living room, meditation, any creative outlet can help you to shift your focus to something that settles your nervous system rather than heighten it.

I am finding that having to switch my practice to electronic, we can achieve the same results as in person and in a way where there is NO worry or stress about spreading COVID-19. Life’s circumstances have changed. We don’t need to put our lives on hold. We all need to hold onto a sense of hope for ourselves, each other, and the world to get through this and to make this into a better world as a result. Maybe there is a wake-up call message in this. I wish all of us peace, health and community.