Top Strategies for Managing Stress and Loneliness During Coronavirus

How are you doing?

It’s a simple question asked everyday in my practice.

No, really…how are you truly doing?

It’s a question that goes beyond common pleasantries and deep into the heart of everything that matters, at least to a homeopath.

I’ve had the privilege of continuing consultations in my practice nearly 100% remotely. It’s a different dynamic, and something all of us are doing our best to get used to.

Sometimes, the human connection is lost when visiting remotely. But, the meaning of where you are, and how you’re doing is no less important. In fact, amidst a pandemic, it seems especially important. 

From the vantage point of a homeopathic practitioner, we’re all dealing with the “shelter in place” reality in our individual ways. All of us have unique dispositions and distinct susceptibilities based on life experiences and circumstances which help us make sense of our world and garner meaning from any perceived stress. Based on how we’re individually perceiving this stress, we are all uniquely responding to it, as well.

I’ve consulted with many people from all walks of life throughout this current pandemic situation. One commonality arising out of this is the feeling of loneliness - in both young and old alike. How we experience loneliness is unique to each individual, but it is a prevailing theme throughout, regardless of age and circumstance.

That has really struck me over the past several weeks. I felt compelled to let you know that you are not alone. It’s easy to go there; to mire in despair. So many others are feeling the same, or in a similar, way. In my opinion, there isn’t one best way to deal with life as result of the coronavirus. Though, based on my consultations and known effective healthy lifestyle strategies, I’ve compiled the following list of ways to manage stress and loneliness during this time. Perhaps you may also find them to be of use right now.

In no specific order of importance:

1. Exercise! In whatever way you can, move your body. It’s a long-supported medical fact that exercise releases endorphins into the bloodstream which creates a “happy” or “feel good” feeling. That feeling may not last forever, but it will help you get out of a slump fairly quickly.
2. Go outside! Get out of the stuffiness of our cloistered and sheltered way of life. Breathe fresh air. Boost the amount of immune strengthening vitamin D by getting some sun exposure. 
3. Engage in your spiritual tradition. Very often, this is where we find meaning and purpose to our life. With all the restrictions placed on us, it’s especially important to remember that your life has meaning. Even if you aren’t able to actualize that in practice right now, know that it exists. On a routine basis, reaffirm your spiritual faith.
4. Get to bed at a reasonable time. Rest! It’s so simple, but so easily disregarded. So many health conditions are a result of an overly taxed system that’s in overdrive for too long and too often. Start each day off right by getting to bed early the night before.
5. Reduce or eliminate social media! Have you been spending more time scrolling lately? Not only does it not add much (any?) happiness to our life, it can reinforce the feeling of loneliness dramatically.
6. Nourish the terrain! Eat fresh foods with minimal preservatives, as much as you can. This is really true for everyday purposes and not just during a quarantine. Our society is focused on eliminating a virus, but so often forgotten is the importance of your individual level of general health. Keep your immune system strong with healthy, balanced meals comprised mostly of fresh organic vegetables. Take a multi-vitamin, boost your vitamin C intake. Our public health officials want you to stay healthy by washing your hands, wearing a mask, or keeping your distance, etc. In addition, we can also nourish our individual terrain to ensure we maintain a healthy system regardless of our exposure to a virus (or bacteria, or pathogen, or any other microbe).
7. Find human connection in any way you can. We’re a physical touch starved society as it is, even before shelter-in-place orders. We’re meant to be close with others, sharing our lives together, communing with one another. This is perhaps the most difficult one for me. What I have found to help is holding close the ones nearest you. If you have family members living under the same roof, snuggle more. Hug your spouse for no reason at all. If you live alone, initiate contact with loved ones. They miss you too! Have a virtual coffee or tea together, or remotely connect in any way that’s nurturing for you.
8. Keep taking your homeopathic remedies! I’ve said it many times before, but perhaps one the most important things you can do to boost your vitality and strengthen your constitution is to continue your homeopathic care. This goes along with the other note about keeping your terrain healthy. Our legacy in homeopathy is producing exceptional health outcomes in everyday practice, as well as during pandemics of infectious, contagious disease. Today is no different.  

This list really could go on, but it’s at least a start to helping remedy the natural feelings of stress and loneliness associated to this time. 

I remain here for you and available in all the ways I can as a practitioner of the healing art and science of homeopathy. I’m also a fellow human being who is living this out the best way I can with a compassionate heart for all the suffering that is occurring. Hopefully this information was helpful for you in navigating it all, as well.

Do stay in touch.

Sincerely,
Noel