What is the Second Wave of Anxiety?

The stress and worry associated with this strange moment in time.  We feel like we got through the first wave a bit tattered and now we are bracing ourselves for the second wave.

Why is this happening?

The fear of the unknown.

We have gained some freedoms – and fear losing what we have regained.

Fear of being deprived of our connections.

An accumulation of anxiety worries and strong emotions.

Exhaustion (zoom, protocols and otherwise)

Winter is coming!

What can we do to deal with this second wave?

1. Acknowledge how you feel.
   • Feeling sad, worried, and anxious is completely natural. It would be odd if you did not feel this way!
2. This is the way it is, and we cannot change the circumstances outside of ourselves.
   • Accept the weirdness of the situation. These are strange and unusual times.
3. Set goals.
   • Make then achievable and something you can accomplish in both the short term and long term. Do not make your goals too lofty.
   • Gives you a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
4. Pursue Hobbies.
   • Dig into things that interest you. Improve skills you have wanted to work on. 
   • Allow yourself to immerse and forget the woes of the world.
   • Share your hobbies online or with others that are interested in this – allows you to connect with others.
5. Use Mindfulness and relaxation exercise. Anchor in the present – be here and now.
   • Check out apps.
   • 5 sense check in (what do you hear, see, smell, taste, and touch)
   • Deep breathing.
6. Reframe your thinking.
   • The only think we own free and clear in this world is our perception of it.
   • When a negative thought comes up – flip it over to find the positive (I.e.: here I am stuck home again – flip it to being home allowed me time to make lovely family meals with my children). 
7. Set boundaries.
   • Practice saying no.
   • Set limits on the things you can control.
   • If you are not comfortable with something no need to justify, just set your limit and step back from the situations that could potentially stress you more.
   • Be selective about what you say yes to!
8. Remind Yourself of your Resilience.
   • You have handled this before – you can handle it again!
   • You are strong and proven how adaptive you are.
   • Focus on your accomplishments.
9. Focus on Gratitude.
   • On your toughest days think of 3 things you are grateful for.
   • Focus on what you have – and appreciate the small things in life.
10. Keep Moving!
    • Exercise (you can do this inside and outside if possible)
    • Track your goals and accomplishments.
11. Cherish the connections you have and let people know they matter.
    • Let others know how much they mean to you.
    • Connect in the ways you can.

As emphasized in Alyson Jones’s blog dated August 27th, 2020, returning to school this fall comes with many unknowns. In the teaching and learning environment there are new rules, foreign protocols, and heightened levels of anxiety amongst children, parents, and school staff amidst the pandemic’s permeating affects and the Ministry’s ever-pivoting regulations around how best to keep children safe, happy, and engaged.

The return to school this September is unlike anything we have seen or experienced before.  There is always some anxiety for children as they return to school – but in the time of Covid-19 the anxiety of both parents and children are at an all time high. 

Here are some tips on how to handle the transition back to school during this unusual and unprecedented year. 

We need to be proactive and talk with our children about racism, protests, and riots. The death of George Floyd has impacted us all.  Covid-19 created a time of unexpressed feelings and fears for many, and now a wave of grief and frustration has arisen after the heartbreaking murder of George Floyd at the knee of a police officer was caught on tape and broadcast across the world. 

After months of isolation we are beginning to emerge again.  The patios are beginning to open and many of us are vying for appointments with our hairdresser.  Transit and traffic are getting busier, and the hustle and bustle is just beginning again.  Some of us are excited about the return of valued services and social opportunities while others are fearful and mourn the loss of our quiet and reflective time.  This is a time of embracing restored freedoms and dealing with anxious feelings about what will come next.