UPSIDE DOWN: Anxiety vs. YOU
Originally published in my old blog.
Three months and counting….
We were indeed full of hope and optimism when we welcomed the year 2020 better yet, the 21st century. Who would have thought that this year will be filled with different levels of uncertainties that will certainly shake us – Mt. Taal eruption, bushfire in New South Wales, Australia, Kobe Bryant’s death, threat of World War III, and yes, the corona virus or Covid-19 outbreak turned out to be pandemic. Covid-19 affects 188 countries including the Philippines with more than 30,000 cases as to date. The number of cases is significantly increasing every day. It does not discriminate against anyone – rich or poor, male or female, young and old, etc. We are facing a battle we never thought of facing such as closed businesses, unemployment, physical, emotional, and mental issues, cancelled events, etc. It feels like the world turns upside down and we can only hope and pray that THIS TOO SHALL PASS.
It was fortunate that our company allows us to work from home (until further notice) but instead of being with my family in Bulacan, I chose to stay (and was stuck) in Manila because I do not want to risk their health. I just came from Japan in February 2020 and there were local transmissions already in the National Capital Region (NCR). Being away from my family scares me as I do not know what will happen next. My fear grew when one of my closest friends died with the virus symptoms. He died alone in the hospital and was cremated immediately after. His whole family was isolated. Soon after, her mother and uncle also died. It was very disturbing! I cannot imagine it to happen with my own family.
It was good to be informed and be able to monitor the situation such as how people were coping and how the government provided aid and efforts to prevent further spreading of the virus. However, doubt and anxiety prevail! I cannot stop myself from asking, “When is it going to be okay?”, “Is it going to be okay?” I know I am not alone. How many of you have had panic attacks or sleepless nights? You were never alone. I am sure that all of us have a story to tell, both challenges and victories. Right now, I want to share how I dealt with anxiety which can also help you in one way or another.
1. We are not in control. God is!
“When anxiety was great within me your consolation brought me joy.” – Psalm 94:19
In one of my prayer times, God reminded me that He is in control of everything. If He allows something, in our case, the pandemic, it only means there is something beautiful that will come out from this. I was reminded that He works all things for our good (Romans 8:28) just as He promised. With that, I fell on my knees and was led to pray sincerely and unceasingly. Surrendering and putting my trust in Him brought me comfort and peace.
Fear is an emotion and a natural reaction, but if it is making you forget to put your confidence in God, making you doubt His unfailing love, mercy, power, and sovereignty, fear becomes a bad thing. Let go and let God.
2. Reconnect with family and true friends.
At some point, I thought God had already prepared us to face this pandemic especially in terms of communication. Thanks for the gift of technology! I may not be able to come home but I am grateful for the opportunity to speak with my family via chat and video calls more often than usual. Most importantly, I was able to express my love for them more in spite and despite the distance. The same is true with my friends who,without excuse, to join “get together” virtually.
If there is one lesson that we can learn from this pandemic, it is LIFE IS SHORT AND UNCERTAIN. We should make the most out of life as much as we can; give, love, laugh, and reach out as much as we can.
3. Learn something new
I read this somewhere. We should not let this community quarantine to pass without learning something to develop personal skills and improve oneself. I took this chance to learn how to cook since I am about to get married where I learned some Filipino recipes, preparing desserts, and more! Next step? Be better every day.
4. Take care of yourself.
Strong immunity is the only defense to avoid contracting the virus. I did learn how to cook but in return, I gained weight in two months. Worried that my clothes will not fit anymore once we return to work, I looked for a fitness program that can help me lose weight. This resulted in regular exercise and clean eating.
Moreover, since I was just working from home, I did not bother putting anything on my skin until I realized that this was actually a good time to take care of the skin because there was less pollution. I tried seven (7) Steps Korean Skin Care.
5. Use your time wisely.
Working from home becomes demanding. At times, I worked overtime to deliver my tasks. I reached the point of burning out. I was unhappy and drained. To deal with burn out, I changed my daily schedule (although it remains to be a struggle for me). I tried to wake up early to accomplish both personal and professional activities and with the grace of God, it helped! Putting my activities in a day was quite overwhelming and I have to keep on adjusting every day to make it work.
—-
When NCR transitioned from Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) to General Community Quarantine (CGQ), I decided to go home already. It feels good to be back home and be reunited with my family. Upon return, I created my gratitude list, 100 in total, to recognize God’s provisions in my life and family. I invite you to create yours because it’s therapeutic!
My dear friends, anxiety is like fear, an emotion and a natural thing. We have our own share of adjustment during this pandemic. Let us not allow this emotion to stay long and steal our joy. There is a way out! Pray, trust, and surrender.