Feeling Trapped in a Forced Life Pause? – 5 Tips

1. Don’t Pressure Yourself

First things first—don’t feel like you have to accomplish an arm’s length list of unfinished projects during this time. It’s essential to get this clear at the beginning because so many of us feel guilty if we’re not “being productive” in the slowness of the world being on pause. After all, a forced life pause is incredibly rare.

It’s okay to do what you can, but don’t beat yourself up if your to-do list has unchecked tasks. You’re living in a strange time that no one could even imagining happening six months ago.

We’re all adjusting to it and adapting as we can. That newness adds stress and anxiety. So it’s okay if you’re not able to get as much done as you think you should.

2. Nurture Relationships

If you live with other people, this is an excellent time to pour extra love into your relationship with them. While it can be exasperating to have children and partners at home all the time, it also offers an excellent chance to spend more relaxed, unstructured time together. This sort of time allows you to build memories and deepen your bonds.

If you live alone, take the time to check in on your parents, extended family, old friends, and even acquaintances.

Maintaining social connections amid this strange forced life pause is vital to help shore up the fear and anxious feelings we may have.

3. Nurture Yourself

Remember to do what you can to nurture yourself right now. If you’re feeling lonely, call a friend or spend time with someone you live with. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, find a quiet corner, and practice relaxation techniques.

Do the little things that ground you. Spend time on pleasurable activities that you might not have had time for before: long baths, reading, listening to new music, cooking old favorites or new ones. Steps such as these can help quell anxiety.

4. Avoiding Getting Sucked into Media

Even before pandemic isolation, it was easy to spend hours on social media. News is also a huge draw right now. And watching movies and TV shows is a great way to kill time.

All of this can be good to some extent. Chances are, you’ll feel better overall if you make yourself break away now and then to do something else. Too much news and too much social media comparison are directly linked to increased feelings of anxiety.

5. Practice Stress Management

Most people, not just those who already suffer from anxiety, are learning about the importance of stress management right now. After all, there’s so much uncertainty: our health, the world’s health, the economy, school and work reopening, etc. It can overwhelm anyone if left unaddressed.

There are lots of things you can do when you feel stressed by this unique life situation. Exercise, practice mindfulness, make a gratitude list, and many more are all excellent options.

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If you find that you’re struggling to overcome fear and anxiety about the future in light of the pandemic, reaching out for counseling is a positive thing to consider.

We offer teletherapy sessions that are easy and convenient. Please reach out to learn more or visit my page on anxiety counseling.