By J.P. Dahdah, Founder & CEO of Vantage
2020 has been a rough year
Few events in one’s life will have the personal impact as the one being felt today by the COVID-19 pandemic. Historically, this time of year can easily be absorbed in the distractions of abundantly served meals, gift exchanges, shift in weather and our personal scorecard of whether the year was good or bad.
This year, sadly, we are finding ourselves evaluating the emotional, physical, financial and mental repercussions of the worldwide pandemic on our personal wellbeing. Through all of this, one can see how easy it would be to lose sight of the goals we’d set forth at the beginning of 2020, and trade in those sights for simply keeping one’s head afloat.
Take care of yourself
At Vantage, we talk a lot about investing in your future. Making sure you are comfortable with your financial decisions for your peace of mind now, to reap the benefits later.
However, there’s one really important issue we should focus on currently-the state of our wellbeing. Not just financially, but mentally, emotionally and physically.
The feeling of security is critical to our overall health. And yes, the things we do now will impact our health down the road. But we can’t think about what’s ahead if we don’t manage what’s in front of us right now.
This looks different for everyone. Maybe you’re in a situation that is financially challenging due to the loss of a job. Or you are struggling with depression and loneliness from isolation. Maybe you stopped exercising and started eating poorly because those are easy to do when you’re stuck at home. These are normal reactions to situations where you have no control over the broad outcomes.
But these thoughts and feelings don’t have to last forever, even as the pandemic continues to disrupt our daily lives. There are ways to take care of yourself and your loved ones during this time of uncertainty.
Try one, or a few of the below tips, to help ease your stress:
- Take a walk every day
- Video chat with a loved one and tell them how you’re feeling
- Take a break from the news and/or social media
- Explore telemedicine options for counseling sessions
- Download a meditation app
- Discover new hobbies
- Join a virtual book club
- Find YouTube channels for at-home exercise
- Start a gratitude journal or begin journaling about whatever you need to release
- End every day by reflecting on three positives from that day
How I’ve managed “right now”
As an optimist at heart (perhaps a muscle built through entrepreneurship), my end of year 2020 reflection is truly a positive one. By exercising an attitude of gratitude, my personal experience this year has elevated my soul’s frequency.
Because of COVID, I’ve gotten to spend a superfluous amount of time with my family. Instead of focusing on the undesired reality of practicing social distancing, I chose to focus on family togetherness. In place of isolating my loved ones indoors, I chose to seek ample opportunities to explore nature and appreciate mother nature in all her bountiful beauty.
Given the restrictions to connect with others, I found solace in connecting with myself by inquiring within. I echo the sentiment of many who have shared that COVID-19 has offered us many hidden blessings. I also acknowledge that it is through adversity and challenging circumstances that I have made my biggest personal breakthroughs and learned the most beneficial life lessons. So I embrace change.
I admit that 2020 hasn’t been easy, but I never expected my life to be defined as such. In fact, I like to challenge the status quo. I adhere to the belief that the only constant in life is change and find joyful energy in working through my transformational adaptation and actualization.
Because of Covid, my soul is healing.
Because of Covid, my family is strongly united.
Because of Covid, my business is positively evolving.
Because of Covid, my employees are increasingly loyal.
Because of Covid, my friendships are more connected.
Because of Covid, I am living my best life…thus far.
Resources for coping with COVID-19
I understand this isn’t the case for everyone. If you are feeling overwhelmed, please know there are resources available to help you through this difficult time. For example, Harvard Medical School published a series of videos for combatting negative emotions that you can access here. And the National Institute of Mental Health has several resources available, including updated articles on coping with COVID-19 in positive ways. If you know someone who is struggling, you can refer them to the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990.
From all of us at Vantage, we wish you well. And we hope you have a safe and happy holiday season.