How to Feel Better When You Are Feeling Out of Control

The safety restrictions imposed on us to stop the spread of Covid-19 are out of our control. When you are feeling out of control, you may express it by being afraid, angry or depressed. Finding a constant in your life, a routine or ritual you can maintain can help.

The Benefit of a Constant

A constant reminds you there are some things within your control. The key is to find your constant in any situation.

My 91-year-old mother-law went to the hospital in early March just as they stopped all visitation in healthcare settings. She couldn’t understand why we could not visit her. To make it worse, she was released to a care facility in isolation for fourteen days until her strength improved.

She hated it because she had no control over simple life decisions like leaving her room. We tucked in her radio amongst her clothing taken to the care center. The radio is a constant in her life, playing in the background from morning to night each day since WWII.

This radio was her constant, the one thing she could control. It provided familiarity and was easy for her to manage.

Find Your Constant

  • One thing in your life which makes you feel secure when everything around you seems to be changing.
  • Something which does not take much ‘conscious thought’ to maintain.
  • A means of providing comfort and peace.
  • Perhaps a ritual you follow.

For some, it may be keeping to a routine for awakening, eating and sleeping. For others, it’s their alone time, music, reading, exercising, fixing their hair, dressing for work or organizing. For me, it’s my faith in God and writing weekly to encourage others that gives me a sense of control.  

Embracing Change is Difficult

We are in a time of forced mandates because of the pandemic. Many people have difficulty with change even when it’s for their benefit. The article, How to Gain People’s Buy-In for Change offers an approach to encourage people to embrace change.

What constant gives you comfort during these times of rapid change?

Warmly,
Jean

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Jean Brownlie

Jean Brownlie, M.A., is a certified trainer and hybrid consultant with a listening ear and reasonable voice for growing your business.