Were you one of the twenty- one million Americans who tested positive for Covid-19?

I got the news that I tested positive on Christmas eve. Merry Christmas!

Although I continued to remain asymptomatic throughout the duration- like forty to fifty percent of the positive cases (1), many people have experienced mild to moderate symptoms, and unfortunately others have died from it.

It can be challenging to know how to best navigate through this pandemic because it is new for all of us, and experts are still uncovering more facts. Scientists have discovered seven known strains of coronavirus. Several of the strains cause symptoms of the common cold, but the more dangerous strains are Sars-CoV which causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS, Mers-CoV and Sars-CoV2 that cause the coronavirus disease Covid-19 (2).

It can be confusing to discern what is true because of discrepancies with the scientific research. I read an article the CDC put out stating that “fifty-nine percent of all transmission came from people with no symptoms.” (3). I also read a scientific study done on almost 10 million people that found asymptomatic cases did not transmit Covid- 19 to any contacts (4).

The instability of all the unknowns can invoke fear and anxiety if we do not have the resources, or skills to deal with the repercussions of quarantining, isolating from support systems, losing jobs, loved ones, and the disturbance of seeing businesses and cities shuttered.

It is important to remember that we are created to handle all the adversities that life presents to us -one moment at a time. Making a conscious effort to keep your thoughts in the present day, and not allowing your mind to rush to the “what if’s” of the future, will decrease your anxiety. Here are some other activities that will also strengthen your ability to maintain wellbeing through the pandemic:

1. Daily prayer and meditation, to anchor into peace.
2. Consistent exercise, to de-stress and maintain well being.
3. Weekly contact with a support system via phone, or face-time, to increase feeling connected.
4. Intermittent viewing of online church services, or inspirational shows, to deepen spirituality.
5. Frequent engagement in projects that are helpful to others, to sustain a sense of purpose.
6. Daily consumption of high nutrient foods, and water- along with adequate sleep to promote a healthy immune. system.
7. Regular journaling to document and have an outlet for emotions.
8. Quality time with family and loved ones to promote a sense of belonging.
9. Daily reading of content that educates, and enhances your learning.
10. General mindfulness of what is important long term- loving relationships.
11. Continual trust that God is in control and things are working out for your highest good.
12. Daily positive affirmations and gratitude, to maintain a healthy mind.

These activities have all helped me maintain wellbeing in 2020. As we continue into 2021 with the pandemic still prevalent, make a commitment to take good care of yourself, mind, body and spirit, so you can benefit those around you. I hope one day you can look back on the pandemic and see the ways you were a blessing.

 

Written by Elisabeth Davies, MC

Counselor and Author of Good Things Emotional Healing Journal: Addiction

 

(1) https://www.uchealth.org/today/the-truth-about-asymptomatic-spread-of-covid-19/

(2) https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/the-7-strains-of-coronavirus-and-unknowns-of-covid-19/story-mmlppmKUOFgFzSr7Yl9wDP.html

(3) https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2021/01/07/covid-asymptomatic-spread/

(4) https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/asymptomatic-transmission-of-covid-19-didnt-occur-at-all-study-of-10-million-finds