How to cope with the unknown

Schools are releasing their "Return to Learn" plans across the country, but let me give you a "heads up" - these plans will most likely change. They may change multiple times before the first official day of school due to spikes in cases, falling or increasing student enrollment, or other factors. This is unsettling for parents, students, and teachers. So, what do we do? How do we cope when we don't know what the school year will look like?

1. Remember that we all have difficulties in our lives. We aren't guaranteed lives without struggle. Many teachers prepare for the school year far in advance so that the start can be a smooth process. When we don't know what it will look like, it makes it impossible to prepare! While we may crave control, we need to accept that this resistance is a part of our lives right now. And we will get through it by doing the best we can with the situation. Trust yourself to do your best with every possibility.
2. We happen to be experiencing this Covid-19 hurdle together, which means - you are not alone! Seize the opportunities for togetherness.  Some benefits of social interaction include: ​​                                                                                                                                     *better mental health                                                                                                      *increased sense of safety & belonging                                                                           *improved brain health                                                                                                                    Take time to reach out to the people you love. Send a text, schedule a Zoom call, or meet up on the front lawn with your most fashionable masks. Lean on the people around you - physically & virtually. It's good for your soul!
3. Regain control with routines. We can only control what we can control, right? So keep up with your regular eating, sleeping, and movement routines. Now is probably not the time to re-create those college days of late-night pizza and sleeping until 11am. Your body and mind will thrive with healthy routines.  And for heaven's sake, take a shower!
4. Be kind to yourself. You can't operate as if there isn't a pandemic. Even if it may be tempting, please don't push it away. Acknowledge it and your feelings that surround it. Take time to write them down in a journal. This purging of thoughts and feelings helps us to "name it, cope with it, and move on" with a healthier focus for our days. The internal challenge is to give yourself some grace. Recognize when you are saying negative/stressful comments and help yourself to be more kind with self-talk. Talk sweetly to yourself, "I believe in you. Keep going."

How else do you deal with the unknown?