As this pandemic drags on, we all are starting to feel the discomfort of the new normal. I am glad I have been trained in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) because it is enabling me to cope effectively with the inconvenience of the pandemic. I predict that as the social distancing measures remain in place, the harder it will be for all of us to tolerate these measures. Humans fatigue, and as we do so, we become more prone to emotional upset. REBT teaches that we, therefore, have to work harder at remaining calm and rational. Keep in mind that you can work at thinking rationally. You can keep after yourself and keep reminding yourself that reality never has to be as we want it to be.
To assist you in the hard work that lies ahead of all of us, I sat down and listed ten self-helping, tough-minded coping statements that will help you stay emotionally stable as this pandemic evolves. You preferably should remind yourself of the following self-helping, adaptive attitudes:
1. All things are bearable until life is over. Remember this, and it will make them a bit easier to bear. I can get through this.
2. These restrictions are inconvenient, not awful. From time to time, you will feel restless and tense. Take a deep breath to reassure yourself it could be a lot worse.
3. Remember that whining and complaining never helps you cope with the inconvenience. It only leads to an escalation of your tension and upset. Catch yourself whining and then stop it as soon as you notice yourself doing this.
4. Life is hard. Accept that life is hard and particularly difficult now. Remind yourself you are strong. What is happening is a part of life. Keep after yourself to accept life with all its trials and tribulations. Now might be a good time to count some of your blessings.
5. It is uncomfortable, not unbearable to wear a mask. I can bear it. It is worth doing because COVID-19 can be life-threatening.
6. It is uncomfortable, not unbearable to continue to wash my hands for twenty seconds. I maintained my health until now, and I remain committed to doing everything I can to stay healthy.
7. I will control what I can control and accept what is beyond my control.
8. I will philosophically accept every loss that has occurred in my life and will happen in my life. Acceptance gives me leverage over what I cannot change.
9. When I cope poorly, that never makes me a coward, a wimp, a baby. My poor coping proves I am a fallible human. I can and will accept myself with all my weaknesses and faults. Downing myself for a period of emotional upset will not help me restore my tranquility.
10. If I die, I die, too bad. Death is part of life. Now while I still have time left, seek ways to enjoy it fully despite the current circumstances!