It goes without saying that social distancing has been difficult for us all. In California, we are about 8 weeks in shelter-in-place. In my line of work where I love to work with athletes in-person I have been challenged to modify the way I work to support, help, and guide the student-athletes in the best way I know how. However, what we are all deeply learning during this time, especially student-athletes, is how much more personal responsibility we need to take of our mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health.

I am sharing with you two great workbooks and resources. They certainty do not take the place of working with your therapist, psychologist, or mental health provider but they do allow you to get started in taking empowered action for taking care of yourself.

Tolerance for Uncertainty: A COVID-19 Workbook: “A guide to accept your feelings, tolerate distress, and thrive” Link->  ToleratingCovid19Workbook

Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook: “A Tool to Help You Build Resilience During Difficult Times” Link-> Coronavirus-Anxiety-Workbook

The introduction of the Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook says…

 “The first thing to note right now is that it’s completely normal to be experiencing a wide range of emotions. Accepting your feelings is an important first step to building resilience. The simple act of naming your emotions has been found to benefit wellbeing. So, take a moment now to tune into your body and notice how you’re feeling. Circle the emotions that you identify with:

• Stressed
• Anxious
• Worried
• Fearful
• Low
• Lonely
• Overwhelmed 
• Helpless
• Frustrated 
• Guilty
• Angry

Remember: It’s okay to feel discomfort. Accepting distress is often the quickest way to feel immediately calmer. “

Read that again…“Accepting distress is often the quickest way to feel immediately calmer.” Acceptance does not mean we like or want what is happening to us. It means we have Radical acceptance requires us to consciously acknowledge that we have done all we could to change, control, or manage the situation and at this moment there is nothing more that could be done BUT accept that moment (situation, personal, place, emotion, or thing) as it is. For more on Radical Acceptance check out a previous blog post,  Radical Acceptance: Sh*t Happens.

As difficult as it it may be for some of you, accept where we are and empower ourselves to move forward wiser and with more kindness and compassion towards ourselves. We really are doing the best we can with what we have, in this moment.

Be well. Be safe. Stay home.

Dr. P