Well here we are. In a pandemic. Honestly, I didn’t even know what that meant until it happened. I actually googled ‘pandemic.’ All my anxious brain heard when that word was mentioned was “were all going to die.” That is how powerful our mind is, especially if you’re someone who struggles with anxiety. Anxious thoughts have a way of making you feel powerless and often results in physical and emotional symptoms that may seem impossible to control.
For those of us that struggle with
anxiety, logic is basically overruled by the belief that something unlikely or impossible will happen. When we feel loss of control or an anxiety attack comes on, the chances of experiencing irrational thoughts increase. One way to start healing and challenge these thoughts is by recognizing they are there in the first place. Once you can label and dissect an irrational thought, you take away its power!
The truth is, we have more control over the way we think than you may realize! The way we think can influence how we feel, which can control our mood the entire day. This is why we have to practice challenging our irrational thinking patterns. It so important to find a replacement thought in times of high anxiety (like a global pandemic for example).
By being more self-aware and acknowledging that this thought pattern is not accurate, you are successfully telling your anxiety that you know it’s creating this altered view of reality…and that it does NOT have the control! Believe me, I’m not saying this is easy to do, and many times impossible to create this habit without the help of a licensed therapist…BUT believe me, IT WORKS!
This is why I believe in the healing power of affirmations.
Affirmations are simple, first-person, present- tense, active statements that you repeat to yourself on a regular basis. These statements can remind us that we choose the way we think rather than remaining at the mercy of anxious thoughts. As a result, you create the exact state of mind that you wish to be in and for most of us, that’s a positive, healthy and productive state of mind.
Some of my favorite healing affirmations during Covid19:
I have been through hard times before and have survived.
I accept what I cannot change and do my best with what I can. I believe in my ability to get through tough times.
I will not stress over things I cannot control.
My emotions are valid.
It’s ok that yesterday felt like a hard day.
I appreciate my life and find things to be grateful for.
This is hard, but I can do hard things.
Write down the affirmations mentioned here and put them up all around your home…where you can constantly VISUALLY SEE THEM! This will help remind you that even in times of panic, the feeling is temporary. Make sure your affirmations REALLY speak to you personally, counter your own negative self-talk, and are meaningful.
About The Author
Alison Seponara, MS, LPC is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice located in Lafayette Hill, PA. Alison specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness with women who struggle with anxiety related to a life transition & also works closely helping children with special needs (anxiety, ADHD, & autism). Along with her private practice, Alison has created an amazing social media brand all about how to heal anxiety from the inside out. You can learn all about her own anxiety healing journey and other tips & tricks by following her on Instagram at @theanxietyhealer. Alison also offers online anxiety healing courses which can be found at theanxietyhealingschool.com. Alison’s mission is to help those from around the world feel less alone in their anxiety and offer awareness and education in mental health.
