5 Ways to Set Boundaries Amidst Coronavirus
April 4th, 2020
Setting boundaries in our everyday life is crucial for building healthy relationships and maintaining a healthy life. We build these boundaries to create a healthy sense of personal space. They help distinguish the needs, desires, and preferences of a specific person. This need for boundaries can especially extend to times of crisis, like with COVID-19 (coronavirus). As we continue to be bombarded with the news and the media, and we receive unwelcomed or unsolicited advice from peers and relatives alike, it seems like we can’t escape from it. So that’s where it’s up to us to establish some boundaries to maintain our own sanity when normalcy and stability seem so unattainable.
As someone who’s sheltering at home just as a majority of us are, I keep my eyes and ears open for advice and guidance for coping with everything coronavirus is throwing at me. And I do my best to share that here with you! While we’re all staying at home and doing our part to flatten the coronavirus curve, may I remind you that it’s totally normal to be feeling some type of way because of all this virus talk. You may be feeling stressed, anxious, lonely, or even depressed because of the change and uncertainty of the times we’re currently living in, and trust me you’re not alone. That being said, it’s really important for you (and me!) to take the time to take care of ourselves, our mind and body, focus on our own health by naming your limits.
I stumbled upon a post on Instagram (@evolveandbloom) that highlighted great ways to set boundaries amid coronavirus.
“I don’t want to hear more information about the virus right now.”
It is easy to get completely overwhelmed by the information (and even misinformation) that is constantly and consistently being thrown in our faces, whether it be the news, social media, or from our friends and family. Take some time out of your day to log off and tune out. A break from the media can do wonders for your sanity.
“I need some time to be alone.”
Allow yourself to focus on you. Take a break from communication, take a break from others. While it’s a good idea to keep virtual contact with others while we socially distance ourselves, it’s also entirely alright to just plain distance yourself when you feel it’s necessary. Practice self-care to avoid getting overwhelmed and stressed.
“I’m staying home. I’m focusing on my own health and am thinking of the health of others.”
STAY AT HOME! Please all, stay at home. This shouldn’t be a matter up for discussion, but if for whatever reason, you are dealing with people who are not adhering to state and federal standards of sheltering at home, you should establish this boundary specifically. Once you establish this, those around you should respect it and hopefully do the same.—I’m staying home because I am doing my part to stop the spread of the virus.
“I understand that you have your opinion, but I’m choosing to make my own on the matter.”
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, that is a fact. And in controversially turbulent times as these, opinions are readily available... even if they’re not welcome. So for your own mental health, filter the opinions of others’ so you can eventually formulate your own.
“Thank you for your suggestions, but I’m going to make my own decisions during this time.”
As similar with opinions, suggestions are being hurled at us left and right. While some are great and welcomed, others are not. And to keep our mind, and body, at peace, it’s best to filter suggestions as well.
Psychologist Dana Gionta has said that “understanding what your limits are” is key to establishing and maintaining boundaries. Setting boundaries can be difficult. It’s a skill we can always work on especially now, and for the future, to care for our mental and physical wellbeing.
Remember that if you’re struggling with your mental health and wellbeing as coronavirus continues on, Insight Wellness Center remains available for service. Please call us a (925) 216-3510 or visit our website to book a telehealth appointment.
Lauren Tortolero, MSc
Psychotherapy Intern
References
@evolveandbloom on Instagram - 26 March 2020.
Tartakovsky, M. (2018, October 8). 10 Way to Build and Preserve Better Boundaries. Retrieved from https://psychcentral.com/lib/10-way-to-build-and-preserve-better-boundaries/