refresh your jets

“To open or not to open, that is the question.” Shakespeare is probably rolling in his grave over my lamentable misuse of his famous “To be or not to be”, but these days “To open or not to open” IS the question. And it’s driving most of us absolutely crazy.

It was one thing to engage our patience and try to make the best of our altered way of life during the first few months of the pandemic, but another now that we realize the end is nowhere in sight and we don’t know how. our patience must last much longer (along with the lack of work, education, etc.). Some of us resent masks, some of us wear them; some think social distancing is ridiculous, others stay away from their peers by much more than 6 feet. Regardless of our respective preferences, none of us are having a good time, and most of us are downright miserable.

But here’s the thing. Whether the current state of affairs has you terrified, insane, or depressed, all your fear, anger, or anguish is doing is potentially damaging your cardiovascular system and, no doubt, your immune system.

You see, our thoughts and emotions trigger certain chemicals in our brain, which then, through an intricate network of neurotransmitters, send messages to our body that impact every system in our body: our hormonal system, our cardiovascular system, our immune system. , our gastrointestinal system and more. When our thoughts and consequent emotions are strongly negative (fear, rage, anger, despair), our body suffers.

To do? Cool your jets. An expression from the 1970s referring to the need for aircraft engines to cool down after a flight seems very appropriate today. Because? Because once you’ve taken the practical steps you feel are best for your health and well-being, the best thing you can do to ensure your survival—mentally, emotionally, and physically—is to let go of your negative emotions and focus on whatever it is. is working in your life.

Easier said than done? No doubt. A fool’s errand? No. I’m not talking about burying your head in the sand and pretending everything is fine. It isn’t. But you can practice mindfulness (easy to do, lots of help from the internet), meditation (let Google come to the rescue), whatever faith makes sense to you. You can keep a journal or exercise, both main ways to release negative emotions. You will then have more headspace to focus on what is working in your life, how you could improve it, what other resources or support you can explore.

Cool your jets. You’ll function better, you’ll feel better, and in the end, you’ll get better through these demanding, exasperating, and frustrating times.