Movement and the Pandemic: How I Brave the Storm

This pandemic has affected everyone in different ways and although we are all facing the same storm, we are in very different boats. Some people have experienced grief, loss, isolation, and disconnection, while others have been able to reconnect with loved ones either in person or virtually, had time for new hobbies, and have a renewed sense of gratitude for what they have.

My personal COVID-19 journey has been one with constant ups and downs, with moments of pure joy and others of despair. This year has reminded me of how strong and resilient I can be in the face of challenges. I wanted to take a moment to share some of the ways that I have navigated these stormy moments, when it seemed like my boat was about to capsize.

When the pandemic began, I was seven months pregnant, and expecting a baby girl in May. I was excited to become a parent, but also unsure of what to expect with this new life transition. The unknowns of parenthood and what this would mean for our family coupled with the growing uncertainty around COVID-19 and its effects left me feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and out of control.

I knew that I needed some ways to find control with the mounting uncertainty. I decided that I could work on controlling my mindset and daily behaviors. Every morning I shared with my husband three things that I was grateful for. This helped me reframe my present situation and gave me a sense of purpose for my day. I also stopped watching the news and scrolling through social media on a daily basis.

After my daughter was born, I felt overjoyed with love and gratitude. It felt amazing to bring new life into the world during such a difficult time, but it was painful not to be able to share this joy with friends and family in person. Like so many of us during the pandemic, I had to adapt and again focus on what I could control and find other ways to share this joy.

I arranged FaceTime calls, Zoom catch ups, a virtual baby naming, and outside visits when possible, and am thankful that I still had a way to connect with others. When I was feeling anxious, afraid of the unknown, and disconnected from those I loved, I reminded myself of what I had and what I had already overcome. Think about the ways that you have adapted to challenges in your own life and give yourself credit for what you have accomplished. It has not been an easy year, but when there are storms in our lives, it forces us to strengthen our boats to make it through.

Movement and dance have also helped me manage stress and feel connected to my community. I am a licensed Zumba instructor and when I could no longer teach in gyms, I began to teach classes virtually. Some people joined my class that I hadn’t seen or heard from in over 15 years. This weekly class gives me a way to reconnect with others and renews my spirit. Although it is different than in person classes, I am still able to connect with others and pursue my passion for dance. Making space for this in my life brings me joy and reminds me of the power of movement to heal.

When I wake up in the morning, I still take a moment for gratitude and then check in with my body. I notice areas of tension and engage in some light stretching. In addition, I try and take a walk every day to get my body moving and get some fresh air. I also attend an outdoor music class with my daughter where I connect with other new moms. This has been a great way to get out of the house and feel some sense of normalcy.

As 2020 comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on how you have persevered. What did you take control of in your life? Were there times that you strengthened or even built a new boat to brave the storm?

Remember to find gratitude this holiday season and let’s hope for clearer skies in the new year, or at least build bigger boats.