FACES

This Coronavirus time is creating a lot of anxiety. Usually it is our unknown fear or fears that feeds our anxiety. This Coronavirus is certainly unknown. Whose been infected? Am I safe going into a public place such as a grocery store? Does a face mask really protect? Am I sufficiently healthy so that I could fight off the virus? We are surrounded by many other questions for which we don't have clear answers. Unknown fears feed anxiety. It has been suggested that the acronym FACES can be helpful. F = recognize and face our fears and frustrations. A = acknowledge our anxiety as well as our anger. We are frequently angry about not having sufficient answers to our questions. C = watch out for issues of control, especially over-control. We're not really in control of as much as we desire to control. E = be careful about your expectations, also about the expectations others put on us. A clue to our expectations is to listen for words or implications such as "should," "have to," "ought." etc. My physical therapist would want us to add exercise to our E. S = know our stress or stresses and seek to reduce the constant level of stress. In this time of Coronavirus anxiety, keep our FACES in mind. Take care of yourself and stay well.