EDITOR’S NOTE: As you may have discovered, each day - each hour - is emotionally different during this Time Of The Coronavirus. What the governor and other authorities say during the news briefings can pivot our moods drastically. And tweets - one never knows when one will fly and cause total emotional chaos.

The more research and planning we do here at A Little Beacon Blog, the better we feel about the state of things. But still, everyone will have their moment. Something may trigger you to orbit in one direction, and then someone’s response to you, like say your spouse or partner, in an effort to calm you down, may send you into a double orbit in a different direction.

Solution? Tap into your comfort zones. Izdihar Dabashi is one such comfort zone here at A Little Beacon Blog. She is witty, perceptive, sharp, and gentle, as you may have discovered through her articles. She has guidance for you in the mental health department.

Who Is Izdihar Dabashi?

“We’re experiencing whiplash from the rapid change, with an unstable present and an uncertain future, we are understandably overwhelmed. ”

— Izdihar Dabashi

I have been described by none other than myself as an integration of Bob Ross, Mrs. Frizzle from “The Magic School Bus,” and any odd enchantment being on the brink of eccentricism in nostalgic cinema; a slightly unhinged character with an ambient presence, I often find myself engaged in conversations easing other people’s worries. As a creative writer of the current 2020s, I am perceptive to the troubles of our world’s dark sci-fi fantasy era.

What Is Your Mental Health Background?

I am studying psychology with a focus on neuropsychology, with aspirations of continuing a career relevant to the field of psychology. I work with children diagnosed early with emotional/behavioral disorders and families coping with challenges including raising a child with high-stress situations.

“Cognitive dissonance can be compared to that foggy feeling we sometimes find our minds clouded with, as though we are the star of a horror movie, the creep lurking in the shadows could suddenly jump out and we would simply stare at him in dismay with lucid boredom.”

— Izdihar Dabashi

Lately, I have found myself utilizing my knowledge gained from my current studies and work experience in casual conversations. We’re experiencing whiplash from the rapid change, with an unstable present and an uncertain future, we are understandably overwhelmed.

I gathered common signs of distress that could transform into a severe problem as well as a number of tips to ease a state of unease. We are hyperaware of the influx of negativity, but we will persevere. We have been through the Britney and Justin denim-on-denim and frosted tips era, we'll get through this.

What Are You Doing During Remoteness?

During this moment of remoteness, I plan to work on a comedic script, complete a draft of a collection of poetry for a novel, further my psychology research projects, and mess around with digital art designs. I am attempting to maintain the perspective that this is a retreat and not a sign of destruction. People may be beginning to experience cognitive dissonance, in which we are going through daily routines disassociated from our external environment.

Cognitive dissonance can be compared to that foggy feeling we sometimes find our minds clouded with, as though we are the star of a horror movie, the creep lurking in the shadows could suddenly jump out and we would simply stare at him in dismay with lucid boredom.

I notice other people around me experiencing this mental state. I called a friend the other day in an attempt to shake her out of her fog. I created an elaborate story about a neighbor with a secret life as an exotic fish breeder and when she did not react I carried on to a different story about a little purple alien named Jumo that excretes shimmery tears but Sis. Was. Not. Having. It.

Describe A Dark State Of Mind

In all seriousness, falling into a dark state of mind can lead to worsening symptoms and affect our relationship with others, thus creating a detrimental cycle polluted with pessimism and harmful habits. So, whether you’re suddenly on the brink of tears because someone questioned your taste in snacks (excuse me, roasted spicy pepper quinoa crackers are an acquired taste) or whether you have been laying on your couch for the past couple of hours and for some reason still feel completely exhausted, I listed some tips below to help detect these negative signs and provide insight to alleviate tension.

I cultivated my advice based on my studies of psychology, which involved courses in therapy and counseling theories, and my experience working with children with special needs and their families during high-stress situations. The list is not to be regarded in any particular order, and please remember these are potential signs. If you feel your mental health is at a higher risk, please contact a medical professional. I am not a psychologist yet, people. If you don’t know where to start, you could call the New York State Mental and Emotional Counseling Hotline: 844-863-9314. The hold music is pretty good, and the people are friendly.

Signs You Are Falling Into a Negative State of Mind

Fogginess

Fogginess is marked by feeling as though you’re amid a haze in which time is blurred and days morph into nights without awareness. You want to be creative and productive but your mind lacks clarity.

Unmotivated

Despite a healthy energy level, you may not want to physically get up or you’re experiencing a mental state susceptible to procrastination. Nothing seems to warrant enough importance for you to practice productivity.

Disengaged

Perhaps you are feeling disconnected from people around you and you are distancing yourself from social interaction, even if that interaction is virtual. You are not actively communicating with those around you and neglecting phone calls and texts.

Excessive Daydreaming

Your attention is fleeting and you find yourself slipping into daydreams as your body continues to function on autopilot. This may appear as driving and passing your set destination, frequently zoning out when sitting down to perform a task, even losing focus when watching TV shows. Our brains have associated areas dedicated to this feature known as the Default Mode Network; studies suggest higher activation of the Default Mode Network is common among those with depression. Daydreaming is normal but concern is valid when you're easily and increasingly becoming untethered from the physical world.

Irritable

If you find yourself quarreling with your partner too often, or likely to snap at your siblings for the slightest irritation, you may be experiencing agitation related to high stress levels.

Fatigue

Relevant to lack of motivation, fatigue is a sense of chronic tiredness and maybe even feeling heavier.

Sleep

A disruption in our circadian rhythm, through a sudden change in typical sleep hours or an unhealthy amount of sleep, disturbs our well-being. Sleep deprivation may promote a weak immune system, increase agitation and mood swings, and heighten difficulties in concentrating and memory.

These are also symptoms of a Netflix binge, seriously though, we get it, you LOVE “The Office.” Please move on.

Tips to Relieve Negativity and Promote Positivity

Now, here are some tips to alleviate tension without having to leave your house or convince yourself to order an ounce of organic matcha grown in a remote village in Japan with a precise amount of shade and classical music that supposedly influences the effects of relaxation when consumed. Yeah, I don’t know either… but I must admit it’s already in my Amazon account.

Feel

Allow yourself to feel. Bring the anxieties simmering in the back of your brain to the forefront and truly allow yourself to experience the sensation. What’s bothering you? Whether our conflicts manifest as an internal conflict within ourselves or an external conflict with someone else, we are quick to distract ourselves with television, social media, or reading. Verbalize your thoughts, expel them from your mind through writing or another creative mode. Express your emotions.

Meditate

Meditation can be practiced in the form of yoga, prayer, or even simple breathing exercises. Taking a relaxing bath or a calming shower can also be meditative.

Exercise

YouTube offers plenty of brief 25-minute home workouts for all levels. Whether you want a hardcore abdominal workout or an invigorating yoga session, the internet offers endless free options. Going for a brief walk around the neighborhood can also feel refreshing. Beacon fitness businesses have also quickly gone online to reach you, and you can find that list here in ALBB’s Business Directory.

Mindfulness

Implement purpose to your actions. This can be done through creativity by writing, art, even cooking/baking can be mindful. That potted plant you’ve been meaning to tend to? Tend to it! Not to get all “Avatar: The Last Airbender” with you, but connect yourself to the earth’s elements if you can. Energy is present everywhere; we’re constantly taking in the earth’s energy and distributing positive energy. Establish a period of time to commit to a task with little interruption and distraction.

Satisfaction Over Instant Gratification

Our current situation may be a retreat from the fast pace of society, but we are left to surrender to our minds. The sudden awareness of consciousness may begin to infiltrate our minds, and suddenly there’s chaos like the little beings from Disney’s “Inside Out” coming to life and going haywire. It is easy to give in to the desire to procrastinate, attempting to convince yourself you’ll get it done later or start over again tomorrow. We’re only human, we all experience this urge to give in to our distractions. With that in mind, time mandatory activities and if you really, really want to watch that next episode on Netflix, find a way to fit it into a task you need to get done. Do your chores while watching an episode such as laundry, dishes, organizing your closet, etc. That way you're being productive while allowing yourself to indulge a bit.

A friend of mine sent me this video on a particularly bad day and it's the tough love we all need from time to time.

Schedule a Break

Schedule your rest time so you have an incentive to look forward to. If you plan on working on something from the afternoon until evening, schedule a time slot after to be able to do whatever relaxing activity you wanted to get done such as watching cartoons, painting - retail therapy if you’re feeling a little dangerous.

Sleep

Sleep is the solution to the problem of sleep. Philosophical? Obviously. In all seriousness, attempt to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Try to sleep early and wake up early, experience sunrise in peace if you haven’t done so before.

I asked a handful of friends what they do to alleviate tension and I’ve gotten plenty of responses including working out, sleeping, having a good cry, CBD (now available in tea form!), long drives, herbal teas. Other long-term solutions include eating fresh (if possible try making a smoothie everyday), research studies also suggest turmeric to be effective in reducing stress levels. The most complex feelings can be eased by the simplest of solutions.