COVID-19 Helpful Resource

Dr. Russ Harris, author of The Happiness Trap, has created a resource with practical steps to help us respond effectively to the COVID-19 crisis. Based on the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dr Harris has provided the acronym FACE COVID to provide you with a practical framework. FACE presents us with four helpful and practical techniques: Focusing on what we can control (such as implementing a routine); Acknowledging our thoughts and feelings about the pandemic (rather than stuffing them down); Connecting to our body with very practical grounding techniques (such as a body scan or 5-4-3-2-1 strategy he describes below); and Engaging in the present moment (because the past and the future are where anxiety takes us, right?). We can ground ourselves and feel a sense of personal empowerment despite the uncertainty that we are living with in this developing situation.

The second part of the acronym COVID reminds us to move through this time making mindful choices. Committed action may differ from person to person, but we can all identify strategies that build us up and encourage ourselves and others despite what is going on. Some examples might include helping a loved one who is vulnerable to access needed items, calling people who could use an occasional chat, or perhaps deciding to work on your own fitness. Open up about your thoughts and feelings about how this pandemic is affecting you: find a friend you trust to confide in, write in a journal or contact other community resources that are available (such as Klinic Crisis Line 24/7 at 204-786-8686); remember your Values and think about the kind of response you want to have, and the kind of person you want to be in the face of this crisis; Identify your resources – who are the people in your life who could offer you a helping hand, such as family, friends, neighbours, spiritual guides and health professionals. Finally Disinfect and Distance to protect you and your loved ones, our front line health workers and the more vulnerable members of our community.