BY: SHANNON SCHILLING
Everyone has felt stress. There is good stress, like being excited about an event, preparing for it, blocking off the time, asking questions.
Then there is negativity in worry. Your heart is still palpitating, mind racing, yet your conscious is predicting an unfortunate end result.
Closely connected, positive and negative stressors often exhibit some of the same bodily responses. The difference is, good stress usually is welcomed. But, anxiety can be harmful to living your life.
It is likely by now you have heard someone say ‘these are unprecedented times,’ never before has the entire world had to guard against a virus.
The thing you have to do, is reach for the positive stress in this negative draw on life. I do not mean ignore it, still wash your hands and keep physical distancing, but see the good feelings that exist in society and how it encourages relief.
As you have likely heard, many of BIST’s programs have moved online. BIST is also available for Phone Support, Monday – Friday 12 – 4 pm at: 416-830-1485.

I attended the last session of the ABI Info Series, Compensatory Strategies during COVID-19,  a webinar hosted by BIST executive director Melissa Vigar, with programs coordinator Ryan Natale, speech language pathologist Simone Friedman, occupational therapist Natalie Kalymon and David MacDonald, a partner at BIST’s Corporate Platinum Sponsor PIA Law, who spoke on the importance of communication.

You can watch the webinar below, and all of BIST’s webinars are available online at: https://bist.ca/webinars/

It is a matter of fact, now more than ever, people are starving for communication. People all over the world are reaching out in song, with signs, shouting from balconies in order to have any kind of bond with their neighbour. Always keeping an acceptable distance apart.

Humans are social beings. I can see in my two-year-old’s mimicking actions that are often reflections, or in part reactions, of how she sees others behave. Right now, my daughter is staying with my parents who can take care of her better, and I am isolating alone in my condo.

But, I don’t feel alone.

I am happy with my Philosophy books, my channels (CBC is free to watch, at this time) on a TV App, and the communication I receive through telephone and Internet service. I walk to the store around my neighbourhood in Oakville, to get my exercise in; everyone is respecting the distancing. #WeAreInThisTogether

Not to say, there isn’t work to do! Lots of suggestions were prepared during the webinar, including both physical and cognitive activities to do on your own time. It might be effective to search out Apps that are available to help establish a good routine such as the Fabulous App, which you can read a review about HERE.

Personally, I am a news junkie, but I understand why it might be beneficial to limit yourself to only morning or afternoon. Suffice it to say, attending the webinar, was a nice reprieve. That’s my own little joke. Life is an opportunity to search inside and explore your feelings, everyone has an experience to portray.

It is nonetheless unprecedented, that the entire world, is imagining the same reality. Be flexible and always remain positive. #FindASolution

FEATURE IMAGE: mikoto.raw from Pexels

Shannon Schilling lives in Oakville and has a beautiful girl named Annabelle Lorraine, who does not stop smiling! Shannon is a life-long learner, who will be attending UTM again, because that’s where she feels the most connected. #StaySafe