Whether we are grieving the loss of a loved one or experiencing our real-time situation (COVID-19), did you know that humans go through the same predictable and psychological emotions when undergoing change? Knowing these emotional patterns and leveraging mind-body connection can help us to be infinitely adaptable in VUCA times.
The popular “five stages” of the Kübler-Ross model is a useful tool in understanding how humans respond to all kinds of change in their lives – including now. COVID-19 is an abrupt, catastrophic change none of us were expecting (Denial). We’ve lost our sense of normalcy with home confinement, social distancing and global uncertainty wreaking havoc to our daily lives (Anger). We will lose productivity and feel stressed and overwhelmed by our lack of control (Depression). Then, we will turn a corner to find meaning in this collective experience through connection with others (Bargaining) until we discover a new sense of normalcy (Acceptance). Once you understand this emotional pattern, you are able to identify where you are in the cycle and take proactive steps to advance your own transition towards stabilization.
First, we must recognize that the emotional processing happens at an individual level with each person moving through the change cycle at their own speed and pace. Some individuals will get stuck in the “valley of despair”; some will adapt quickly and others will lead the fight towards stabilization. The key to bolstering your personal resilience is the ability to quickly recognize where you are in the change process and coach yourself through the stages with increased skill and confidence.
Second, while you and your team members may currently feel any of the above phases, humanity has evolved to overcome multiple social and environmental challenges in the past – and this too shall pass. As evidenced by abrupt stay-at-home measures, humans are adaptive and resilient when disaster strikes. In fact, COVID-19 has the potential to teach humanity profound lessons that broaden our mindset and collectively develop solutions to many social and environmental problems.
Expanding our mindsets and adapting to the emotional effects of COVID-19 requires a mindful, integrated approach to change. While Kubler-Ross had a phased approach to grief, the Mind Moves model approaches change with an integrated, mindfulness practice to create a lasting resilience. In times of uncertainty, we need to continually adapt without fearing loss or despair.
Let’s take a closer look at this integrated change model.
Awareness – knowledge and perception of something – is important because when we have a better understanding of ourselves and others, we are able to live and function with more ease and less stress. People with high Emotional Intelligence perform better in the workplace. Constant self-awareness, observation and reflection enables us to capitalize upon areas of strength and truthfully acknowledge areas of improvement.
Adaptation – modification to fit a changed environment – is essential for survival and the ability to adapt to people, situations and surroundings affords people a greater opportunity to get what they want and need. Humans are an adaptive species especially in times of crisis, but how can we build adaptation skills that are incremental and real-time in order to respond moment by moment to any situation.
The Mind – the intellectual faculty of cognitive thought – empowers us to either spiral into negative thought from past conditioning, or develop a clear and neutral focus in a state of presence. When the mind is steady and calm, we experience high cognitive efficiency and happiness.
The Body – physical structure through which feeling and sensing occur – is a source of wisdom, intuition and intelligent feedback. Feelings are communications from your body responding constantly to what’s happening in and around us.
COVID-19 and the exponential turbulence that lies ahead requires us to use these integrated faculties to the fullest potential. We must adapt mindfully to understand the personal impact, assess the actions needed to accept change and implement solutions, all while exercising awareness of mind and body.
For example, ask yourself these questions:
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- What emotion from the Kubler-Ross curve best reflects my current state?
- Exactly where am I struggling this week (i.e. work from home, family life balance, mental mode)?
- How am I supporting myself through this transition (i.e. education, self care, exercise, gratitude)?
- How can I increase my personal readiness to face continued uncertainty again and again?
- Am I committed to releasing attachments from the past in order to “win” a new future?
Then determine the actions you may need to do to accept this change, such as:
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- Focus on personal gains versus loss/attachments in order to cope, accept and move forward
- Be honest with yourself, family and manager about your current situation. Remember, it’s natural to feel this way and we are all in this together
- Make small, incremental adjustments (mimic your normal weekday routine, close skill gaps with virtual technology, learn new coping skills like meditation)
- Create more virtual connectivity through video conferencing and collaboration tools
- Show up everyday with courage, vulnerability and grace
Experiment with solutions, such as these tips and suggestions for maintaining productivity and collaboration with team members:
Change resilience is critical in unprecedented times such as this. How can we skillfully adapt to the emotional effects from job loss, financial strain, fear, anxiety, stress and uncertainty? With an intentional and holistic practice of using mind, body, awareness and adaptation, we are able to process the emotional effects of COVID-19 in a way that builds personal strength and ongoing resilience. And create a better tomorrow.
To learn more about practical ways to apply an integrated approach to change, consider my online course Thriving Through Transition and other holistic resources such as Mind Body Link.
