Turning worry into work

Abstract

Are you longing for those simpler days when you needed personal protective equipment for the lab and not the grocery store? The pandemic has increased everyone’s stress levels, and in some cases, to an unprecedented degree. Worrying about the future can become debilitating, but it can also be energizing. Here are some ways you can turn your nervous energy into something positive and productive. Make a list. Start by making a list of all the things you’re worried about, from small disruptions like whether you’re able to manage working from home, to total disasters like the possibility of your loved ones getting sick or you getting laid off. Just getting your concerns out of your head and onto paper (or your computer) will make them seem more manageable. You may want to categorize and prioritize your list. And seek input from significant others, as their priorities may be different. Make