4 Superpower Charged Ways to Fight Feelings of Uselessness During a Global Pandemic

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By: Emily Gunn

Anxiety has become a growing concern for most people since the onset of this current global pandemic. I wake up each morning, agitated by one burning question on my mind: Am I doing enough?

I frequently find myself burrowed in depressing topics, constantly thinking about how I can help amend the world’s problems– ultimately resulting in frequent daydreams of myself as a superhero with Wonder Woman like superpowers.

Last week, I watched Capernaum, a movie about the harrowing realities of child labour and exploitation of children. Afterwards, I spent hours thinking of ways to communicate these horrific societal issues to the mass public. However, as I snapped back into reality, I realized our world leaders are most likely all too aware of the horrors surrounding us all, yet I still sought to discover what I could do from my own home to help.

Here are four ways to help fight the feelings of uselessness during the Coronavirus pandemic.

CHIP IN FOR CHARITY

There are over eleven thousand charities in the world. I remember in primary school when I gave a can of beans to my teacher as she explained the journey it would be going on to feed starving children in Africa.

Truth be told I was probably way more invested in lunchbox string cheese at the time, but donating always left a beat of satisfaction within my heart. There are heaps of donations you can make. Try donating to all the incredible staff, nurses, doctors, and volunteers helping to fight this disease, or try donating to Help Run For Heroes which encourages people to use their daily exercise to donate.

Try also exploring some smaller donations within your community. I have been baking goods and placing them on my driveway walkers in the area. Or how about donating that stack of books you haven’t looked through since you high school? Someone is bound to appreciate a dusty second hand copy of An Idiot Abroad.

MAKE NEW CONNECTIONS

Most of the world is currently confined to their homes, some attempting their first crack at baking banana bread. Even Michelle Obama is probably grunting into her tea as Barrack switches the channel over to the new episode of Tiger King. One way to settle your anxiety is to use this time to reach out to your mentors for advice on your career.

Knowing that we are all struggling with confinement makes us equal in this fight together. Remember, your mentors are also trying to work around the long days, so I’m sure they would appreciate some time to give advice. I am developing my film critic blog, It’s Not That Boring, and have been reaching out to directors on some live Q + A’s online, asking questions about the films they have produced. It’s an awesome time to connect and learn.

SIMPLE JOYS

This is the ultimate ‘no fomo’ time in your life to find joy in the simple things again. Whether baking, writing, painting by numbers, sketching, or thumb war fighting. Doing something you enjoy can help settle your worries.

I have been experimenting with vegan baking, which surprisingly my father is trying hard to welcome. I’ve also always found happiness in writing poems, painting, and drawing which I’ve been doing a fair amount of as of late.

GET GROUNDED

Instead of saddening yourself with the horror of the hundreds of people suffering from COVID- 19, you must discern the difference between problems you’re responsible for and problems you aren’t.

Take time to learn to settle your mind by grounding your reality. If you feel strongly about something, post it on your social media so you’re fighting for your thoughts. Use your connections with the world to express love, hope, and joy.

After watching Capernaum, I shared the movie on my twitter so others could watch it and hopefully gain a better understanding of the brutalities Lebanese children are facing. It’s a small step, but when I hit the pillow at night, my eyes slowly drift back, and settle in my dreams of contentment.

It’s hard to truly feel we are playing a part when we are all confined to our bedrooms, but don’t let the fact you’re not on the front line defeat you, and remember that as long as you’re being true and kind to yourself and using your time wisely, you are doing your small part to help make the world a better place overall.