CONSEQUENCES OF LOCKDOWNS ON AGING BABY BOOMERS' EMOTIONAL WELLBEING

CONSEQUENCES OF LOCKDOWNS ON AGING BABY BOOMERS' EMOTIONAL WELLBEING

Remember when we trusted lockdowns would only last 2 weeks? Ooops! 

Lots of Baby Boomers used the supposed brief break to tidy closets, attics, garages, and basements.

We did jigsaw puzzles, read or re-read classics, watched old movies, sorted through photos, et cetera.

Our interest in those projects was short-lived. The lockdowns were not. Sure our closets looked good - so what. Boomers wanted our lives back. But our lives were forced to change direction and take a nightmarish detour.

Generally speaking, we missed everyone and everything that gave our lives purpose.

We missed the pleasures that contributed to our joy.

We missed endeavors and adventures that inspired us to pursue and accomplish new objectives.

As time went by anguish increased and the emotional wellbeing of countless boomers deteriorated. Many of us felt varying degrees of emptiness, sadness, loneliness, anxiety, fear, misery, and other signs of distress.

With lockdowns mostly ended, the task now is to activate our Baby Boomer superpower to regain emotional wellbeing and move forward. How?

COMMENTARY

How do Baby Boomers recover and regain emotional wellbeing?

Ultimately, we need to be proactive, not reactive, to find ways to release a year's worth of pent-up emotions that have left us emotionally shaken, unsettled, maybe even traumatized.

One way to be proactive is setting goals.

Next, focus on a plan. What course of action will you take to reach your chosen goals?

Decide if you will go on a solo recovery journey or rely on supportive family and friends to heal.

NOTE 1: Try this seemingly simplistic but proven successful approach.

Joy, love, and laughter are healing. Frankly though, they will not automatically erase all negative emotions. If only...

Still, focusing attention on positive emotions, rather than being immersed in negative ones, is a worthy goal.

Therefore, why not set a goal to pursue whatever and whoever brings joy to your life? Add large doses of love and huge portions of laughter.

NOTE 2: Life experience has taught Baby Boomers that one-size does not fit all. If the above recovery plan doesn't resonate with you, keep searching for a plan that does. Do not give up until you regain your version of a 'zest for life!'

NOTE 3: Heartfelt condolences to boomers who feel overwhelming grief for the loss of loved ones - or other reasons. If you believe the emotional trauma is too severe to overcome, give yourself the gift of counseling.

A well-trained, reputable professional will help you navigate through your pain and sorrow. Sending wishes that you receive whatever is needed to bring comfort and to ease the recovery journey.

STAY TUNED ...

CONTACT INFORMATION

Email: drwendykyman@gmail.com