My sober pandemic: Sandra

"I cannot fathom waking up at 4am with a pounding heart and sweaty palms during this very crazy time."

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Today's hero is Sandra who lives in Colorado, USA.

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Mrs D: How are you feeling about what's going on with this Covid-19 virus?

Sandra: I was pretty scared and worried initially. The uncertainty and lack of solid, trustworthy information (and the fact that there's no cure yet) is quite unnerving. My whole family lives in Germany and my parents are in their 70's. Of course I worry about them being so far away. We just had to cancel our trip to see them this summer.

Mrs D: How have your emotions shifted and changed since the crisis began?

Sandra: I have since become a bit more relaxed and less stressed. I think I have a pretty good idea as to what is fact and what is fiction. We are taking our precautions and making taking it day by day. I am angry at the people still not taking it seriously and even going to the streets protesting the lockdown (here in the US). Denver even made some very negative international headlines just a few days ago. It's a shame.

Mrs D: How long have you been sober for?

Sandra: Well, I am happy to say that I have stayed sober through this whole pandemic so far. It is 71 days today. I've only drank on two occasions in all of 2020 though. Last year I went four months at once. It's a work in progress, but I'm feeling great and ready to keep going.

Mrs D: How is being sober helping you at this crazy time?

Sandra: Oh my god, SO much!! I cannot fathom waking up at 4am with a pounding heart and sweaty palms during this crazy time. I would be a complete scared mess, and I cannot do that to my husband and six year old son. There is way too much at stake, and I want to make the best out of this time for the whole family by being sharp and present.

Mrs D: Have you had any pangs to drink since the lockdown began?

Sandra: Yes I have. We've been having a few virtual happy hours with friends in different parts of the world that were a little bit of a trigger; but I've coped pretty well with some NA beers. After all, it does not matter what you drink, and it is not about getting drunk with friends in front of a screen. It is about sharing your feelings, news from other countries, and just bringing a bit of normalcy back. Sometimes I do feel like saying f' it all! I want to just check out and enjoy a good buzz. But then I think about how short-lived these buzzes are and the price I have to pay the next day. My husband is a daily drinker, which makes it more difficult in many ways, but I'm getting used to it.

Mrs D: Any particular self-care actions that are helping you in these gritty times?

Sandra: Yes, now more than ever! Since the gyms are closed, if been doing a daily changing routine of HIIT, body weight exercises, yoga and meditation. There are plenty of great free or inexpensive workout apps and websites out there to guide you through. I also love going for a simple walk or sit in my outdoor cocoon swing chair and listen to music.

Mrs D: What are you doing to fill in the days?

Sandra: I've been doing a lot of baking and cooking. It is relaxing to me in a way. And then big chunk of my day goes into homeschooling my kindergartner and trying to come up with daily projects to keep him entertained. It's hard to always limit his screen time in the process, but I am trying to not stress out too much about it right now. I am not superwoman and I need to stay sane as well, haha. I am grateful that spring is here, so we get to be outside again more. My husband and I have also been doing a lot of work in our garden, to create a sanctuary little by little.

Mrs D: What would you say to people who are struggling with alcohol while they're in lockdown?

Sandra: I totally get the longing for the quick relief and instant gratification alcohol gives you. But think long term. Try to use this crazy uncertain time to find yourself and figure out who and where you want to be once this is over. I like to think of it as a caterpillar in a cocoon. One day soon the butterfly will emerge. ?

Mrs D: What's in this photo you've shared with us?

Sandra: One of my happy places right now. My yoga mat and meditation pillow with view of the Rocky Mountains (oh, and a bottle of kombucha).

Mrs D: Anything else you'd like to add?

Sandra: I hope everyone is staying happy & healthy in this pandemic and is taking it seriously. We'll be through this soon, so stay strong. I read this great quote the other day: "Re-opening economy too early because the number of cases are going down, is like not finishing your course of antibiotics because you're feeling a little better."

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