Hope, Anxiety and Jealousy: The Complex Emotions of the COVID Vaccine

Let's take five minutes to see the week in a new light. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief
Top of Mind Navigating the Many Emotions About the COVID-19 Vaccine
If we were to narrow down all the current feelings swirling around in our heads about the coronavirus vaccine, we'd likely be left with excitement, anxiety, frustration, and jealousy. Many of us have already experienced a combination of these, and we will continue feeling them moving forward. Let's examine each.
Excitement Feelings of excitement might range from cautious optimism to full-blown elation. Dr. Renee Solomon, a clinical psychologist and CEO of Forward Recovery, says it's OK to lean into that joyful feeling.
No longer will we feel isolated, alone and unable to be with friends and family. We can go back to doing the things that we used to take for granted. — DR. RENEE SOLOMON
Anxiety It's natural to feel a bit anxious when confronted with something new. With the vaccine, there's a real fear of the unknown, including concerns about safety and efficacy. One of the best ways to work through any sort of anxiety is to educate yourself and to listen to public health experts. You can start by reading through FAQs from the CDC and trusted information from Verywell Health. With increased information available, vaccine hesitancy is declining. Frustration This is all very unprecedented, and kinks are inevitable. Your frustration regarding vaccine appointments and wait times—along with a desire to just live your life like normal—is justified. "Although it can be very frustrating, we have to trust and know that we will all get vaccinated soon," says Dr. Solomon. "We also have to be kind to the workers that are putting their lives on the line to be there to vaccinate us." Jealousy Feelings of vaccine envy are normal while waiting for your turn to get a vaccine while others celebrate theirs. Tempering these emotions is important, as they can disrupt relationships when untethered. "Keep the big picture in mind and know that we are all getting through this," says Dr. Solomon. "We have made so much progress and we just have to hang in there and think of our community as a whole. We are so close!"
On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week
What's Inspiring Us If you're new to the art of meditation, check out the Headspace Guide to Meditation on Netflix. The streaming series helps you develop your practice and better understand the science. Our brains are fascinating, and revolutionary research neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett is excited to help us explore them more. Listen to her discuss her book, "Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain," on The Jordan Harbinger Show. IT Cosmetics founder Jamie Kern Lima is the latest guest on The Verywell Mind Podcast. In her interview with Amy Morin she shares tips from her bestselling book, "Believe IT" that can help you conquer self-doubt and bounce back from rejection. Subscribe Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts / RSS Ways to Nurture Your Mind and Body This week, we challenge you to spend some time journaling or thinking about the following questions: What's something about myself that I'm proud I accomplished over the last year? What are one or two things I can do for myself this week that will help me recharge? What is a goal I would like to accomplish in the next month, and how will I get there? Products to Help You Feel Your Best Science shows that being around plants help us feel calm and focused. Treat yourself with a fresh pick that's already fully potted and ready to go from Bloomscape. Or if you're not quite ready to test your green thumb, a small, indoor water fountain can help create a relaxing ambiance at home. Try one of these great options, recommended by feng shui experts.
Mindful Moment This simple 5-minute meditation practice from Inc.com is a great way to begin your day. Give it a try while you're waiting for your morning coffee to brew. Here's what to do each minute: Rest your hands on your thighs and relax your eyelids. Breathe in deeply through your nose for six counts, then exhale slowly through pursed lips for seven. Repeat four times. Stop counting and allow your breathe to fall into a natural rhythm. Pay attention to the rise and fall in your body. Focus on your breath and be mindful of thoughts that pop into your mind. Don't push them aside—acknowledge them and allow them to float by. Release your focus and simply sit. Gently remind yourself there's nothing to address in this moment. Think about something you're grateful for, then transition into thinking about how you feel physically. Slowly open your eyes, take a deep breath, and go forth with your day.
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