Why Do I Have To Wear A Face Mask…
I don’t want to. I can’t breathe, no one can understand me and I feel so closed off!
Written by Nicole Hanson
Face mask anxiety is something new to us here in the US. Nonetheless, it is real and many of us are suffering on the daily due to having to wear a face mask. So many of my clients and friends have shared with me the anxiety they feel when wearing the mask. Not only because it’s covering their nose and mouth giving them slight claustrophobic feelings. They also note that it’s no longer enjoyable to shop due to having to wear the mask because of this increased anxiety. I’ve noted with many of them that it is a consistent reminder of all the fear they are facing on a daily basis during these times.
So what can I do? How can I make it less traumatic to wear a face mask when required?
First is the physical:
Select a mask that is lightweight and cotton Lycra materials. Make sure it has a decent element of stretch and does not pull on your ears. If the mask has a seam that runs down the middle of the front from the tip of your nose to the base of your chin it will provide extra space for air. These types of masks are easily accessible through multiple websites online and in stores. Some find that having a pattern or design on the mask that makes them happy relieves a touch of the anxiety involved with having to wear it so I highly recommend personalizing your mask if that something that works for you!
Second is the mental aspect:
Instead of fighting the idea that you have to wear a mask try to embrace the idea that you get to wear a mask. Keep in the forefront of your mind the days when we were not allowed to leave our homes due to strict quarantine measures. Embrace the fact that there are stores that are open to go to and that you have the freedom to shop at the time and place of your choosing. Mentally focusing on these positive elements will help relieve the pressure you’ve placed on your self and society regarding wearing a mask. If you continually tell yourself that you hate wearing a mask you will hate wearing a mask. If you can find a way to mentally embrace wearing a mask then you may actually no longer mind it!
Third, the spiritual aspect of wearing a mask:
Many have a looming feeling of darkness or dread when they have to wear a mask. Like the mental aspect, it’s very easy to focus on the negative sides of having this new accessory. I ask for you to take a deep inventory with yourself about the emotions and feelings that you have when looking at the mask in your hand again when placing it on your face and for a third time when taking it off. Take stock in what it is that you’re thinking and feeling during all three phases of this exercise. You will find that you have your answers right there within you this whole time. After completing this exercise you will understand what it is you need to think feel and do to be more comfortable wearing a mask as required.
In summary, there aren’t many of us who actually enjoy wearing the mask however this has become part of our culture and it appears as though it’s not going away anytime soon. Change can be very difficult for some of us so do your best to be open and embrace it, especially when providing as a role model for younger children who are also required for this new change. Be a role model for yourself as well as finding a positive mantra to speak while holding the mask in your hand before putting it on is a great way to embrace a rush of positive feelings. Retraining yourself to embrace it is better than continually reinforcing yourself to dislike it.
Namaste my friends,
Nicole
Should you be experiencing higher than normal levels of anxiety about COVID-19 or wearing masks please reach out to Nicole at New Hampshire holistic Health Associates she could help you with some spiritual guidance to change your perspectives about the times we live in today.
Are you interested in learning more about Mindfulness? Nicole provides Mindfulness Training Classes at The New Hampshire Holistic Health Associates center in Nashua, NH. She also provides one on one Distance Healing courses and Mindfulness Training via Zoom.
Nicole’s Education includes a B.A. in Psychology and a M.Ed., concentration in counseling from Rivier University. She holds an additional post-graduate certificate in Human Resources form SNHU. In addition to her formal education, Nicole is a Certified Clinical Hypnotist and a member of the National Guild of Hypnotists. Nicole has completed certifications in; Neuro Linguistic Programming, Reiki, Qi Gong, Numerology, IET, Chronotherapy, and Aromatherapy.
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