Reflections on Resilience: Lessons Learned During COVID-19 Lockdowns

 

The impact of the uncertainty related to COVID-19 was very unsettling for many of us, and we realised that young people were feeling this anxiety also. News of COVID-19 was everywhere, from the front page of all the papers to the playground at school. Many parents were wondering how to minimize the emotional impact the pandemic was having in a way that would be reassuring and not make kids more worried than they already may have been. We believed the most effective & responsible way Canine Comprehension could care for the community was to go online, providing a safe and secure environment for your child to learn and grow.

Through online sessions, we continued to engage, educate, and create community, including our dogs in sessions. Our work is built on the preexisting human-animal bond. Interacting with an AAE dog could help reduce blood pressure and improve overall health. It could also release endorphins that produce a calming effect, helping to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve our overall psychological state. Studies have shown that this could even be true when the clients are not touching the dog.

In those times of fear and change, we kept one thing consistent: having your child work with us online to continue the human-animal bond.

Now that restrictions have eased and life has returned to normalcy, we're thrilled to be back in person. Being able to reconnect face-to-face brings a sense of joy and relief after the challenges of remote interactions. It's a reminder to appreciate our health and the freedom to be back in school, surrounded by friends, teachers, and the familiar routines that we may have taken for granted before.

 

Through the COVID-19 lockdowns, we learned to appreciate the value of resilience and adaptability. We discovered the importance of connection, both with loved ones and our community, even when physically distanced. The lockdowns taught us to cherish the little things in life, like a simple walk outside or a video call with a friend. We gained a deeper understanding of the significance of mental health and self-care as we navigated through uncertainty and isolation. Moreover, we recognised the essential role of frontline workers, healthcare professionals and teachers, who tirelessly worked to keep us safe and cared for during unprecedented times. Overall, the experience of the lockdowns helped us cultivate gratitude for our health, relationships, and the ability to overcome challenges together.

As we navigate this transition, let's cherish these moments and continue to prioritise our well-being and the connections we've missed, bringing back joy and laughter into our lives.

Please reach out to us today about online sessions for your child.