There is no doubt that we have entered uncharted territory with the threat of Covid-19. As we have been asked to social distance and stay at home many have found themselves with many emotions, some overwhelming. During this time we have had to become very creative on how we spend our time. This is new for many of us. Often when we are hit with this large of a scope of “newness,” our immediate reaction is to become fearful or anxious. I invite you to enter a space of embracing this time of change. You may acquire new ways of doing things that will carry through when life returns to how you knew it and may be an improvement of what your used to do. New activities may bring you closer to your loved ones, feeling less stressed at work, or catch your breath now that everything seems to have slowed down. Life may just seem simpler and what is wrong with that?
As you empower yourself in how you want to handle this uncertain time, I encourage you to continue healthy patterns although they may seem like effort.
Show up in your relationships. Continue to keep contact with those who you are regularly close with. If it is a coworker, parent, or friend use online communication to reach out. If you are someone who has been in therapy or feels they need to talk to someone, I cannot stress enough that online therapy is just as effective as in person sessions. We have social brains and they need to be socializing! Get your brain the level of socializing it needs during this time.
Keep a schedule. This time may feel a little like vacation for some, but we need to continue to wake up at similar times and eat our meals at the times we normally did. After completing morning routines, plan your day. Again, this may take creativity. If you are someone who lets time get away from you, set 30/45/60 minute intervals to maximize your focus on your task. Acknowledge your progress!
Keep your exercise routine. Exercise is essential to maintaining a health mind, body, and spirit. It is even more important to utilize exercise during times of uncertainty and confusion. There are many virtual options that are easy to use and vary in fitness levels. Check one out.
Eat healthy. I don’t know about you, but I have been craving chocolate since this entire thing started. I rarely crave chocolate so this is new for me and I definitely indulged. Then I had to hit the stop button and stocked up on healthy foods for my family. Having an exercise and schedule has assisted in us maintaining healthy eating habits as well and me stopping the chocolate craze!
I hope you find these brief thoughts and tips helpful during this time
Be well and stay healthy!