The reality of the world we live in has changed drastically in the last 90 days. And learning how to adjust to a new way of life can be overwhelming and stressful. The Coronavirus looms heavy on our minds, and it’s important to keep stress levels under control…for our own health.
Here are some tips to navigate the quarantine way of life and remain sane throughout times of uncertainty:
1. Start New Hobbies
Keeping busy during quarantine and isolation requires some creativity. It can be easy to binge-watch Netflix to distract yourself. But the truth is, if you don’t take the time to keep your mind-muscle moving, you may face depression, weight gain, and other adverse health effects.
Take this time-out to start that new hobby you’ve been meaning to start, or even think about how you can implement a career change.
While the pandemic has halted life and has many negative effects on our lives, it’s also a time to reset and pivot, if it’s been on your mind.
2. Enjoy The Great Outdoors
Many states are advocating for outdoor activities like hikes, biking, or dog walking. If your local park remains open, take advantage of it and get some steps in to keep your body moving and get some fresh air into your lungs.
Just remember, social distancing (physically) will help prevent the spread of the virus, so if you see others enjoying nature, make sure to stay a safe distance from one another.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Limiting face-to-face contact with others is the best way to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).”
With that being said, a friendly wave and a nod will do for now.
3. Maintain Social Contact (without violating social distancing)
It’s important to connect with loved ones while in isolation. Humans need each other, we thrive off each other, and we can support each other through uncertainty.
Even though social distancing is important physically, it’s even more important to remain connected to our loved ones.
Employ technology like Skype or Facetime to see friends and family that you cannot spend time with. Call loved ones and elderly family members who live alone…hearing your voice may lift their spirits…and yours.
4. Disconnect from Social Media
Even though keeping up with the latest headlines is important, it’s also important to not allow yourself to get carried away by alarmists, conspiracy theorists, and negative news.
Try to set a daily limit for social media and news information, the rest of your day can be spent on speaking directly (over the phone) to loved ones, spending time outdoors, or working on your new hobby.
5. Savor Alone Time
If you live in a household that’s full of activity, and family members, it can start to feel a tad stuffy. So instead of needing social contact, you may find that you need alone time to recharge.
So, allow yourself time to simply be alone.
It’s ok to need a time-out from a fast and busy household, not everyone gets their energy from being with others.
6. Start Eating Well
Or continue to eat well.
In order for your body to take on the new stressors of the pandemic, it needs to stay healthy—not only to cope with stress but also to keep your immune system in tip-top shape.
If you’re prone to emotional eating and bingeing, the stress of the pandemic can make healthy choices more difficult. To combat a couch-potato session, eat your meals at the kitchen table, with the television turned off.
Be mindful of each bite you take and allow your body time to digest food. You’ll find that you feel full much sooner than you thought.
In fact, if you’ve been meaning to change your diet, now’s the perfect time to simplify and eat whole foods.
Instead of takeout, for example, start cooking for yourself.
There’s no better time to kick poor eating habits to the curb than now.
7. Add Vitamins and Minerals to Your Daily Routine
Speaking of eating well, and boosting immunity, make sure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals from your diet, and if there’s a deficit, take some time to research and order supplements that will help bolster your health.
Supporting your immune system and overall wellness will not only benefit you physically but also mentally.
Because when you’re body feels good your mind feels good as well.
As we navigate this new world, we have choices to make. Choices that can affect our mental health, the health of our bodies, and the health of our loved ones.
So the good news is, there will be some good to come out of the COVID-19 crisis.
Through the negativity, take time to listen to your body, simplify your life, and tend to your needs. Doing so will make it easier to minimize the stress involved with maneuvering the pandemic, and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.