Be Active
Rather than thinking of all the things you aren’t able to do, why not focus on activities you can take part in. Consider the following:
- Spring cleaning - you’ve got no excuse to put it off. :-) You’re home and can’t go anywhere. When your house is clean and tidy you’ll feel better. It’s a fact!
- Cooking and baking - try new recipes. You most likely have more time than usual to prepare meals. Take advantage of that. Make meal preparation a family affair. (Try the recipe below from the Forks Over Knives magazine.)
- Get outside - regardless of where you live, practice social distancing while you’re outdoors. Go fo a walk, enjoy a hike in the woods, go for a bike ride, fly a kite, or whatever. Fresh air and physical activity will help you feel better.
- Go for a drive - take a joy ride and go see the sights via car. Order take-out to pick up while you are out or pack a lunch.
- House project or renovation - tackle a project you’ve been wanting to do and have been putting off.
Be creative. These activities, as well as many others, can help take your mind off what’s going on and all the things you can't control.
Reduce Stress
You may be experiencing an abnormal amount of stress. It may take a more concerted effort to alleviate anxiety if the current state of affairs goes on for a long period of time. I urge you to take action now and continue daily practices until life gets back to normal.
- Meditate
Meditation is a great way to clear and reset your mind. Try guided meditation if you are just starting out. It may work the best. When you first begin it’ll be hard to sit still and settle your mind but just like anything else, the more you meditate the easier it will become. - Deep Breathing
Practice deep breathing to create a sense of calm. This technique is great because you can use it anywhere. Breath in through your nose for 4 seconds. Hold the breath for 4 seconds. Exhale through the nose for 4 seconds. Repeat several times. - Practice Gratitude
Think about, and acknowledge, all the things you have to be grateful for. Write them in a journal every day, or say them aloud. - Personal Development
Make positive affirmations out loud in front of the mirror every day. Read self development books. Listen to podcasts. Practice visualizing your goals and dreams as though they have already happened. - Have Fun
Make a concerted effort to do something you enjoy. It’s important for your state of mind and physical health. Fun doesn’t have to be elaborate. - Sleep
Get eight hours of sleep every night.
Other considerations
In these uncertain times it may be more important than usual to:
- Limit the amount of news and TV you watch
- Unplug from electronics
- Eat healthy foods - Good food = Good mood
- Diffuse or topically apply essential oils to help support and balance emotions
Engage in a relaxing activity:
- Take a bath
- Read a book, preferably something uplifting
- Watch an old movie or sitcom
- Listen to music
Stay connected
With most everyone quarantined and unable to leave the house, it’s critical to stay connected with family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, church members, and etc. Use technology to your advantage. Texting and email are okay. Better yet, call, Facetime, Skype, or utilize Zoom so you can see one another or a group of people all at once.
“Get together” with people that have a positive outlook and who make you laugh. Reach out to those who you suspect may be struggling and need to know that someone cares and is thinking of them. Little gestures really do mean a lot.
Wishing you peace and good health in the days and weeks to come.
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