We are living in unprecedented times. From our health, income, education, ability to travel, no one has been exempt from the impact of this global pandemic. So excuse yourself if you have the occasional meltdown. It is understandable given the circumstances. We don’t know how long it will last, what the result will be. All we can manage is how we react and learn to take each day as it comes.
Practice daily gratitude. A positive and grateful approach is the key to improving unfortunate circumstances. Start each day being grateful; for waking up, for having a roof over your head, running water, electricity, your health, your family and friends. Times like this often bring out the best in people, so thank the people who check on you to ask if you’re okay, the opportunities you have to walk every day, to slow down, to spend time with your family. Granted, this situation is difficult, but you can improve it by appreciating the good in your life.
Take care of yourself. That way, others won’t have to worry about you, and you’ll be in a better position to care for those who need your care. Personal care requires both mental and physical stimuli, so reading, playing, working, studying and exercising are an important part of your commitment to yourself. Getting enough sleep and not staying up all hours or sleeping too much are also important.
Explore the available options. Could this be a good opportunity to learn another language, update an existing skill, branch out? If you have free time, you can take advantage of it by researching and even training in a new interest or skill.
Help others. Those little gestures, the phone call, the bouquet of flowers at the door, the ‘thinking of you’ greeting card can make all the difference in someone’s day. And when shopping for essentials or seeking help online, remember that small, local merchants rely on their custom to survive.
Keep a regular routine. It’s hard when your normal life has been thrown into disarray and unexpected worries and concerns have been added to it. But it helps when you restore some order to your life. Get up at the same time, take a shower, put on clean clothes, designate certain hours to work. Some people even make their kids wear their school uniforms, which helps them realize that this isn’t an extended school vacation and that they have some real school work to do.
Don’t let children rule your life. and run ragged. Start how you want to go and introduce one of the great online exercise classes to burn off some energy, but also have some quiet time where you read, paint, do some chores or crafts and give yourself some space.
Stay hydrated and eat healthy. Maintaining fluid intake is important. Viruses thrive in the mouth and throat, so drinking hot/warm water regularly, perhaps adding fresh lemon, ginger and honey, can help keep the airways clear. Maintain a good diet, including fresh fruits and vegetables. Supermarkets are doing an excellent job of frequent restocking.
And control your alcohol consumption. When we’re feeling fed up, it’s tempting to go the wine route o’clock, but it doesn’t help and you’ll feel worse afterwards, as you will if you stock up on goodies like cakes, cookies and chocolates and then binge eat in one afternoon!
Manage your time on social media and news sites. There are plenty of fake news, naysayers, and doom mongers feeding us grim prophecies, images, and statistics. Yes, check in once or twice a day, but don’t let depressing information creep into your home and life on a regular basis. Remember, you are in control!
Stay connected. There are many groups that use skype, zoom, what’s app, Facebook to stay connected and support each other. Stay in touch with the people who are important in your life. Many companies are finding alternative and effective ways to contact their customers and hold meetings, conduct training sessions and continue working.
If you have a partner, give each other space. It can be challenging to spend 24/7 in each other’s company, especially if you’ve only done it on holidays or Christmas. After the holidays and after Christmas, however, are the busiest times for divorce lawyers! So if you don’t want to fall into that category, make sure you agree to not do everything together. Perhaps one buys food, walks the dog, works in the studio, goes quietly to read, makes pottery in the garden, takes a quiet bath. Be aware of the bad mood of others at times. Give yourself personal time.
Stay positive. A good perspective and sense of humor are lifesavers, especially right now. Social media, used well, can help lighten the mood. When you dive right in and see the fun and imaginative ways people respond to daily issues or the news, it can make your day. Or laughing at some of your unfortunate attempts at baking, DIY, or making something work can keep the atmosphere nice and lighthearted.
If you find that you are struggling maybe keep a journal and write down how you feel. It can help to put things in writing, and writing is more effective than using your laptop. Avoid running “what ifs” and worst case scenarios in your mind. Intercept them by distracting yourself; move, dance, sing, call a positive friend for a pep talk. Try to do one positive task each day, from tidying up your sock drawer, cleaning the windows, or even sorting through your emails. So you have a regular achievement to feel good about.
We are all doing our best to get through these exceptional times. Let’s support each other and do it together.