As more and more people staying indoors and practice social distancing it is important to remember preserving a HEALTHY MIND! This might seem trivial, but as the days of being quarantined endure SELF-CARE will be more vital than ever before.
Whether you are enjoying the time at home or you are beginning to feel uneasy, developing and implementing a self-care plan will be beneficial for your mental wellbeing. Incorporating self-care activities into each day now, will assure a healthy future if the necessity to stay indoors continues. Accepting that the isolating precautions might last weeks, or even months is emotionally challenging to all of us and that is why we should be proactive and plan accordingly!
YOU NEED ROUTINE AND STRUCTURE!
No matter your circumstances keeping a steady routine is one of the easiest and most essential way to manage stress and anxiety during these wearisome times. So, don’t sleep in and set an alarm to have a consistent morning habits and rituals. Similarly setting up one place at home where you exclusively and consistently work from will make you more comfortable and productive when you’re working remotely. Also try to keep your room organized before you start your day because clutter can get in the way of productivity.
NOURISH YOUR BODY!
Eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink plenty of water, EXERCISE and try to get plenty of sleep. Schedule a time to leave the house for a walk or bike ride to unwind. Also starting your day with meditation will lessen your tension and set a purpose for the day. Finding a few minutes each morning to remember what you are grateful for will be as effective. These habits not only will help with your mental well-being but will evolve into a steady routine and activities to look forward to. It is easy to grow sluggish, sloppy, and dispirited when you have no place to go therefore structure and healthy habits will keep you well-balanced!
REDUCE STRESS
Stress is inevitable especially during current pandemic. From ever-present news releasing facts about outbreaks and deaths to a dramatic change of work environment for many of us the anxiety can be quite paralyzing. Change is hard for most people and now in the middle of a global crisis the challenge is greater than ever. That is why turning off the TV and avoiding visiting news sites throughout the day will be beneficial. Set a specific time to watch news but don’t fall into a habit of constant follow-up. Similarly identifying and practicing simple de-stressors such listening to music, breathing exercises or whatever personally works best for you will be very helpful. We cannot be productive if we are in constant state of stress so keep the stress reduction practices handy to use when needed.
STAY CONNECTED
The loss of the human connection we normally have with our colleagues, neighbors, and fellow commuters while working remotely can trigger feelings of loneliness. It is hard to build and maintain relationships from afar therefore staying connected is very important. Keep your relationship going. If you typically check in with your coworkers or friends during the day then don’t ditch that routine. Also check on your friends and family you haven’t talked for a while and see if they need help. We all need support in these difficult times even if it’s just emotional!
Also, you can always seek guidance and support from a certified life coach, therapist or support group online.
TREAT YOURSELF
After you done with work, make sure to treat yourself with a hot bubble bath, your favorite television show or funny movie. Nothing is more therapeutic than laughter so laugh, laugh, and laugh any chance you get! This is also a great time to reconnect and spend quality time with your loved ones, starting a new project or catching up on doing things you’ve always wanted but had no time for. Wanted to organize your closets, read a book, learn a new language or play an instrument? This is your chance! Staying active and creative will give you sense of purpose and achievement.
HELP OTHERS
Nothing helps to lift a mood like helping others. There is a plenty of ways to be productive during COVID-19 pandemic. Follow the Charity Navigator link to find out how you can help your community: https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=7779.
One comment
Omar Jones
April 2, 2020 at 8:47 am
Was actually quite surprised you touched on very keen points. Was pleasantly informed and felt I had options and some solutions in dealing with this current pandemic. Thank you for offering leadership and advice in these troubling times.
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