You might have heard this one countless times already but it bears emphasis now. The best way to protect ourselves (other than social distance) is washing our hands often (with hot water and soap) and using hand sanitizer.
Also, remember to sanitize belongings like your phone, remote control, eye glasses, and house keys, as you touch them often too and won’t wash them as often as your hands.
Be kind to each other
It’s easy in such uncertain times to feel unsure how to proceed and lost in the big panic of it all, but helping others is a powerful way to feel better yourself. Use this as an opportunity to be a better neighbor by running errands for the elderly or ill, or just giving them a call to see how they are doing.
Currently, there is a critical shortage of blood donations around the world right now, and so if you can give blood, give it now.
It is also a great time to donate canned goods and shelf items to a local food bank, because while some of us can stock up on a few weeks of groceries, that’s not an option for many.
Help people keep properly informed
There’s a diet of misinformation and panic around us, and a great way to feel in control of scary information is to have all the information we can. Let’s make sure to to consult trustworthy sources and medical experts and steer away from misinformation or panic driven news.
Having an objective and informed look at any issue will help you consider it from the right perspective and take the appropriate decisions for yourself and others.
Anxiety is at all-time high-Don't let it impact your immune system
Remember first that anxiety is completely normal in this situation. Accept what is happening and make space for it, even if you don’t like it. So, it is all about finding the right balance. Once you have acknowledged the anxiety, you are in a better place to take measures to control it.
Do your best to stay in the moment, in the present
Worry and anxiety tax our system and can raise our stress hormones leaving us feeling tired, burdened and even helpless. This is evidently not good for our immune system. Whatever technique works to slow and calm your mind down, is a good technique. Most importantly, make sure to remember the positive. Remember, every time you wash your hands or wipe the counter with a disinfectant, you are doing something helpful (bye, bye helplessness!). Focus on this helpful action and let it guide your thoughts towards a proactive, positive mindset.
Practice self-care (and don’t be afraid to pamper yourself while you are at it)
During this time of social distancing and at-home quarantines, practicing some form of self-care is one of the best things you can do to keep your mind healthy and happy. And self-care is imperative to stress management. However, self-care can be anything from drawing to lighting up that scented candle that you like. Whatever it means to you, make room for it in your new routine. It’s super important that this time be respected by you and your peers and family. Just because you are home doesn’t mean you are available 24/7.
Focus on diet and physical health
We’re all experiencing solitude in solidarity right now, and while it can feel overwhelming, it’s a perfect time to get into some serious self-care.
Stay active and fit from home
It’s important to keep the body moving to process the anxiety and to stay healthy, so exercise in a way that feels comfortable to you right now.
How to stay physically fit – No gym? No problem! We are creatures of habit and as such we get used to our daily routines and rituals. Try a new fitness app (many of them offer free trials so you don’t have to commit to something if you don’t like it). Some fitness apps with free trials include Daily Burn, MyYogaWorks, Purebarre, and Glo.
Keep yourself motivated and productive
Now is the time to be organized. One of the best ways to stay motivated and productive is to create a schedule. What you can do to get you in the grind:
- Order a new calendar/journal from Amazon.
- Put up a daily calendar in your home.
- Create a schedule for yourself.
- FaceTime meeting check in with friends.
- Have an accountability buddy to keep you in check.
Stay connected despite isolation
Not a single person isn’t being affected by this virus. With that being said, social distancing does not mean disconnection.
Pick up the phone and call a parent, friend, or co worker. Remember the phone? A long time ago it was used for a lot more than just texting and Instagram. Speaking to someone can give you that human connection you are seeking.
Facetime with friends and family. Another great way to see and speak to someone who isn’t nearby. Group chat with your friends. Many smartphones offer abilities to call multiple people at one time. Start your own party line. Stay connected with positive influences aka positive people. Now is a great time to connect virtually with people and information sources that uplift you.
Other great sources of entertainment out there (without leaving the house)
As coronavirus and uncertain news dominate social media, Museum of the City of New York decided to start #MuseumMomentofZen and museums across the country have now been joining in to offer art and other imagery during these stressful times. More than 100 museums (and counting!) from all over the world have taken part with more than 100,000 likes.
If you have a public library card, check with your library to see what kind of digital resources they offer!
