Social distancing sucks in so many ways. I’ll be the first to admit it. You can feel isolated, alone, stuck, scared. But, there are some upsides to this crazy situation. Here are some tips that are keeping me sane.
1. Spend more time with family.
Social distancing has truly put into perspective just how many of us are workaholics. Enjoy this newfound time with your partner, your kids, your pets. Think of it as an overdue extended maternity/paternity leave. Relish it.
2. Get outside
Isolation may also have put into perspective just how little we get to see the sunshine. Take a walk outside, go for a hike, bring your kids to the park. Even if you’re not able exercise due to your health, you can drive around town with all the windows open, soaking up the fresh air and sunshine. You can read a book on your back porch or curl up in a hammock in your yard.
3. Relish in watching other people enjoy this break from their normal routines.
I watched a father racing with his young son down the street today and I heard him say, “I don’t care how fast we go, I just want to spend time with you.” I love hearing the children playing next door with their grandparents. This unexpected time with one another should be cherished.
4. Think about all the money you’re saving!
No one can deny these will be hard financial times in many respects. But, there is an upside. You’ll be spending less on gas, eating out, going to the movies, etc. Find comfort in this.
5. Plan something fun to do with your family and friends when this is over.
Find a jar and each week put in how much money you would have budgeted for gas/coffee/eating out/etc. that week. Then, make a plan for how you are going to celebrate the end of this quarantine with these funds. Remind each other of this activity or trip on the hard days. Even if its as simple as a meal out at your favorite local restaurant.
6. Get that house project done you’ve been putting off.
We all have one. That broken cabinet, disorganized closet, weed-infested yard. Tackle them bit by bit every day. You’ll leave this quarantine feeling fresh and renewed. You finally have time to do the spring cleaning you always tell yourself you’re going to do but never have time for.
7. Do more of the hobby you always dismiss because you don’t have time, or start a new one!
I’ve promised myself for the past two years I would pick up reading again. Each day I find myself too busy or too tired or with too many other priorities. Now, I don’t have the excuses. I’ve also been telling myself I want to improve my Spanish- time to get started!
8. Take advantage of technology!!
Think about how different this situation would be if this pandemic had occurred just 20 years ago. Use the technology we are so blessed to have today to stay connected. FaceTime your cousin as you’re cooking dinner, call up your grandpa, email an old friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Laugh together, talk together, love together. Know you’re not truly alone.
9. Read at least one positive news story a day about Covid-19 and ALWAYS something happy before bed.
It’s easy to get caught up in the negatives. I mean, let’s face it, they’re often the breaking headlines. Find the positive stories. The Good News Network is a good place to look.
10. Relax!!
Hear me out. When are you ever going to have another opportunity in your life to sit at home and relax. It’s not that day off you took where you felt guilty the whole time because you should be at work. Authorities have literally told you to stay at home. Take advantage of it. Sleep in. Breathe. Try to destress from the everyday stresses of your life. You may be surprised by just how much tension you were holding in your body, just from your everyday routine.
Yes, this is a difficult time. Yes, it can be stressful. But if we focus on the things we can control, we can find some solace at home, surrounded by sunshine and a community who is all facing the same battle.
