We are all now living in some very uncertain times and having to adjust to how we manage our lives in a different way. For the majority of us we are now working from home, using our electronic devices more than ever to keep in contact with people, and having to help out with home schooling. It’s a massive adjustment to what would have been our previous routine. The backdrop to all of this is Covid-19 – it consumes the media coverage, and it is referred to in any conversation we have. It is a worrying time. Here’s some top tips as to how to get through this.
Maintain a regular schedule
It’s important to plan your day and have some routine. Your routine will be different now, and may need to include others in the household. Having some routine in place will benefit your mental health and will help you feel more in control.
Be organised
Have a “to do” list or a vision board. Have a list of things you have been meaning to get around to for ages, but have never had the time to do. Be clear what you need to achieve on a daily and weekly basis. This could include work related actions as well as personal things you have been wanting to try.
Communication
We might be having to apply “social distancing” but don’t withdraw entirely from your social scene. We are naturally social creatures and staying in contact with family, friends and work colleagues is important, and we have the benefit of technology to help us achieve this. You can still have a “night out” with mates, just do it via Zoom or Facetime, and still have a chat over a few drinks. Get each friend to organise something different every week with a theme.
Stay Active
Ensure you undertake some form of exercise every day. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins which triggers a positive feeling. This is a great opportunity to have some fun family time, and get some fresh air. Also consider practicing mindfulness or yoga – a lot of which can be found on You Tube.
Work on yourself
Why not use this time to read a book, listen to a podcast, take up a new hobby or do an on line course – use the time to grow and learn.
All by myself
Some of you may well live alone and now find yourself working at home alone too. Staying in touch with family and friends is more important than ever. Arrange a virtual coffee & chat, or a pint & pie with a buddy. Arrange a virtual pub-quiz type event or just have a go taking it in turns to tell jokes – after all laughter is good for the soul. Get friends and family to take it in turns to see who can be the most creative. If you have children that live elsewhere arrange Facetime bedtime stories. Listen to your favourite music and sing along – there is only you listening – or you can arrange a sing-a-long session with other people too. Above all else keep thinking positively and reframe your thoughts, for example, instead of saying “this is a nightmare” you could say “I will learn and grow through this situation” and sometimes keeping a wellbeing or gratitude journal can assist.
Be Kind, be grateful
For a lot of us, we used to spend more time with work colleagues than we did with our partner and family. We are now finding ourselves all together for much longer. This may test our patience and tolerance levels. So perhaps have some time together as a family to consider what you have been most grateful for that day and was there anything new you learnt.
