2020 has so far been the year of social distancing, self-isolation, and lockdowns.
During this unprecedented time we have all had to make adjustments to our lives to cope with Covid-19.
These adjustments have brought various challenges such as inactivity, anxiety, loneliness and stress. Lockdown can and will affect all aspects of our health whether it’s physical, mental or emotional. But, there are coping mechanisms and strategies that we can incorporate into our daily routines to help us during this difficult time.
In the rest of this post I write about some of my thoughts and ideas on how we cannot just support ourselves but others as well.
Limit social media and Covid-19 conversation
Information across all media channels can be hugely sensationalized, alarmist and even overwhelming, so try to stick to trusted sources for your news and set a limit on the time spent consuming it.
Notice the good in the world
On a daily basis we are inundated with so much scaremongering and negativity that it’s important we try to find balance with some hopeful information. As horrible as this year has been, we have also been witness to some incredible and amazing stories of generosity and inspiration emerging from this pandemic. Take note.
Identify what you can control
In moments of uncertainty and chaos, try to take control of your own little corner of the world. When you focus on what you can control you can make a big difference to your life. Is there anything you have learnt so far about yourself? Can you continue to work from home for part of the week once this is over? Have you improved your sleep patterns? Are you eating better?
Plan your time
As we are now spending so much time at home, whether it’s for work purposes or self-isolation, it can be very easy to lose all the structure from our days. We can lose all motivation to do anything. If you can plan your time you can recreate a routine back into your new daily life. Just make sure that you include some activities into your day. Staying active is vitally important during this time. Plan some time outside in fresh air and release all the positivity that the outdoors and mother nature can provide. Divide your day into manageable chunks and take it moment by moment.
Ask for help
With the advance in technology, family, friends and work colleagues are all available at the touch of a button. Even at distance. Don’t ignore how you are feeling. Don’t be hard on yourself if you are stressed or worried. If you are having problems, or are struggling coping, reach out to someone and talk about how you feel – the chances are they are probably feeling the exact same way. Even if they are not they will still be there to listen, and to help take your mind off it completely.
“You have to be more respectful of the others, and to try to avoid conflict situations by monitoring your own behavior. You have to be more lenient to others but also have to try to control yourself.”
Be kind to yourself and others
Don’t judge yourself or others to harshly. Now is not the time. Consider putting an end to comparing yourself to others and questioning, or blaming yourself for making a mistake or feeling like you’re not good enough. We are all in a difficult situation, and we need to do our best to help each other through it. Be kind. Be nice. Be respectful.
Remind yourself that as difficult as lockdown is, and even though we are not sure when it will end, it will end. It is only temporary. It will pass and eventually things will return to ‘normal’.
Whatever ‘normal’ is.