3 Ways to Manage This Period of Self-Quarantine
If you have been following my journey over the past year then you know that I have not worked at a place for over a year so, over the past year, I think I have learned the art of being confined to my home without completely losing my mind. Now that the whole world seems to be forced to do what I have gotten familiar with and based on my social media family, some of you are having a difficult time, I felt this was a great time to share some tips that will help you get through this pandemic.
Step 1:
Create/maintain structure
Spending time at home when we live busy lives can feel like a luxury sometimes but, if you are anything like me too much downtime can make you go a little stir crazy. I quickly learned after I was unable to return to my job that in order for me to maintain a sense of peace, I had to create a routine and stick to it. It's easy to become lazier when we don't have a set schedule. During our idle time, we eat more and move less and tend to pack on the pounds which results in us feeling more self-conscious and less confident so create some type of routine! Having structure helps us to maintain control over some things in our lives but it also creates a sense of normalcy during this time of chaos. You may not have to wake up at 5 am right now but set your alarm and challenge yourself to get up at 8 am. Set time aside to do some in-home workouts. Shower and eat breakfast like you would if you had to go to work. Get out of your sleeping clothes! Whatever it is that helps you to maintain your schedule, do and stick to it. This is helpful because when it is time to get back to our routines, it will be easier for you than if you completely let your day to day schedule go out the window.
Step 2:
Be Creative
This is the BEST time to learn or revisit something new and creative. Have you been considering learning a new skill? DO IT? Do you like to write and haven't had the time? Guess what?! Now, you have nothing but time so set aside an hour every day and fill it with doing something creative. Read a book, practice guided meditation, cook a new dish, the possibilities are endless. To break up the monotony of doing the same thing repeatedly every day, pick two or 3 new things to focus on during the week and alternate the days you focus on those ideas.
Also, piggybacking off of step one, create a separate space for your work if you work from home- or your creative space. It's easy when you are doing everything from home to tend to let things collide but in the spirit of routine, normalcy, and increased productivity, make yourself a designated space to do these things. Then step away from that space when it's time to take a break or call it a night.
Step 3
Reframe your thoughts!
Your behavior is a reflection of your emotions. Your emotions are a reflection of your thoughts. So the key to this time of social isolation is to change the way you think about the time you get to spend at home. Instead of thinking that you are "stuck" at home with the kids or your spouse, reframe that word into something that give you control over the situation instead of a word that you feel as though you are being controlled by. Replace thoughts like this with statements of gratitude, "I get to spend more time with my family. How can I make the most of this time?"
Focus on one day at a time- one moment at a time if you have to because worrying about the future is the source of anxiety and stress and we need to create as little stress for ourselves as we can.
Also, have patience with those you are living with at this time. Everyone is probably getting in each other's way. Dishes are piling up and everyone maybe a little bit more on edge. Recognize that WE ALL are trying to figure this new time out together so have patience with each other as well as yourself!
I hope these steps have helped you! They definitely help me get through this past year. You can do it too! We will get through it together. If you have other types, I want to hear from you- connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, or twitter to share more steps to get you through this time of social isolation.
