The last couple of months have been stressful for the entire world. Since the COVID-19 pandemic forced every business to close its doors, social activities are null and void or too risky to enjoy. There is still so much uncertainty which causes a lot of anxiety about the safety of our families and their overall well being. Moreover, there are lots of unanswered questions about what’s next.
Top questions everyone wants to know:
- Am I doing enough to protect my family from the virus?
- Where can I get tested for the virus?
- Could I be carrying the virus and not know it?
- When is it safe to go back to the workplace?
- What about child care when I return to work?
- Is it safe for kids to attend summer camp?
- Will summer camps open this year and are the camp’s safety plans enough to keep my child safe?
- Will schools re-open this fall?
- What will does working remotely and with the kids home look like this summer?
Anxiety can easily creep in with so many questions but no answers, especially if you binge-watch the news. Here are my top hacks to stay calm and have hope during these uncertain times.
Limit the time you spend watching the news on COVID-19
I am not a news junkie but I touch bases regularly to gauge the temperature of the COVID-19 situation locally and globally. However, too much information is too much information. Especially if you are quick to get anxious and worry. Try tunning into a motivational uplifting podcast or music instead. Otherwise, schedule a brief amount of time to get news updates and keep it light.
Pray and have hope
Prayer is taboo these days. But when there is an invisible killer sweeping the entire planet, money, luck, nor position is the answer. I find that good’ol fashion prayer (Psalms 91) brings a tremendous amount of peace and hope. You start to know that you are going to be alright.
Take daily lunch walks
I cannot express how much taking walks during lunch has helped my mental health and saved me from cabin fever. I like to walk around the same time every day to create a routine that sticks. When I return home, I feel relaxed from the spring breeze and sunlight. Ready for the rest of my workday.
Schedule an exercise routine
I admit, establishing a consistent workout routine is not any easier although we are sheltering in place. To stay consistent, I added a 20-30-minute exercise circuit to my morning schedule. That way, my workout is complete in case I get lazy by evening. But, ideally, I like to add in another exercise circuit in the evenings.
Evening baths:
Y’all, evening baths are AMAZING. I started this when my job was very stressful at one point. This is now a lifetime practice. My preference is to stage my bath time with the perfect ambiance. Making sure my daughter is in bed prior to, lights dimmed, essential oils, and Epsom salt. I will talk more about this one in another post. But please make this a regular especially if anxiety is an issue for you.
Laugh out Loud
Laughter is powerful and a well-known stress reliever. One day I realized that my daughter and I are constantly laughing. A funny movie, our favorite streaming sitcom, video chats with friends, or plain joking around with each other are just a few funny bone triggers that keep us belling laughing constantly.
Proverbs 17: 22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
Schedule creative social distancing meetups
I tread lightly on this one. BUT, here are a few ways to see people and socialize without breaking social distancing protocol. However, it’s very hard for kids to not cross invisible boundaries if you meet in a parking lot. Unless they are looking out the window, they will find a way to get close in no time. So go in knowing you may spend quite a bit of energy keeping the kids at length.
Here are a few other social meetup ideas:
- Neighborhood deck meetup: setup chairs on your deck, patio, or front lawn to chat with neighbors.
- Parking lot trunk social: park two spaces apart and sit in the trunk to chat. Or stay in the car to enforce distance.
- Drive-by and wave: Plan a time with friends when you can drive by their home and wave. Chat from an approved distance to catch up.
- Video chat with friends and family
Block your calendar to spend time with the kids
Everybody knows these kids are home. So remind anyone who forgets by blocking time on your calendar to give your kids undivided attention. Set their expectation of when that time is and stick to it. If someone books over that time, politely reject the invite and let them know you have something else scheduled during that time and can’t make it. I also like to take lunch breaks with my daughter to connect throughout the day. I elaborate more on this interaction here. If you need to reschedule that time with your kids let them know and make it up to them.
Overall, stay in your peace and avoid as many obstructions to that peace as possible. It’s your time to recoup, catch up, and revamp your life.