There's so much we can't do right now we may feel like this.
or this -
But what can we do? Answering that question can save our mental health. So, here are a few ideas for simple ways to take charge when we may feel stressed and constrained.
MAYBE WE SHOULDN'T - BUT WE CAN -
Go visit a friend or loved one. - Call them
- Video chat with them.
- Text them
- Write and mail them a card or note.
Go to work. - Make our home work space as
comfortable as possible.
- Focus on gratitude for the option of
working from home.
- Find other ways to care for ourselves and our loved ones.
Go out in public. - Help from home.
- Post encouraging online content
Go over to care for a sick friend. - Take dinner (safely) to their family.
Go to the gym. - Go outside and move.
- Dance around the house.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Allow for a break, if need be.
Go to an event for a special occasion. - Find an alternative way to celebrate -
drive by birthdays, candlelit dinners
at home, Zoom or Skype parties.
Really, it's all about allowing this to be its own kind of time in our life. We've never experienced anything like this current quarantine, and hopefully we never will again, but it has its own moments waiting for us to explore and learn from.
We're hard wired for connection and this business of social distancing and quarantine can take a toll. The trick is to find different ways to connect than we're used to. Remember, we're in this together and we can do this!