Ways to stay sane and happy during COVID-19 quarantines and the era of social distancing
By Kimber Underdown and Dr. Crystal McCabe
For many people, ourselves included, being isolated and distancing from other people can be a challenge and may seem daunting. Many people worry about themselves or their loved ones in this unique point in history. Of course the focus is (and should be) on staying inside, staying healthy, and protecting the community spread of COVID-19. But, we need to also be conscious of the fact that good mental health and socializing go hand in hand. So, what can you do to help your family members and yourself protect mental health and mental wellness during this time? Here is a list of things that can help you navigate this new normal that we have all been thrown into.
1. Get up, showered, and dressed every day at a reasonable and regular time. Sure, it may seem like fun to spend the next 30 days in our pajamas, since no one is going to see us anyway. But, this can cause people to get lazy and depressed. Getting up at your regular time (or maybe 30 minutes later, just to give yourself some extra zzzzs) is really important. Maintaining a regular schedule is beneficial for your mental health. Our bodies work well on schedules, so make sure you stay on a regular schedule, with only slight modifications. Showering is not just a way to make you feel better mentally; it is essential now because the virus can live in your sweat and tears, as well as in your respiratory tract. So be sure to practice good hygiene for multiple reasons. Getting dressed and doing your hair and makeup can really set the mood for the day. If you normally do your makeup, do it; if you don’t, now is the time to try all the makeup trends! After all, who is going to see you, if you look silly? If you are working from home, it is even more essential to do this, because it puts you in work mode.
2. Disengage from social media. When we are stuck at home or bored, it certainly can be easy to just scroll on Facebook or Instagram or Twitter. While social media can offer us lots of good things, it can also make us feel more helpless and, ironically, less socially engaged with others. It also can make us feel more stressed and depressed. Set a schedule for yourself and your family, and abide by it. Allow yourself one news source (newsflash, this probably won’t be your best friend’s Facebook timeline posts) and only watch it or check it once a day. While the situation is certainly fluid and ever-changing, you do not need to become obsessed.
3. Try something new! Is there a hobby you’ve been meaning to try? Something you used to love but have not had time to do in years? Now is the best time ever to get reengaged with a hobby you love or to try something new. Read the books you bought years ago. Put together those puzzles you never opened. Take up cooking or knitting. Order some games on Amazon and have a game night with your family. Learn to paint. Practice your guitar. Do yoga in your living room.
4. Get some sunshine. You can still practice social distancing while you walk your dog, take a brisk walk in your neighborhood, or sit outside while you work. Force your kids outside once a day to get the mail, do some yardwork, or ride their bikes (with helmets of course). Open the windows, and enjoy the fresh air.
5. Stay healthy. Eat well. Get regular sleep. Exercise. Take your regular medicine. See a teledoctor if you feel sick or have healthcare questions. See if your regular doctor or therapist can meet you virtually to avoid illnesses and unnecessary contact with others. Follow the CDC guidelines; don’t panic, but do what is recommended. Wash your hands. Clean your house. Sanitize. If you find you need a therapist, there are many services that provide e-therapists, so seek them out.
6. Take some virtual field trips and engage your kids in some online learning. Here is a good resource for some of these: https://kiddingaroundgreenville.com/school-at-home
You may not be able to go to the Louvre now (let’s face it, you weren’t going to the Louvre over spring break anyway) and yet you can still visit it, with your kids, with no lines and no costs! There are plenty of places that are offering this fun experience. That link shares a bunch of fun things to do with your kids!
7. Call a friend or family member every day. In a time full of texting and social media, a phone call is less common than it has ever been. But that voice to voice contact can make a huge difference in your day and make you feel less isolated. Zoom, Facetime, and Marco Polo are also great ways to connect with friends, family, and coworkers.
8. Focus on the positive. It is always best to focus on what you can control and not what you cannot control, not just now, but always. There are going to be some awesome outcomes of this uncertain time. We are going to have some awesome family interactions that would otherwise not be possible. With kids’ schedules halted, you won’t be running from work to soccer to church these days. You will have the opportunity to really practice some relaxing and enjoying each other. Without the stress of running around everywhere and trying to be in two places at one time, you may find a sense of relaxation and balance that has been missing from your life. Focus on playing with your kids, making meals together, and teaching them things you never had time to teach them before. Plan fun movie nights with popcorn and streaming services. (A plus is that many production companies are putting new releases on streaming platforms much earlier, so movie nights will not only be less germy, but also cheaper!). You will save a bunch of time in your commute, if you are working from home, and that is always nice- plus it is good for the environment. Additionally, you will likely be saving a lot of money in future weeks, as you spend more time at home. Consider using some of your savings to still offer support to businesses by buying online, buying gift cards, or stocking up on gifts. Now may even be the time to get your Christmas shopping done. That way, businesses have income, and you can get your shopping done with your extra time and money. Win, win.
9. Have some fun. Set the table for a fancy meal you create. Dress in your best formal clothes, like you are going to a fancy event. Get out the table cloth for spring. Bring some color into your life with new art for your walls, or holiday decorations. Make meals a restaurant-like experience with your kids by having menus and taking turns waiting on each other. Name your restaurant something fun. Dance like nobody is watching by throwing a dance party in the living room, or camp out, make some forts and enjoy some oven s’mores. Whatever sounds fun and out of the ordinary for you and your family, is something you should try!
10. With events being cancelled (like concerts) you can watch your favorite musician’s social media account for some surprise performances from their living rooms. Here is a link to my favorite artist’s mini concert, but many others have also started to join in (i.e. Keith Urban, Coldplay, John Legend, etc.): https://www.facebook.com/80139650700/posts/10158974240130701/
11. If you are strapped for money because of lack of work, you may find you have additional stressors. Please seek out financial resources to help you keep your bills paid and your finances afloat. Many utility companies are keeping utilities on, even with non-payment; some internet providers are providing free internet; other companies will also provide help, if you ask for it. You may be able to get unemployment if you qualify for it, so please check your state’s resources. For your mortgage or car payments, call and ask for a deferment. Be proactive. Once you are behind on your bills, it is harder to stay afloat, so being proactive is key.
12. Be grateful! What are you thankful for? Think about it and really remember all the things you have to be so very grateful for. Send people some emails of appreciation. Write down what you are grateful for. Each. And. Every. Day.
13. Add some humor. In a very serious situation, we can still enjoy a good belly laugh. Watch a comedy. Make some memes. Make up a silly story to tell your kids. Humor aids in health and wellness, so don’t forget to laugh!
What other ways can you think of to add to your overall health and sanity during this time?
We want to hear from you!
-Kimber and Crystal
