This quarantine has us all on edge. While it may have been nice to have a short break from reality, at this point, we’re all desperate to achieve some sense of normalcy again.
But we must face the reality that we can only control so much.
The virus is still very much alive, and the risk of contracting the virus remains. So, if you want to keep a sense of normalcy during quarantine, focus on remaining safe while creating a routine.
Here are some tips to help.
Get on a schedule
The boredom can become maddening if you’re spending all of your days at home without much to do. Instead of succumbing to food and alcohol binges, get on a regular schedule and hold yourself accountable to it. Start by waking up at a set time each morning. From there, you can structure your day with things like exercise, homeschooling your child, or Zoom hangouts.
Check-in with loved ones
Get into the habit of checking in with your loved ones. There may be people you check in with daily and some weekly. But as you keep in contact with people who are important in your life, the isolation will be less draining. Facetiming may not be the same as a face-to-face hangout, but it’s definitely the next best thing.
Get out and vote
Many polarizing political discussions are happening right now, and if you want to feel like things are getting back to normal, voting (and taking a stand on political issues and candidates) is one of the best things you can do. In addition to the concept of getting back to normal, voting will help you feel like you’re contributing to any changes you want to see in your government. And in this highly-charged time, that feeling can be quite powerful. Just be sure to check the voting methods and voter identification requirements in your area. These things vary by state and can impact your ability to vote.
Start a healthy living challenge
There’s nothing like depriving yourself of sweets and tasty foods to make you feel like you’re living the status quo. In this pandemic, many are throwing caution to the wind and imbibing in alcohol and comfort foods. And in the end, it will only result in extra pounds around the midsection. But that doesn’t have to be your story. If you begin eating healthy during quarantine, you can boost your immune system and enjoy a fit and healthy physique when this is all over.
Go for regular walks
Getting out in nature can help you feel grounded and reconnected, and this is something we can all use at this time. Try to go on a nature walk at least once a week to help clear your mind and connect with the present moment.
Limit news exposure
During this pandemic, there’s a lot of doom and gloom on the news. At any given moment, you could be bombarded with statistics and tragic stories that create fear and spark sadness. And while it’s a good idea to keep in touch with what’s going on in the world, too much news is going to serve as a constant reminder of the drastic changes we’re living with today. Instead, limit your news to about 30 minutes in the morning or evening. And choose your news sources wisely.
Even though things may seem hopeless at times, there are many reasons to have hope and continue on with your day-to-day activities. When COVID-19 is no longer a major threat, we will be back to giving hugs and meeting friends for coffee. In the meantime, it’s up to each of us to take care of our own physical and emotional health.