Just a few weeks ago, we were aware of the impact of Coronavirus abroad, but our lives were still unchanged. We went to work, students were in school and awaiting spring break, and we didn’t think twice about going out to our favorite restaurants, retail stores, or supermarkets. Everything came to a sudden halt in what seemed like a span of only a day or two.

Our everyday lives have never been this secluded. It’s an adjustment to say the least, but as we stay safe and avoid our usual every day activities, there are still many ways we can make use of this time. We can use this period to reflect and even de-stress in the midst of the worry and uncertainty we are facing. 

Below I will discuss some tips you can begin to apply so that you can adapt your behaviors and especially, your mindset as you adjust to changes to your daily life while keeping yourself, your family, and those around you safe and healthy.

1—Keep a routine.

It’s normal to feel somewhat unmotivated right now. If you’re working from home, or even if you’re trying to stay productive, you might feel a bit off or like you just want to take it easy. Staying at home can have this effect, especially if you’re accustomed to doing most of your work elsewhere. To combat the desire to do nothing, try to create a new stay at home routine and commit to sticking to it. Get up in the morning and go to bed at night at around the same time. Make sure you avoid staying in pajamas all day. Avoid napping or save naps for the weekend only, as changing your sleep schedule like this can tend to sink some people into that ‘unmotivated’ mood. Have your meals at the same time as usual. It’s okay to treat this time as a bit of a vacation for a while, but if we are in social isolation-mode for the long haul, keeping a routine is your best bet to remaining positive and keeping things as normal as possible as we weather through this stay-at-home period.

2—Limit news and social media on Corona Virus topics.

It’s important to stay informed because after all, you don’t want to disconnect yourself to the point that you’re not aware of important news, especially in your local community. However, avoid having the news on, running in the background, all day long. The same applies to checking social media constantly. Now is the time to engage in some more offline activities (see below) because it’s difficult to log into Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook and not see alarming news about the virus. Although you may not be aware of it, your emotions are triggered every time you hear or see sad and tragic news stories; therefore, you should make sure that you’re not exposing yourself to these heightened emotions all day. If you are interested in staying in the loop, follow reputable sites such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). If you are in the New York City area and want updates on Coronavirus - Text 692-692 the word “COVID” to get text alerts when there is new information from Notify NYC.

3—It’s time for hobbies or simply trying new things

Now is the time to pick up that adult coloring book that you bought and haven’t used yet or start on that e-book you purchased and only got through half of chapter one. We all have hobbies we love, but we often don’t find the time to enjoy them. Schedule hobby time into your day. You will see immense benefits in your emotional state and sense of relaxation and calm. This can also be a time of self-discovery. We can learn new things that we might actually enjoy. Painting, playing an instrument, trying out a new recipe, learning a language, or gardening, are all ways that we can truly enhance this current experience.

4—Expect that soon, you will feel an intense urge to go out.

Those who are homebodies may not struggle as much with cabin fever, but many people simply are not the Netflix and chill-types. Some individuals can even become quite distressed and anxious if they must stay indoors too long. It’s important to understand and expect that you may soon start to feel this way. Most of us are only days into social isolation and staying home, but days can (and likely will) turn into weeks. If you mentally prepare for this fact, you will likely be able to hold out and avoid the temptation to go anywhere. Expect that you and/or your family members will tire of this new way of life. Remind yourself and your loved ones that it is temporary, but it is critical that you stay safe by sticking to your commitment to remain at home and away from others. Take this time as a challenge and prove to yourself that you are strong enough to adapt and get through any difficulties and any moments of change that life brings. 

5—Stay Connected

Connection is essential to us as human beings to with all of the recent changes to our day-to-day life it is important to make adjustments. Social distancing is key and keeping space between you and those around you is proven to reduce the spread of COVID-19. FaceTiming or calling friends and loved ones is critical. Even scheduling a remote session with your therapist may be an option! Find moments where you can reach out and be in that moment with those around you.

Overall this is a time of great unknown so it is very natural to feel confused, conflicted, frustrated or sad. This is something that we are all experiencing on a global scale and equally important, within ourselves. Take time to work your way through the thoughts and feelings and give yourself kindness through this time.