As we are all going through this stay at home order together, it’s important to remember to take care of yourself. Mental health is something that should be taken seriously and is something that doesn’t have to be dealt with alone. We are all in this together and I just wanted to share with you some things that are keeping me sane during this crazy and hectic time.
It’s okay to not be in complete control of your surroundings, so be in control of what you can!
1.) Stay POSITIVE!
Re-frame “I am stuck inside” to “I can finally focus on my home and myself”
This is time to take care of YOU! With no one else to Jude you or to dismiss you!
Take this as an opportunity to refocus your attention from the external of life and into the internal. Doing one productive thing per day can lead to a more positive attitude. Set your sights on long-avoided tasks, reorganize, or create something you’ve always wanted to. Approaching this time with a mindset of feeling trapped or stuck will only stress you out more. This is your chance to slow down and focus on yourself.
2.) Stay close to your normal routine
Try and maintain some semblance of structure from the pre-quarantine days!
Still watch your online lectures at the designated class time! Try and keep up on your course work! Keep in contact with your friends!
Wake up and go to bed around the same time, eat meals, shower, adapt your exercise regimen, and get out of your PJ’s. Do laundry on Sundays as usual. Not only will sticking to your normal routine keep you active and less likely to spiral, it will be easier to readjust to the outside world when it’s time to get back to work.
3.) Avoid obsessing over endless Coronavirus coverage
Make sure if you’re learning more about Coronavirus, it’s from RELIABLE sources! Check out the CDCs website! But most importantly:
Focus on the POSITIVES! Those who have RECOVERED!
4.) A chaotic home can lead to a chaotic mind
With all the uncertainly happening outside your home, keep the inside organized, predictable and clean. Setting up mental zones for daily activities can be helpful to organize your day. For example, try not to eat in bed or work on the sofa- just as before, eat at the kitchen table and work at your desk. Loosening these boundaries just muddles your routine and can make the day feel very long. Additionally, a cluttered home can cause you to become uneasy and claustrophobic of your environment- so keep it tidy.
5.) Start a new quarantine ritual
With this newfound time, why not do something special during these quarantined days?
My roommates and I have been going for walks and going rollerblading! Find little things that you can do to make yourself happy. Having something special during this time will help you look forward to each new day.
Overall, how you handle this part of life is up to you! Try to stay positive and focus on yourself. It’s important to create a relationship with yourself and work on it!
It all starts with POSITIVITY and loving yourself.
❤️ Maddie Derro
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