We are all struggling with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on our lives, careers, and future. While you may have read many things about being productive during this time, it can also be a lot of pressure to improve yourself when you’re merely trying to survive. Don’t feel pressured by these things. You are not required to improve anything. If the only thing you can do right now is survive this phase then, by all means, do the things you think is necessary for you to survive. This isn’t the time to be competitive. It’s a time to make sure you stay healthy.
Just look at around your house. There are plenty of things that you can do to calm your nerves and destress. For example, when was the last time you practiced your piano lessons? Music tends to have a calming effect on people. You can start playing again, both for yourself and your family. You can play soothing piano pieces to jumpstart your interest in it.
But again, you don’t have to improve your skills or learn new things. You have to be compassionate to yourself. Everyone is dealing with an unusual situation. People are trying to get to one day after the other without dying of worry. People are social distancing and self-isolating because they care about helping stop the spread of this virus.
Don’t beat yourself up if you cannot perfect your lives during this time. Instead, look for things in your house that can relax your mind. Here are some suggestions:
Meditate
Have you tried meditating before? No pressure, but you may want to try a yoga session or two that many teach online. Meditating will teach you how to calm your mind. It will put you in a state where your head can think and focus clearly. You can do this early in the morning when the whole household is still asleep. Go to your garden or any part of the house that’s quiet and secluded. Try not to think about any of your worries. Spending an hour each day meditating will have a positive effect on your mind and body.
Plant
Why do doctors advise elderly people to tend to their gardens? Why is this the go-to therapy for people who are so stressed at work? Being one with nature has a relaxing effect on people. Tending to plants take away your worries and anxiety. Try it. You’ll most likely forget about the time. It’s a great workout routine, too. An hour in the garden can burn more than 400 calories. That’s more calories you can burn in 60 minutes than you can do so on the treadmill without running at full speed.
Organize
Why not take this time to get organized? You didn’t have the time before to declutter and label things. But since you’re self-isolating now, what better time to do it? Get a labeling device and start organizing your pantry according to categories. Invest in those wicker baskets or clear plastic boxes. These look great in any pantry. Organize one room at a time. Start with the kitchen because this is where everyone gathers for dinner and just plain hang out. You can then move to the basement and the garage, which will take much of your time. Before you know it, you’ve already spent a week organizing your home. The process is calming, satisfying, and productive.
Watch
Again, don’t force yourself to be productive at this time. If organizing is not your thing, then do what you’ve always wanted to do, which is to binge-watch your favorite show. After you’re done with your home-based job, you can enjoy hours of watching movies and shows. Don’t choose cerebral movies. Those will stress you out even more. Watch movies that will make you laugh and will take your mind off what’s happening to the rest of the world. At least for two hours, live like nothing’s wrong with the world.
Eat
Is there anything better than sharing a meal with your loved ones? If you’re not too fond of cooking, then call your favorite restaurant to deliver your meals. Gather the family in the dining room and talk about things that remind you when life was a bit more normal. It would be nice to know that you’re not alone in worrying about your futures. Everyone is. You can talk to your family about these things while sharing the meals that have always bonded you.
Color
Adult coloring books are being used in therapy for people struggling with stress, anxiety, trauma, and depression. This simple and repetitive activity brings the individual to a meditative state where you’re not thinking about the news and all the other things that worry you. Play a good song in the background and you’ll feel like you’re in your personal nirvana.
People aren’t made to be stuck at home. As social beings, people need connections that they get from going outside. But because this time demands everyone to do their part in not spreading the virus, you have to make small sacrifices to ensure that one day, everything will be back to normal.