Even though I’m often home under normal circumstances, there’s just something about being
told
to stay home that gets me anxious and itching to leave the apartment all of a sudden. I imagine many of you are feeling the same way during this season of social distancing.
Having to stay home can feel a lot like being trapped. How do we truck along with everything that is going on in the world?
It’s hard to focus on working from home with this sense of fear and uncertainty hanging in the air. I know a handful of people who have been exposed to COVID-19, and some who have even been infected. How do we deal with that fear and anxiety? For me, depression occasionally rears its unwelcome head.
To preface, I’m not a doctor or a therapist, nor am I an expert in proper social distancing procedures. However, I do work from home, attend school online, and share my small apartment with a husband, a black lab, and a German Shepherd. While I’m not an expert, I do have some experience on the topic of staying home for long hours without going completely mad.
Keep reading for my tips, and feel free to leave your own in the comments below.
1. Create a schedule for yourself.
The benefits of structure and a schedule don't end in the classroom or the office.
Treat this extended time at home the same as you would if you were going to work. Make a list of things that need to get done, and keep your mind and hands busy.
2. Get dressed.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to get ready for the day. Whether it's putting on your makeup, doing your hair, or actually wearing pants, you'll feel better if you make an effort.
Staying in your pajamas all day is fun at first, but it slowly begins to hijack your productivity.
3. Make your bed.
I shrugged this suggestion off at first, but I’ve recently learned that making your bed is a game changer. The earth doesn't quake and angels don’t sing, but it
is
your first opportunity to create order in your day.
With the lack of structure we’re currently facing, even those small instances of order can ease anxiety.
"If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and will encourage you to do another task, and another, and another. By the end of the day that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also enforce the fact that the little things in life matter. If you can't do the little things right, you'll never be able to do the big things right. And if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made. That you made. And a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better. So if you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.”
- US Navy Admiral, William H. McRaven
4. Set aside time for work or learning.
You would normally be at work or school for a certain amount of hours per day, why not commit to a block of time for work and productivity? Whether it's time for work, reflection, or learning something new, everyone can find something enriching to do. Write journal entries on what's going on, cozy up with a good book, or get lost in YouTube tutorials.
The whole point is to create structure, and make yourself useful. Time spent being productive can provide peace. Don't get me wrong, it’s important to rest and find renewal as well, but sitting around for days on end with no form of productivity or enrichment can lead to depression or anxiety.
5. Take a nap.
I know it sounds counterintuitive to everything else I just said, but stick with me here. Taking a 30 minute nap can provide a much-needed energy boost in the midst of a day that's dragging on.
While it doesn’t sound that exhausting, being at home 24/7 can be mentally straining. You probably need a few minutes of shut-eye. Set an alarm, and try not to go over an hour.
6. Turn off the TV.
This one is new for me. Last semester, as I was trying to get used to working and attending school from home, I would keep the TV on for background noise. I was accustomed to going to class, going to work, and being around people, and
I felt like it helped me not feel so alone.
However, the stimulation in the background wore me out more than I realized. I have so much more energy and stamina to sit and work when the TV is off. I still play music sometimes but the peace and quiet is quickly becoming my best friend.
7. Go for a walk.
Getting out for a walk has been key to staying sane during social distancing. Get outside. Take your dogs with you. Just move your body. Your future self will thank you.
8. Take a refreshing shower or a bath.
When you've hit a dead end with work or chores, you don't feel like going on a walk, you can't concentrate, or maybe you feel a little anxious, take a really hot bath (try adding Epsom salts if you have them).
If you hate baths, take a shower. Whether it’s steaming hot or refreshingly cold, it helps press the reset button.
9. Don’t get stuck on social media.
Do
not
get stuck on your phone.
The one thing that causes the most anxiety for me is looking at my phone and social media all day long. I’m not saying you can't check it, but don't allow yourself to get stuck there.
If you want to be social, talk to people, and be intentional. Call or video chat with a friend. Reach out and communicate with loved ones. Be intentional.
10. Learn how to do a handstand.
Okay, you don’t have to learn how to do a handstand, but my point is, pick something to learn or conquer physically. I have a weird obsession with wanting to learn how to do handstands, and I get up off of my butt every hour or so to practice. It’s a small, weird thing to get excited about, but it’s great to have little goals like these.
See if you can conquer push-ups, a one-legged squat, walking or running a mile, or doing the splits. It can be anything you want, and there are plenty of YouTube tutorials out there.
This is a hard season for many of us. It can be scary and unsettling, and so many are facing sickness and isolation. Still, the worst thing that we can do during this time is give up or let feelings of hopelessness or uselessness take over. What keeps ringing true for me is the blessing we’ve been given of time to appreciate the outdoors and new activities we may not have tried before.
During this time, I’m thankful for health and a strong, capable body. I’m thankful for my mind and the way it stretches and learns.
Don't let feelings of isolation cloud your ambitions and joy.
Sincerely,
Maggie
P.S. Enjoy these videos for even more encouragement!
