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5 Lifestyle Adjustments to better cope with COVID-19

In times like these, when we are all faced with the uncertainty of what is next, it is typical of us to feel nervous, worried, confused, frustrated, anxious and even fearful. It is not only the fear of contracting COVID-19 that may contribute to these feelings but a myriad of other life complications foreseen and unforeseen.

No doubt, we have all had to adjust to significant changes to our daily routines – movement restrictions, working from home, temporary unemployment, home-schooling, social distancing from family & friends. The list of challenges being faced is endless and differs across households. However, it is important, more now than ever, that we find unique ways of maintaining good mental health.

Let me share with you 5 adjustments I have made since the pandemic to reduce the likelihood of negative feelings.

1. Reframing/ Re-structuring Negative Thoughts

It so easy to think about all the things that can go wrong during a pandemic. Our brains are hardwired to worry and this can limit our ability to focus and make clear, rational decisions. In times like these, it is best to remain calm and focus on the important things in our control. Thinking positively can improve our mood and enable the energy needed to face tough situations. Psychotherapist, Pauline Sanderson, agrees that our mind accepts and believes what we think and say, so whether negative or positive, we determine the type of power we want to emit. In this time, the most powerful element is to think positively. So instead of thinking, “I can’t do it”, try thinking, “Let me try” and instead of saying, “I am stuck inside”, try saying, “I have some time to focus on my well-being as well as my household”. We are what we think and when we continue to think positively, we will live positively.

2. Create/ Maintain a Routine

In an effort to calm the frustration, confusion, anxiety and fear in our household, it is important to stick to our regular schedule or re-create a routine that maintains balance mentally and physically for every member of the family. It is especially easy for school-aged children to feel restless and bored. Having a schedule of activities planned for each week will do wonders in keeping everyone engaged. The children will be more motivated to adhere to a plan if they are involved in the planning process. A major bonus to that adherence is rewarding them at the end of each week for sticking to it. Also, maintaining a regular sleeping pattern will make the transition easier when normal operations resume.

3. Stay Socially Connected

While we are socially apart, we can still be apart together. Physical disconnection can have dire effects on the human mind because we were not made to live in isolation. The yearn for some amount of platonic human touch is normal – shaking of a coworker’s hands, hugging a friend, cooking and laughing with family. Many persons are finding unique ways of staying connected through utilization of various social media platforms such as Facebook Live/Video, Zoom, Jitisi Meet, Instagram Live/Video, Skype, Google Hangouts or Whatsapp Video. I am sure there are more I am not aware of. Now is the time to unleash that creativity you have been hiding by using face time platforms to still enjoy family conversations over meals, host parties, have the children play games with friends and family virtually, or even allow them to complete school assigned activities together. As adults, we can still have fun! Catch up with the gang by having a group chat with wine/drink in hand. Plan meaningful activities which will allow each member to feel equally involved. It would be recommended to include this as part of your daily/weekly routine.

4. Limit Corona Time

It is easy to get caught up in wanting to always be updated on the latest news about COVID-19. Of course, it’s important to stay up to date on the news, especially important findings related to COVID-19 and how to keep ourselves and our communities safe. But mental health experts say watching too much bad news can take a toll on your psyche. Remember your mental well being affects the physical functioning. Therefore, try to limit your news time to about 2 hours per day. Very important as well, be cautious of discrediting media sources! Ensure the news you consume is from reputable sources. There are some mischievous persons whose only mission is to create chaos and induce stress.

5. Engage in Distracting Activities

You’re being good about staying at home and contributing to the global fight against the pandemic, but what do you do when you’ve finished your work, your studies or your chores for the day and have all this time left to yourself? Why not develop a hobby or take a free online course? Since the pandemic, I have developed a love for back yard gardening, trying to YouTube, watching videos to d further develop my cooking skills. In addition, I have completed 2 free online courses and currently in the process of completing another 2. What is good about it all, it is all at my pace. So develop a hobby for fun or just pass the time, who knows, you may end up with a valuable skill that you can monetize. Or take that online course as a common way to learn something new, whether to add to your CV or to satisfy your curiosity.