Even though we’re still fairly early into the whole self-distancing game – if you’re like me, you might already be feeling yourself spiraling into a strange, chaotic routine of waking up late, drinking too much coffee and constantly checking the news.
And I’ll be the first to admit – that ain’t it.
But in order to interrupt the curve and help contain the spread of the Coronavirus, it’s abundantly better to stay at home and practice social distancing. We all need to do our part.
So, the question is, how can we better adapt to dealing with the effects of self-isolation, and what can we do to at least try to improve the experience?
1. Improve Your Home Environment
When it comes to our living environment, humans have an innate awareness of our surroundings and seek out environments with certain qualities to improve our overall lifestyles.
If you’re feeling uncomfortable or anxious in your home, maybe consider improving your layout. There is increasing evidence that a messy or unkept home deeply affects your mental and physical health.
Cluttered homes can increase stress, anxiety, poor concentration and make you more susceptible to allergies or sickness. Common household allergens include dust mites, pet dander, pollen and sometimes hidden mold. By decluttering your home and lessening the items you have laying around, the less surface area there is for allergens to hide.
By having a clean and accessible home you not only improve your productivity and daily routine but are better able to relax at the end of a long day.
And let’s be honest, who doesn’t feel happy and accomplished after giving your home a thorough cleaning?
If you’re going to be cooped up in your home for who knows how long – you might as well refresh your surroundings and get creative!
Love where you live!
2. Become a SuperCook!
Stocked up on enough essentials? Or maybe don’t have enough? Don’t worry about it!
SuperCook.com is a cooking search engine that makes it easy for you to find thousands of recipes from all the most popular cooking sites, using only the ingredients you have at home. Simply list the ingredients that are available to you and sort through thousands of cooking options.
Cooking can be a very therapeutic activity and can soothe stress and reduce negative thinking.
3. Practice Mindful Breathing and Meditation
Mindful breathing is simply focusing your attention on your breath and inhaling and exhaling slowly. You can do this while standing, sitting or even lying down.
Experts believe that the practice of mindful breathing can decrease stress and help you to relax and act calmly during stressful situations. Try out this “4-7-8” breathing technique.
Plant both feet firmly to the ground.
Empty your lungs of air.
Breathe in quietly through the nose for 4 seconds.
Hold the breath for a count of 7 seconds.
Exhale forcefully through the mouth, pursing your lips and make a “whoosh” sound, for 8 seconds.
Repeat the cycle up to 4 times.
According to Dr. Weil, the founder, and director of the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, by practicing this deep breathing technique, you can reduce stress, manage cravings, control and reduce anger responses and help your sleep.
4. Develop a Positive Stay-At-Home Routine
Just because we have to adjust to a new living situation, doesn’t mean you have to drop your daily routine. Learn to adapt and create a new one that will fit your needs while maintaining social distance.
The first step is to create a simple day planner.
Take the time to write down how you would like to spend your day at home.
Start by writing down when you want to wake up and how you would like to start your day. Whether it’s with a nice cup of coffee, a few minutes of silent meditation, or taking a warm bubble bath, as long as it provides you with a positive element to start off your morning – you’re on the right track.
By creating a daily routine, you not only improve your time management and productivity but provide yourself with the fulfillment of knowing you took total advantage of your day and successfully accomplished the tasks you set up for yourself.
Comments 1
Hey Kasha, Just a quick note to day I hope you are doing well. Stay safe my friend! Hugs to your mom if you see her!