It’s the ubiquitous phrase of 2020, “Social Distancing”.
If you are like most people these days, you are missing being able to hug a family member or friend that you are accustomed to seeing fairly often.
You reminisce back to the days of being in a recliner chair at the movie theater, popcorn in hand, ready to watch the summer blockbuster movie that everyone has been anticipating for six months.
Maybe you are quarantined at home with loved ones and enjoying the down time to be able to reconnect but potentially simultaneously feeling overwhelmed at the constant need to entertain and feed your family around the clock.
Or for others, feeling lonely and missing physical contact as a result of living alone with the only real interaction being that of the never-ending Zoom meetings.
Regardless of your circumstances during this trying time, knowing how to properly balance your individual needs and mental health as it relates to having to social distance can help you maintain a sense of normalcy.
Here are 5 tips to achieve this:
1) Don’t miss out on the connection with loved ones
While BBQ block parties may not be happening, still be cognizant to take the time to reach out to your friends and family members. While your days may not have as many exciting updates to discuss as a result of being at home on a loop, you can still catch up on talks relative to your favorite TV shows, your home decorating projects, what funny things the kids did that day.
Be honest if needed and take the time to just breath and vent to share your frustrations surrounding the climate. This is the time to lean on others and be a positive shoulder for someone else as well.
2) Focus on healthier eating and water intake
Remember the promise that you have been making to yourself since last year to do better about your health?
Considering that you are stuck at home, test out meal prepping with some new recipes – If you have others in your home, this could be a great time to gather around the kitchen and make something new and exciting. Do a personal challenge to drink 1 more glass of water than you typically do. Think baby steps.
3) Practice gratitude
I am sure that you hear this all the time. But the reason it is a widely discussed suggestion is because it works. Being mindful DAILY on what you are thankful for, even if it is something as simple as your electric toothbrush and pillow, allows your mind to go from a state of discontent to finding joy in even the little things. Take the time to write these things in a journal or even in the notepad on your phone.
4) Pump the heart
No need to perfect the high kick kickboxing move, unless you really want to, but take the take to do some exercising. That could be as easy as taking the stairs instead of the elevator inside your building to get your heartrate up. And/or even practicing yoga to calm your mind to help ease some of the stress and tension you may be experiencing.
5) Find fresh air
Vitamin D is essential in helping one’s mood and getting fresh air outside of your four walls gives a sense of normalcy. If you have the pleasure of having a back yard or large enough patio, this could be the perfect time to start an herb or vegetable garden which would give you more opportunities to get fresh air and keep your body moving. Just be sure that when you are outside that you wear a mask and social distance as applicable.
Know that like you, hundreds of thousands of people around the world are experiencing the same level of restrictions and disappointments as you are feeling right now as a result of social distancing needs.
You are not alone.
So test out the tips above and incorporate some of your own to find ways to uplift and energize your days.
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