Since the global outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, almost all of us — even those who have not been infected by the virus, will have to quarantine ourselves for the upcoming weeks. Canceled travel plans, indefinite isolation, panic over scarce resources, and information overload could cause anxiety and feelings of depression. Here are a few pointers that could help you survive negative thoughts in these uncertain times.
1.) Think of “I am stuck inside” as “I can finally focus on my home and myself”
Doing at least one productive thing every day leads to a more positive attitude. Focus on long-avoided tasks, reorganize, or create something you’ve always wanted to. Approaching this time with a mindset of feeling trapped or stuck will only stress you out more. This is your chance to slow down and focus on yourself.
2.) Don’t stray too far from your normal routine
Try and maintain some similarities in structure from the pre-quarantine days. Wake up and go to bed around the same time, shower, eat meals, change up your exercise regimen, and get out of your PJs. All this will also make it easier to readjust to the outside world when it’s time to get back to work.
3.) Avoid the endless Coronavirus coverage on television and social media
Being holed up inside the house gives you plenty of time to obsess, and if you have a tendency to consult Google for every itch and sneeze, you may be over-researching the pandemic as well. Choose only certain credible news sources for a limited amount of time each day will be in your best interest during this time.
4.) Declutter your living spaces
With all the uncertainty outside your home, keep the inside organized, predictable, and clean. Setting up mental zones for daily activities can be helpful to organize your day. Additionally, a cluttered home can cause you to become uneasy and claustrophobic of your environment.
5.) Start a new quarantine ritual
With this newfound time, why not do something out of the ordinary during these quarantined days? Working out at home is obviously a good way to stay healthy and kill indoor time. Having something different to do during this time will help you look forward to each new day.
