Just because you may be staying at home, doesn’t mean that you have to stay secluded or incommunicado. There are so many options for communication… take advantage. FaceTime with grandparents, reconnect with old friends that you haven’t spoken to in a while, set up group meetings with co-workers, or even take online classes. Having an interpersonal connection with others is important to relieve stress, vent and even have a good laugh.

Look around your house and you are bound to find fun things to take advantage of. Whether you are home alone or you have a family of ten, you can find things to keep you engaged. Some examples may include cards, board games, internet games, books, cooking, arts and crafts, hobbies or even at-home campouts. Now is the time for you to shine and show your true creative side.

It is not only normal but expected that some people will be worried, concerned or even fearful. There may be new details or stories coming out every day. Try to minimize the amount of information that you may be watching or listening to. Make sure you are getting information from reliable sources. Maintain an open line of communication with the people around you. Validate fears and concerns with facts and optimism. Kids may be disappointed because of missed parties, high school students frustrated due to missing trips or proms and adults may be angry about missing trips. All are understandable and valid, so talk about it and don’t hold it in.

Although many companies are giving extensions, don’t forget to try and stay on top of your normal expenses. This will not only prevent you from becoming financially overwhelmed but help you continue to feel in control of this part of your life. If your income situation changes due to being home, knowing what you have available to spend helps you minimize the increased spending and prioritize purchases. If money is tight, you can try to work out budget plans or payment plans with many services/organizations.

It’s easy when we change routines to forget things or lose track of time. Medication management is something we want to prioritize. Set recurring alerts on your phone to help remind you when it’s time to take your medicine. Alerts can also help you stay focused on your new schedule/home routine. Setting a periodic alert to take a 5-minute meditation break can help you decompress and give yourself a boost of ‘calm’.

It’s unusual for us to be stuck inside for long periods of time. We are used to going from place to place by means of car or bus which includes us going outside. Feeling as if we are confined to the inside can have its effects on our mental health, so for as long as it’s allowed, get some fresh air. Take a walk (maintaining social distancing when necessary). Open the windows in your house and let the fresh air in. Spend some time in your backyard doing some gardening or just listening to music.

Although at times we may feel overwhelmed, feel as if we have no control, or don’t know what’s coming next, we have almost limitless resources available to us. It’s not only helpful but important to know what’s out there. There are online forums for learning, recreation, exercise, or just a laugh that you can take advantage of. If you are not feeling well, there are telemedicine and telemental health options for our health needs and various options for home delivery for food and medication. Spend some time going online and find the options that pertain to the things you might need. “Pre-planning” is a skill where we research, plan, and/or practice things before we need it. (ie: a fire drill) Pre-plan the situations that apply to you.

Although we may feel that we have to do things for others or want to spend time helping others, it is of the utmost importance to also find time for ourselves. Find “me time” to do things that will help or benefit you! Take the opportunities to exercise, do yoga, do some breathing exercises, take a nap, do a puzzle in a book or just talk to a friend.

In summation, it is important to create a sense of normalcy even in the most abnormal situations. Feel free to share these tips with others and if you feel it would be helpful to talk to a professional, please feel to reach out to us. We are offering a FREE introductory consultation (via telephone or video).