Health experts
are recommending “social distancing” — staying home and going out only for
essentials. Some people relish the idea, while others get a bit stir-crazy,
even as we know it’s for the greater good.
Uncertain
times like these can feel stressful. But much of how we cope depends on our mental
attitude. Instead of stressing over things beyond your control, use this time
alone to improve your health and well-being — from getting more exercise to
taking up the meditation practice you’ve wanted to start for years. You can
take on home projects, take in a pet, or take up a hobby. If you’ve lost work,
seek out solutions, such as looking for work in industries that are hiring,
redoing your resume, or networking online.
Even if you’re
busy, working from home while trying to entertain or educate kids or grandkids,
you most likely will have some extra time on your hands, since most activities
have shut down temporarily. Understand that as hard as it is, your simple
action of staying home keeps your community and yourself healthy. Use the extra
time for things you always wanted to do! Be intentional.
We don’t
expect you to do all of these things but try picking one or two and staying
with it. You will feel great with your results when your day-to-day life gets
back to normal.
Best Ideas for
Self-Care During Social Distancing
Keeping
yourself and your immediate family at home can be great for some people.
Introverts might relish the extra time to themselves or with the family. Other
people may feel antsy and uncomfortable with the disruption to their normal
schedule or may miss their social life and feel lonely. Being isolated can
really affect people struggling with depression or recent heartbreak. If you
are in the latter category, make sure you have support — we will give some
ideas below.
Below, we’ve
collected some ideas that may help you get through this time thriving and
feeling great, separated into three major categories.
Keep Calm and
De-stress
Staying
calm and peaceful when everything around you is changing and uncertain
can feel tough. The truth is that worrying can not add anything to the
situation but additional stress. The truth is, we have little control over
certain situations. Accepting the situation for what it is and making the best
of it may ultimately make you feel better. Try to stay centered and grounded,
grateful for what you have, and focused on the things you can control.
Use Your Time
Online Wisely
The internet
is our modern-day connection to the world. It’s great! But it can also be a source
of stress, particularly when endlessly reading the latest headlines. Limit how
often you check the news — no more than once in the morning and once in the
evening. Especially, don’t stay up late online or watching television because
it changes your sleep patterns, which weakens the immune system.
Instead, use
your time online to do something positive. Join an active online community that
supports you, and where you can connect with like-minded folks. You can find
social media groups that support hobbies, remote workers, homeschooling, or
fitness and natural health group (check out Global Healing’s Facebook
Group!).
Look, we even
love funny cat videos as a way to relieve stress! But make your online time
useful for you — and mix it up with other “in real life” activities.
Ease Stress
With Meditation
If I had a
nickel for everyone who told me that they would meditate if they just had the
time… Well, now is the perfect time to start meditating!
Meditation changes
your brain in a positive way; this calming practice reduces stress, decreases
anxiety and depression, eases pain, and improves
memory. Wow! It physiologically changes your body by lowering blood
pressure, slowing heart rate and breathing, improving oxygen utilization, and
improving blood flow to the front part of the brain.[1, 2] It’s
simple; all you have to do is to do it!
Meditate first
thing in the morning if you can, but anytime will work. Find a quiet,
comfortable space where you can be uninterrupted for at least ten minutes.
Close your eyes and focus on your breath. If you can’t get the hang of it on
your own, there are many apps or Youtube videos with gentle calming music
or guided
meditations. Start a lifelong practice today.
Take a Healing
Bath
Baths can
transform your day — calming your mind and relaxing your body. Just hot water
alone can do this. But when you add relaxing mineral salts like Epsom
salts (magnesium sulfate), Bentonite clay, or others, you can transform
your bath into a healing “hot spring” — as if you were enjoying a
natural spring in the desert or mountains.
A bath doesn’t
have to take long. Just fifteen minutes, and it will change your mood and
physiologically calm your body. Take deep breaths and enjoy this peaceful
moment away from the world.
Drink a Cup of
Herbal Tea
Nothing
soothes the soul like wrapping your hands around a warm cup of tea. People have
used herbal teas for healing, immunity, and comfort for centuries. Each tea has
different properties.
Some of the
best teas for calm include chamomile, tulsi,[3] passionflower,
and lemon balm. Teas that also boost
the immune system include green tea,[4] elderberry,[5] ginger,
and nettle.
Get ones that
work for you! Just the act of sipping hot tea creates a psychophysiological
response in the body, lowering
stress hormones like cortisol and creating more relaxation.[6]
Try an App for
That!
If you use
your home-time to take up meditation, yoga, exercise, cooking, or finding an
online therapist to talk with — there’s an app for that! Explore your options
and download a couple, try them out, and see what works for you. Some of the
best apps cost money, but some are free.
If you need to
de-stress, there are amazing apps that help you calm down. You can choose a
peaceful background image, play gentle music for a few minutes, or listen to a
guided meditation.
If you want to
bring your fitness to the next level, there are apps that log your food and
calories, apps with exercise videos, and apps to motivate you to take more
steps (most people can go outside while social distancing as long as you keep
your distance — go for a walk!)
If you’re
feeling low and need a professional, there are several apps where trained and
educated psychotherapists offer both text, voice, and video counseling.
Have Fun
One great way
to counter stress and stay sane during all the upheaval is to laugh and have
fun! We have some ideas for you to mix things up and keep this life experiment
interesting. Here are some ideas.
Get Outside!
Social
distancing does not mean watching endless television. Depending on the laws and
guidelines in your specific community, it does not necessarily mean staying
inside your home all the time. However, please respect the necessity to stay at
least six feet away from others, and avoid crowded beaches and hiking trails.
If you can
find a more secluded area and can keep your distance, go for a walk, run, hike,
or bike ride. Stroll through your neighborhood or a local park. If you’re lucky
enough to have natural areas near you, go for a hike! Being surrounded by
nature has incredibly positive effects on your well-being.[7, 8]
If you’re
already a runner or cyclist, we don’t need to tell you — I’m sure you will be
getting outside. But if you’re not already a cyclist, consider getting a new
bike or taking yours out of storage and taking a ride.
Or, get in the
water! If you have your own equipment, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up
paddleboarding are other great ways to get active outdoors without the need to
interact with other people.
For another
outdoor option, consider setting up a laptop outside and doing a fitness
workout with a cool breeze. Be creative!
Play Board
Games
If you want to
limit screen time for yourself or kids, it could be a return to times of old
when board games kept people occupied for hours. If you don’t have any, order a
few online. Many board games — or a deck of cards — are inexpensive. You can
even try to learn a new game.
Scrabble,
Monopoly, Life, or even a game of chess or checkers are great options. Puzzles
are also great for the mind. These can take up time and be educational at the
same time.
A simple deck
of cards brings with it a hundred card games, and with the internet, you can
usually find the instructions online. If you’re staying alone, take up
solitaire! It’s quite entertaining and easy to learn.
Read a Book
Reading is a
popular pastime that many people feel they don’t have time to do. Use this
extra time to read that book — or two or three — that you’ve been wanting to.
Reading improves
your cognitive function — including vocabulary, reasoning,
concentration, and critical thinking skills. It also helps you live longer![9]
Buying new
books helps by supporting businesses, including self-employed writers. However,
libraries are a great way to borrow books on the cheap. If your library is
closed, most of them have online systems where you can still borrow audiobooks
and e-books. You can even find online book clubs to discuss your latest read with.
If you have
kids, make sure they use this time to get some reading done, as well. It will
keep their minds active while they are out of school. To make it an even more
educational experience, have children write down words they don’t know in a
notebook and then go define them later.
Take Up a New
Hobby
Use the extra
time to get creative. Have you always wanted to learn to knit? (a calming,
meditative habit!) Or plant an herb or vegetable garden? Or learn to paint?
Play the guitar? Many companies are making online classes free, so see what
they have to offer!
You can order
supplies online, which helps keep businesses afloat during this difficult time.
Be aware some companies may be prioritizing essentials and grocery deliveries,
so shipping may be delayed, but you can still get supplies and get rolling
before much time has passed.
While it’s not
a hobby per se, if you’ve been wanting a warm fuzzy family companion, you can
use this extra stay-at-home time to bond with a new pup or kitty, especially a
shelter pet. Many shelters have had to close and animal organizations are
looking for (temporary or permanent) pet moms and dads.
Use the
Opportunity!
We know that
many people are seriously struggling, from financial or job concerns to health
issues and fear of what’s to come. But the reality is, if you are social
distancing at home and have extra hours in the day — make the most of this
opportunity. When you deal with change with a positive attitude, it improves
your resilience and strength.
Catch up on
Your At-Home To-Do List
If you’re like
most people, you have a to-do list (or a honey-do list) of things to finish —
or start. If you haven’t already, write the list down on paper and then
prioritize.
Find supplies
online and get started! Home improvement stores often have great Youtube
channels with helpful how-to videos. People often say they wish they had extra
time in the day — well now you have it!
You can fix
broken items, clean your windows inside and out, or get your landscaping in
great shape. You’ll feel productive and useful, which is particularly helpful
for more elderly individuals.[10, 11]
Try New
Recipes
If you’ve
always wished you had more time to create healthy, interesting recipes, now’s
the time! You can combine this with a health or exercise goal.
Don’t succumb
to the temptation to be a couch potato, watching movies all day in your living
room, because that’s associated with eating junk food. Instead, buy some kale
and a dehydrator and make some crunchy
kale chips! Or whip up some soul-nourishing recipes, like our mango-chia
pudding, korma
curry with moringa leaves, or spicy
mushroom stir-fry recipes. When you don’t feel like making food, order
take-out or delivery from restaurants to support the local economy — especially
small businesses that are likely struggling.
You can also
get a juicer and try different combinations of vegetables and fruits for
optimal health. Fresh juice can super-boost your immunity! For more immunity-boosting
foods and supplements, check out Dr.
Group’s Emergency Immune Strengthening Guide.
Check-In With
Your Family and Neighbors
Even if you
are doing great with being alone, some of your friends, family members, or
neighbors may not be. Use the time to connect with them via phone, text, or
email to check if anyone needs anything. Some people in high-risk categories
may fear going out to stores, so see if you can pick something up for them when
you go.
Your loved
ones also may just appreciate the time spent socializing, especially on a phone
or video call, since they can’t get out and see other people in person.
Some churches,
synagogues, and community groups are creating task forces to help with
community needs. If you need help, reach out to local groups — most religious
groups love to help others no matter what your background.
If you have
lost your job, these groups may have others who can mow your lawn or do yard
work, or pick up groceries if you need help with that. The great thing about
crises like this one is that it can bring out the best in others. If you are
able-bodied and willing, volunteer to help where you can.
Points to
Remember
Social
distancing does not have to mean total isolation. Most people during this time
are requested to limit social gatherings to less than 10 people — sometimes
less, depending on your area. Staying home with your immediate family is the
best option for the time being. Take a warm bath, use
essential oils, drink a cup of warm herbal tea, and make sure to take care
of yourself. Get more rest; start a habit of turning the lights and electronics
off 5 to 10 minutes earlier each night to train the body to go to bed
earlier, get
more restful sleep, and have more productive mornings. This will boost
your immune system, as well.
While the
internet can be a fantastic source of support during times of isolation, use
your online time wisely. Find online classes to take up a new hobby or skill or
to connect with others but don’t spend too much time online, especially reading
the news.
Have some fun!
Whether you go outside to run, bike, walk, or canoe, spending time in nature
while getting some exercise is a great option. If you prefer to stick to home,
there are hundreds of online exercise videos to do — many being offered free at
this time.
Don’t forget
to laugh! Watch funny movies or Youtube videos, horseplay with your kids, or
have some fun with board games.
Most
importantly, stay connected with friends, family, and neighbors via phone,
text, email, or video chat. Make sure everyone is doing ok — some people may
not feel comfortable sharing their needs unless asked. If you know anyone
seriously struggling emotionally, including yourself, reach out for help —
there are even online counseling apps with professional, licensed therapists.
We will get through this together!
SOURCE: WAKE UP WORLD
I have not had a hard time with this social distancing thing... I guess isolation is in my wheel house. These are great suggestions... many of them, I adopted early. So happy that the vaccines are becoming more available. Hoping for a summer of love... if you get my drift.
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