6 Steps to Stay Sane during Self Isolation
Make the most of the downtime by taking these small steps
The rise of COVID-19 pandemic continues to change our life to a new model. While we get accustomed to digital life and being locked indoors, here are a few tips on how can you focus on things you can control and make the most of this downtime.
1. Declutter your space:
While most of us are confiding in our homes, this can be a great time to rearrange your space. It is time for you to Mary Kondo your room and donate all the items that no longer bring you joy. With the lockdown extended, take a trip down the memory lane and look at your old photos.
Take this time to make it a declutter session with your family and laugh at old photos reminiscing the good times.
2. Maintain a daily routine:
Renowned self-help author Robin Sharma based his book The 5 AM Club on how following a morning routine can lead to personal growth. Consistently following a daily routine amidst uncertainty, can help you stay accountable, reduce stress and bring structure in our life. Try to wake up, eat and do your chores around the same time to take charge of the things you can control.
3. Take up a new hobby:
Growing up, our brains were constantly stimulated with co-curricular activities. Enrolling in a sport or art class exposed us to new people and put is in a state of learning new things. It might seem tempting, but do not give in to sleeping until midday.
As adults, we really need to find an outlet away from work and home. Make the most of your downtime to find a new hobby and get in touch with your inner child. Learn a new language, revive an old recipe or join me and start writing.
This could also be the golden opportunity to accomplish your unfinished projects.
4. Exercise:
One of the most important things we all must do to maintain calm in confusing times is exercising. Working out not only uplifts your mood but also improves your memory. There are plenty of workout sessions that you can try at home. You can even mix up cardio with yoga, 4-minute Tabata or shake off your worries with a dance session to keep things interesting.
5. Socialise (virtually):
Thanks to technology, self-isolation doesn’t have to feel lonely. Take this opportunity to catch-up with your friends over a video call and check-in on each other. Schedule a zoom session with your colleagues instead of an email thread. If you haven’t caught on the trend, apps like “Houseparty” allows you to have a session with your friends while playing games like Pictionary, Heads up or Trivia. Jump on it and make it a fun wine session (we won’t mind if it happens while you’re doing the dishes)!
6. Set up a worry time-limit:
Consuming media while trying to study and maintaining a daily routine can get overwhelming. While we like to stay updated, taking in so much information can take a toll on your mental health. Make sure to check the news only once or twice a day. It is important to keep a time-limit on your worries while solely focussing on the current moment.
This is a difficult time that we are all facing, and the best we can do is support one another. If you are worried about the pandemic affecting you or your loved ones, reach out to a friend and focus on the positives. Have a comedy movie marathon or re-read your favourite book.
We are all in this together and like the sun that continues to rise every day, we will get through this.
