Ever since the COVID-19 was declared a world pandemic the phrases “Flatten the curve”, “Boost your immune system”, “wash your hands for 20 seconds”, “maintain social distance”, “self-isolate” and “quarantine” have become part of our day to day conversations. I don’t know about you but I feel like I am in a vacuum. Staying sane is a daunting task. 

 For most of us, if not all of us, there hasn’t been a precedence of what is happening around the globe. Every aspect of our lives as we know it has changed drastically. For instance, for someone that sees her parents, little brothers and close friends regularly, it’s been rather tough for me. Like most of you, I’ve had to put on hold or cancel personal plans I had made for the foreseeable future. We are living in “unusual” times.

So how am I keeping sane?

  • Maintaining communication with family and friends

Currently, I am not able to see my loved ones in person due to observing social distancing and this is particularly hard for someone like me who lives alone. However, technology has enabled people around the world to stay in touch.

For example; this past Saturday, I had a zoom dinner with my parents and brothers before proceeding to a zoom party with my close friends. Zoom offers quality video, audio, and a wireless screen-sharing performance across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Blackberry, Zoom Rooms, and H. 323/SIP room systems. You should try it.

In a bid to curb the boredom, on Sunday afternoon I attended an online book club via discord. You notice I didn’t have to leave the house because all these events took place online. From WhatsApp video calls to face time, there are endless ways to maintain and renew contact with family members and old friends.

  • Acknowledging my feelings

Just because someone else has been hit harder than you does not mean that I  should not be sad about my situation. I am not selfish, I am human. The same applies to you.  Remember that acknowledging these feelings is the beginning of healing. Once you accept your current situation, the feelings will slowly lose their destructive effect in your life.

  • Taking care of my mental well being

When COVID-19 was declared a world pandemic, the anxiety virus also came into play. I was either glued to the television or scrolling down my social media channels constantly monitoring COVID-19 updates. While it’s not wrong to want to be informed about what’s happening around the world, constantly monitoring COVID-19 updates only triggered in me an unending spiral of fear, worry, and distress.

This is not good for anyone’s mental health. I found myself worrying about a future I cannot control and though from time to time I am checking what the updates are regarding COVID-19, I have set boundaries on how much news I read. I am trying as much as I can to focus on other activities that are good for my health. I have taken to listening to podcasts, meditation, and simple home work out exercises via the Nike Training Club fitness application which is free. These techniques help me relax. 

  • Looking at this as an opportunity to work on my personal goals

I have taken advantage of the extra time to work on learning new skills online. There are several free online courses via Udemy and Coursera that are helping me develop and sharpen my skills. These are skills that I wanted to hone but somehow life got in the way. I am slowly working towards ticking some items off my personal goals list.

Also, I am working on building my investment portfolio, I started a skincare regimen, researching future travel destinations post-COVID-19 and I cook regularly thanks to Kaluhi’s Kitchen blog. These are some of the few ways I have been keeping busy.

You can do the same about the personal goals you had written down at the beginning of the year, but you somehow forgot about them because life got in the way. It could be writing a book or honing your leadership skills. Whatever it is now is the perfect opportunity to get back on track.

  • Seeing the positive side

This situation has brought me closer to my loved ones as we are in constant communication. For you that are working remotely, see it as an opportunity to spend more time with your family members.

Around the world, countries are working together to fight this pandemic reminding us we are this in together. I have pledged to focus on things I can control and stop focusing on things out of my control. It is my hope that you will join me in staying positive and remembering that, this too shall pass.

Please share with me stories and tips about how you are maintaining sanity during this period. I will be sharing encouraging stories across my social media channels. Who knows? You might encourage someone to not give up.

Lastly, stay home and sanitize often.

Sending you warm virtual sanitized hugs

Best,

Winnie