In this blog post, I’ve summarized all relevant information I’ve gathered on living wisely given the Covid-19 situation. Big thank you to all the leaders out there doing their best to help alleviate everyone’s worries and anxieties. As I gather more information, I’ll add to the post.
If You’re Feeling Bored
Try any of these productive and meaningful activities:
- Organize your photo gallery and create digital albums or scrapbooks. Then share these happy memories with friends.
- Re-organize your book shelf and discover an old book to read.
- Clean your external space. Messiness is an unnecessary stress that is within our control.
- Have an indoor workout routine.
- Call friends and people who need support, especially those you haven’t talked to in a long time.
- Meditate daily.
- Brainstorm new ideas and write a business plan.
- Do an online class or workshop.
- Have virtual game nights with family and friends.
- Doodle or draw or paint.
- Start that blog or video channel or creative project.
(Thanks to: On Purpose Podcast 11 Indoor Activities to Reduce Stress, Beat Boredom, and Boost Positivity)
If You’re Feeling Lonely
What you might really be craving is not necessarily the physical presence of someone but rather a shared experience. So schedule shared experiences like virtual tea time with family or virtual dinner party with friends.
Learn to become good company for yourself. Journal your thoughts freely. If you don’t like writing, record voice notes to yourself. When you read/listen to your problems after, it’s much easier to view your problems objectively and then solve them.
(Thanks to: On Purpose Podcast 3 Ways to Deal with Loneliness and Healthy Social Distancing)
If You’re Feeling Frustrated at People
Recognize that people need both social interaction and also a place to retreat for privacy. Have an open conversation with the people at home about rules for private time.
(Thanks to: How to Not Go Crazy During Quarantine with Charles Duhigg)
Speaking from personal experience, forcing the other person to agree that you are “right” is wrong. Maintaining harmony is right. That means helping the other person feel valued and cared for, that they are more important than your desire to be “right”.
If You’re Feeling Addicted to the News
Checking the news is like playing the slot machine at a casino. Most of the time, you get no reward, but then randomly you get a big reward (e.g., a big headline). That’s extremely addictive. Bring awareness to how almost each time you check, nothing really happened. That will reduce your desire to check. Then set 1–3 times a day to check the news. This way, there will probably be something relevant each time you check, and you will lose the desire to check constantly.
(Thanks to: Feel Better Live More Podcast How To Manage Anxiety In The Face Of A Global Pandemic with Dr Judson Brewer)
Another idea is to choose one person in your family or friend group to be the news reporter for that day and filter news to report. Take turns on different days.
(Thanks to: Happier in Hollywood Bonus Episode: Parenting And Staying Positive During The Covid-19 Crisis)
If You’re Feeling Anxious
Try the Five Finger Breathing technique:
- Put one hand out.
- Use your other hand’s index finger as a tracer.
- Breathe in while tracing up the outside of your pinky finger. Breathe out while tracing down the inside of your pinky finger.
- Repeat for the ring finger, middle finger, index finger, and then thumb.
- Repeat for the whole hand as many times as you want.
Another technique is to be curious about that anxiety. Ask yourself, “Where do I feel anxiety in my body? Is it more on the right side or the left side? Or is it more in the front or in the back? What does it feel like to be curious about that question?” When we are curious about the anxiety, we are already unwinding and letting go of that anxiety.
Spend 15 minutes everyday on your mind, body, and heart (connections) everyday. For example, 5 minutes of breathing exercises, 5 minutes of dancing, and 5 minutes of sharing best wishes to friends.
(Thanks to: Feel Better Live More Podcast How To Manage Anxiety In The Face Of A Global Pandemic with Dr Judson Brewer)
If Someone Else is Feeling Anxious
They probably don’t need you to solve their “problem”. What they really need is for you to be present with them, listen, and give them a hug. (Or if you’re not a touchy-feely person, you can make them a cup of tea or get them a snack to eat.)
(Thanks to: Feel Better Live More Podcast How To Manage Anxiety In The Face Of A Global Pandemic with Dr Judson Brewer)
If You’re Feeling in a Lull:
Keep a minimum checklist of your daily to-dos. For example: Make the bed, check-in with one friend, do one nice act for someone at home, etc.
(Thanks to: Happier in Hollywood Bonus Episode: Parenting And Staying Positive During The Covid-19 Crisis)
