How have you lived these last weeks of confinement? The weeks may have seemed like a lifetime and many of us have found loneliness and isolation to be a real struggle.
Without our normal daily distractions, we may have begun to realize that we live a fairly isolated way of life, going to work and then home, perhaps taking care of the children, maintaining our homes, perhaps running a business from home. . Skip human interaction and socializing and it can be a pretty lonely way of life.
It’s only when something like a global pandemic occurs that we realize how important incidents like office pranks, coffee mornings, gyms, and quiz nights really are. It’s not just places we pass through; they provide opportunities to catch up, socialize, discuss problems, and improve relationships.
Now that those restrictions are being relaxed, how are you coping with the lockdown? Are you ready to get back to ‘normal’ or do you need a little time to decide what you want, readjust and regain your confidence in the outside world?
At a time like this, it’s important to take care of yourself, take care of your mental health, and do things that invest in a positive mindset, support your well-being, and make you feel good.
– How comfortable is your house? As we’ve been spending more time there, it’s important to keep making sure it’s a nice place to come back to. We may have well used the time and effort put into tidying up, cleaning up, and perhaps adding some sparkle and color through fabrics or pictures on the walls. All the ways that have made your home feel good to come back to. Fresh bedding or a relaxing bath instead of a shower can be ways to treat yourself more kindly. It’s still hard right now, so be kind to yourself. parents or children can become a bit tense if there is no respite and no clear end to the lockdown is in sight yet.
– How have your relationships been at home? Living in each other’s pockets, being on top of your partner, good manners, consideration and a sense of humor are especially important in these exceptional times. Continue to plan constructive ways to spend your time together. Even if you’re tired and don’t feel like making an effort, remember that home isn’t just about you. Maybe put out the board games, kick a ball outside, revisit your music collection or old photo albums. You may find that these moments become cherished moments where your family connection improves.
– Pay special attention to meals. Instead of just grabbing food on the go or eating whatever is around, commit to making your meals a feature, as they can be the most important part of each day. Make sure you eat nice, healthy and nutritious food and take care of yourself. And these good habits can continue long after the lockdown ends.
– Be careful not to drown your sorrows! Alcohol is actually a depressant and when we overindulge, we consume excess toxins, thus becoming intoxicated. This requires our body to work harder to eliminate those toxins, which leads to dehydration, headaches, and moodiness.
– Do you have internet access? Staying in touch with colleagues, family, friends, and social groups online can be a great way to maintain connections, discuss concerns, and minimize loneliness. Many people enjoy Skype and Zoom calls, sharing photos, tips, support and advice – all valuable ways to feel less alone, especially during lockdown. And it’s interesting to see how successful some people have become when they moved their business online. The workshops, the classes, the delicious meals and the clothes have been well adapted to a home delivery service.
– Plan for your downtime. If you live alone, still plan your reading and TV ahead of time. It’s good to have something to look forward to. Make the most of a late night phone call and sit down with a beer for a quiet chat with a friend. Treat yourself very well; Those little touches can make a difference in how well you manage.
– keep a diary it could be another way to find comfort and support. Record how you feel, the thoughts you are experiencing. Keep in mind a daily success or achievement and begin to remember your value, value and achievements. Focus on the good things you find, the beautiful sunrise, an unexpected kindness, and stop dismissing or taking these things for granted. It may take some discipline to incorporate this routine into your daily life, but your journal can gradually begin to include photos, pictures, and other mementos, thus becoming a friend and making the entries more special.
Remember that everyone has been touched by this unprecedented pandemic. No one has been exempt. While some will be affected more than others, it’s important to be kind to yourself and the people in your life. Support each other and as we come out of lockdown appreciate what really matters to you. These difficult times can bring with them great insights and inner peace.