COVID 19: The Important Things In Life

In the wake of COVID-19, the things we took for granted have become precious. Our deepest gratitude is expressed for simple things like the air we breathe and the luxury of even one meal a day. It’s funny that when the world turns upside down, our eyes are forced open to recognizing the precious gifts around us, the greatest being life itself.

We have begun evaluating what matters and what doesn’t. Travel bans have separated some families, whereas the lockdown has forced some families into the company of their loved ones. Staying with or away from those you love 24/7, has become unavoidable and love, family, and relationships are now put to the ultimate test. For some, such an opportunity for quality time is golden, while for others, such a test can put a greater strain on mental and emotional wellbeing.

So, while we wait anxiously behind closed doors for this evil to pass, how can we maximize every passing minute, being present in the moment, nurturing our mental health, as well as the valuable relationships around us?

Tips for Turning Family Isolation into Quality Family Time

If your time in isolation is spent at home with a spouse, significant other, or your whole family, here are ways you can cope;

1.     Make a plan

Whether or not you’re working from home, don’t just live every day as it comes. Design a schedule (for work or otherwise) and plan your daily activities. That way, you’re less frustrated and you’re being productive and attentive to those around you.

2.     Engage in physical activity

Exercising can help release tension and activate all the feel-good hormones. Couples and families can spend quality time bonding while exercising. A great way would be to adhere to exercise regimes on TV or online.

3.     Get some air

You’re isolated, not in a literal jail. You’re still allowed to see the sun and get some air outside your house anytime you desire. Obviously, don’t step over the line and disregard lockdown instructions but your front porch or backyard are great places to start. Going for a short walk/run is also a great idea as long you keep 10 feet away from others. Being outside for minutes at a time can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

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4.     Have some alone time

There’s no crime in having some alone time. This can be in a different room, away from the noise and company of your significant other or family. You can do whatever you want, read a book, watch videos online, write a journal/book, sing, etc. Self-care is very important. Having some time apart can help you relax and recharge, and improve your communication with those around you. When you’re happier, you become a better person for your loved ones and you’ll treasure moments together.

5.     Plan exciting indoor events

Boredom can also be a major cause of anxiety, which can ruin relationships. You’ve gone from spending 150 minutes a day with your loved ones to 24 hours every day. Now is the time to get creative and find new ways to bond. A great example will be to play “date night”. Have a date planned out and execute it with excitement and anticipation. Sit down to dinner, play games, share a bath, and share romantic feelings. Such a moment can help rejuvenate passion in your relationship.

Game nights and round table discussions are also great for large families to get to know themselves better, work out personal issues, and build a stronger bond.

6.     Stay connected

Even though we’re not allowed to hang out, it doesn’t mean we’re disallowed every other means of socializing. It’s helpful to keep communication flowing among friends, family, co-workers, etc. Check up on your circle, encourage each other, or just have a laugh. Besides, speaking to someone other than people around you is beneficial to your mental health. More importantly, life continues after the pandemic so maintaining those relationships during this time through calls, video chats, online group meetings, etc. would wet the ground for an awesome reunion.

If you have a family, here’s how you can help your children through isolation anxiety;

1.     Be open

Children need some explanation about what’s going on in the world. While it’s important that the information provided to them must be filtered, there’s no need to be secretive. Children have imaginative minds so the absence of an explanation can make them imagine the worst. Front a calm disposition and find a fun way to be open about what’s happening when they ask questions or express their frustrations about how long before they’re back to school or able to see their friends.

2.     Create a reassuring environment

Don’t put your children off or transfer your stress and frustration to them. Understand that they are children and have a lot of energy to burn on activities. Use this opportunity to play with them and engage them in fun activities. Show them special attention and fondness. Children need a reassuring environment, now more than before.

3.     Establish order and balance

A good way to get your children’s mind off this crisis is to create routines that engage them all day long. As much as this may seem like a long holiday, they shouldn’t stop learning and developing various sets of life skills. Your children are looking to you as their hero through challenges, so creating a disciplined routine also reassures them that you’re in control, and they won’t panic.

Now, what if the travel restrictions have temporarily separated you from your loved ones?

Surviving Imposed Long-Distance Relationships

In our generation, long-distance relationships are easier than it once was, thanks to technology! You may be physically alone but not necessarily lonely. Nothing stops you from having a day-long video (or otherwise) over-the-internet conversation with your friends, family, or significant other. Make sure you keep the lines of communication open.

There are so many things you can do together or talk about over a call. A few of them include; having dates, chatting about the same movie you both watched apart, or a book you read, singing together, or just sharing feelings about how you miss each other. These things will not only help you cope through the lockdown but strengthen your passion for each other.

For families, a distant parent can, over video chat, provide counseling and encouragement for their children or help their children through a fun project (such as a coloring book or a paper animal) among other things.

Maximizing Time Spent in isolation

While striving hard to cope with the lockdown (whether apart or together), here are additional things to kill time with;

1. Spend time learning new things like cooking, playing an instrument, etc.
2. Pick up a project you ignored for a while, like painting your room or house, doing house maintenance jobs, cleaning out the cupboards, etc.

Everything above should contribute to maintaining a good mental state

Nurturing Your Mental Health Through the Isolation

If you’re sensitive and struggling or have people around you who are finding it harder to cope, here are some things to try;

1. Limit the amount of news you consume, to avoid exacerbating the feelings of anxiety.
2. Try engaging in an activity that is completely different from your usual routine.
3. Talk about your feelings with anyone around you or anyone you can call over the phone.
4. Prioritize activities that release tension, like breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, etc.
5. Watch comedies on television or online to take your mind off the crisis.

Closing Thoughts

There’s no easy way to cope with any crisis but don’t forget, this is not the end. If we choose to rise above the devastation caused by the coronavirus and take care of our emotional and mental wellbeing, we will become better individuals and the world would become a better place when this is over. Meanwhile, as we take cues from this season to improve ourselves, there could be ways to preserve more lives in the future. Check out our COVID 19: What It Could Mean For Our Environment article to find out how.