How To keep Sane During A Global Pandemic.

I hate to say it but it’s not the ideal start to the year 2020. There is a global outbreak of Covid-19 and every thing is coming to a halt. The death rate worldwide is increasing everyday and even though March is a festive month for me since it’s my birthday month, the situation is making me feel so disconnected from everything. The overwhelming amount of information on social media is making everyone anxious and the measures of social-distancing and isolation are starting to worry so many people. So I decided to put together a ‘How to keep sane during a global pandemic’.

How to keep sane during a global pandemic:

15 ideas on how to keep your sanity during the implementation of social distancing and self isolation.

Limit the amount of news that you read. The information available is so overwhelming and some of it is misinformation. Stay well informed but cut out on everything extra. Time the amount you spend reading or watching news. This helps a lot! It helps reduce anxiety and fear of the unknown. It really works, try it!

Try to stay positive and know that we will get over this phase. Remember this is something you can’t control. It’s very likely you’ll get the virus and get better before you even know it. The only thing you can do is take precaution. So wash your hands, disinfect commonly used things in your house (more on this below) and implement social distancing.
Social distancing isn’t easy and neither is self isolation. Wake up and stick to a routine. Get out of your Pajamas, wear fresh clothes, do your skincare routine, put some makeup on and spritz a fragrance. It will instantly lift your mood. Then stick to your routine and it can be as simple as cooking, tidying up, de-cluttering or doing activities with your kids.
Remember to get some fresh air. Go out in your garden, a park close to you or just step out of your house for a bit of a change. Keep at a distance from other people and just take a walk. Keeping fit and getting some kind of exercise is so important especially since gyms are a no go. Just proceed with caution and wash your hands when you get back. You could also put on a YouTube video and incorporate any form of exercise. If you are in the UK, National Trust has announced that it’ll be removing all park and car park charges. So make use of these parks, it’ll keep your mental health in check too.
Download a mediation app such as ‘calm’ and practice meditation. It will not only help you relax, it’ll reduce your anxiety too. Practice breathing exercises or just play some music and try to relax for 10/15 minutes. We are constantly fed with an information overload so the best way to relax is to just close your eyes, take long breaths and think of a happy place. Thinking of your happy place will instantly calm you down and relax you.
Think of the time spent at home as an opportunity to spend more time with your family, kids and parents. Life is super busy and sometimes being forced to stay at home can really help create those bonds.
Focus on a hobby and use the time spent at home to get creative. Cooking, reading, crafts, blogging, photography are some of the things you can work towards. Get Creative!
Take this opportunity to get closer to God. Establish prayers and try to get the family involved too. Thank God for being alive and all the blessings bestowed upon you. Use this time for Spiritual or Religious reflection.
Binge watch your favourite Netflix/Amazon Prime shows. There would be no other opportunity like this, so avail it! Make your own popcorn at home or grab your favourite snacks and watch your favourite shows/films.
If you are fit and healthy, use this opportunity to help the vulnerable, elderly and the less fortunate. Get them groceries, cook a meal for them or help them in any way you can. The feeling of helping someone is an amazing feeling plus you get rewarded for it in the Hereafter.
Pamper yourself! Put an oil or hair mask on your hair, leave a mask on your face, do your nails and look after yourself. For me, a swipe of bright lipstick always works. Looking after yourself will lift your moods instantly. When in isolation, it’s the little things that count!
Go for a drive! Play your beloved tunes and go for a long drive. It’s a good change from being at home. Take a disinfectant with you and wipe down your car interiors too for your next drive.
Use the time you have to declutter, spring clean and organise your house. Involve your kids in this too. As Marie Kondo would say, keep things that spark joy! Clean and organise your kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, pantry, playroom and toys.
Social distancing during this outbreak applies to the physical aspect of meeting people. You can still be in touch with your friends, family and grandparents through social media apps. Now is the time to make use of the technology on our phones. Call or FaceTime everyone to stay in contact. Sharing your feelings and worries with someone helps reduce those feelings so make sure you talk to someone. We are all going through the same situation so everyone needs a friend they can talk to. Be that friend!
Mums and dads will have it really tough with the kids at home and nowhere to take them. Create a routine for your kids so they know what to expect. Get them involved in chores, keep them busy with arts and crafts, keep them active either at home or take them to a park but be sure to avoid swings. Use this time to home school them. Scholastic and tynker are great sites for educational resources. Have a plan for them or else all hell will break loose 😉.

These were my ideas on how to keep sane during a global pandemic. I Hope some of this helps and each one of us get through these testing times safe and well. Make a habit of disinfecting things such as door handles, light switches, fridge handles, microwave, kettle, toaster, dials on the heater, taps, cooker buttons, washing machine dials, dishwasher dials, security alarm key pads, remotes and phones. Basically anything that you touch frequently.