Ok – lots of questions over on IG about what I do to stay positive, healthy and productive. So, I thought I’d share them here! My 5 Isolation Tips work for me, so like with anything that works for one …..be sure to modify to make it work for you. We are all unique and have different needs. Here is my general, quarantine routine.
Start The Day With ‘YOU’
1) Set my alarm. I get up at 5am every day. I like that part of the morning to have quiet time, coffee ….maybe a little catch up on a favorite show on TV and have my pup in my lap. This right here, sets the mood for my day! While getting up at 5am may not be for everyone, set a time that allows you to ‘connect with yourself’ before you dive into the kids and/or work. I have always wanted to meditate but have yet to do that – this might be the time to do this. Or perhaps journal.
Then I’ll start my work day with Beautycounter and/or Scout and Cellar. I like to get a few things accomplished before I have to log onto Zoom “Class” with my job as a para-educator. I will respond to emails, direct messages, post a story or IG post and set myself a good hour to do these things. Then I move on. This part of my morning is important because it allows me to check things off my list, which makes a big difference in the flow of my day.
2) Movement. I have to move every day. With this ‘isolation’, we are indoors most of the day. I am not out and about, like I am during my day at the school. I sit most of my day in my home office, which is completely opposite my day “at work”. So, I have to get out. I will either walk my dog before I go into my office or I’ll walk/run with her later in the day. If the walk doesn’t happen, my husband I will do P90X or some kind of workout in the garage.
It’s crazy how any steps we aren’t getting in by being isolated in our homes. I don’t even really check my steps on the daily …..but now that we’ve been at home, I realize now, how much more I usually walk on average, per day.
Get Outside!
3) Sunshine. Along with #2, I realize how much more I saw the light of day going from classes or to the office/cafeteria – whatever the case may be, but I was out there! I used to be outside for recesses and/or PE and now? I have to make myself get out or there could possibly be days, where I just don’t see the sun. So while I love P90X, I am thoroughly enjoying the strolls with the dog and just making sure my body gets that Vitamin D at some point during the day! Vitamin D is super important right now. We need it for so many reasons. With all that we have going on right now, Vitamin D is said to help us tremendously. Obviously, any natural vitamin will!
Fresh air is so refreshing! I know that sounds simple and obvious but it’s true. Get out there and enjoy it for no other reason, but for a change of pace and scenery. For me, it helps my mind and mood so much!
4) Socialize. I make sure to connect with my friends and family daily. It’s so easy to get wrapped up into what we ‘have’ to do but since we aren’t making plans to see someone over the weekend or even seeing people at work, we must not isolate to the point that we aren’t connecting with people. Zoom calls have been amazing!!! So much fun to have virtual coffee dates …or happy hour with wine!
If you’re one to be on zoom business calls all day long for work, it may be the furthest thing on your mind, to get on another call. But at the very least, try and connect with loved ones a few times a week. You need to feel connected. I have had people reach out saying that they haven’t talked to people in weeks – other than comment on a FB post! Unless this is how you usually live your life, then this isn’t healthy. Human connection is so important ….especially if you live alone. This has saved me so many times – just popping on a FaceTime call with my daughter and granddaughter …or a zoom chat with some of the girls from work! If you haven’t done this, message me! I’ll get us all on a call one day and get to know one another! It would be fun – I’m in, if you are!
Your Thoughts, Are Up To You!
5) Positive mindset. I could find other things that I do to let you all in how I’m “coping” through this pandemic but I think positivity is by far, the most important! I’ve stopped following certain friends and accounts that are too negative or too controversial. I choose to remove them from my life at this time. I can go back to them after this is all over with, if I so choose but for now, it’s too upsetting for me to see. I try to live in a place where, everything happens for a reason so while I don’t understand all that is happening and why it’s happening, I don’t need the influence of the nay-sayers, making me feel more unsettled. I like to see silliness at this point. Fun posts of family pics and/or memes that make me laugh, smile and feed good.
I want to surround myself with joy at this time. So if something isn’t serving me or bringing me joy, it’s on pause til the circumstances around me aren’t so uncertain. I can’t control what’s ‘out there’ but I can most certainly control what I let into my home and mind!
I wake up and go to sleep with gratitude. I am healthy, my family is healthy …we still have a roof over our heads and we are safe. For that, I’m grateful and will keep trying to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s all we can do ….and just gotta roll with the punches.
While I don’t want to think of this as the “new normal”, I’m going to live in this space until we are told otherwise. Like I said, I can’t control what is out there – so I have to be in control of my thoughts and mindset. I choose to be positive and I choose happiness.
These are the things that get me through my day. These are the things that keep me healthy. Yes, food is key but my friend, that’s only part of the equation. We can’t eat our way out of depression or negative thoughts. Fuel properly but take into consideration what else might be ailing you from feeling good during these times.
These are unprecedented times. No one in our lifetime has experienced this. I try to remember that, there will be a day we look back and say, “remember when”? And I truly am looking forward to that day.
Sending My Love …
I’ll end this by saying, I am praying for all that have had or know someone who has had this virus. I’m also praying for all that have lost jobs and/or businesses! And parents of little ones, my heart goes out to all the new things you are experiencing with “home school” etc. This is clearly a very hard time for most! I send prayers and positive vibes your way!!!
Stay safe and well. Try and roll with the punches. There’s not a whole lot we can do …..so just be kind to you and give yourself grace. And please ….try to take each day with a positive mindset. The sun will rise and it will set. What you do in between, is your call. Make it the best it can possibly be.
