It’s Been Weird. How Do You Keep It Together During This Challenging Time?

Let’s face it, it’s been tough the past few days. It is a moment of profound fear and uncertainty. It’s been weird. How do you keep it together during tough times?

We are dealing with a severe pandemic that has claimed the lives of many individuals thus far. Communities around the globe are in lockdown, and health systems are operating beyond their capacity. Some experts believe that those who recuperate from the virus might be shunned with significant mental health problems later on. But there’s nothing you can do since we are heeding public health advice to stay home and practice social distancing.

Nations around the globe quarantine their citizens to slow the spread of coronavirus. This approach is working in some places, but containing a pandemic is not an easy turn. Here are some things you can do in the meanwhile to help you cope with this challenging time.

Unplug from it all. Have you been watching the news lately? There’s only one subject: Corona. Covid19. Coronavirus. It might be communicated differently or call it what you want, they are only talking about the coronavirus pandemic. So I suggest you unplug from time to time. Don’t just turn off your TV, I am referring to all media outlets reporting on the pandemic. Hear me here, I’m not saying to not check on the news at all. But do not just stay stuck to watching the news because it can drive you nuts.

Learn a new skill. Take an online class. Many of us, our jobs have ceased operations temporarily, and you might have a lot of more idle time than you did a few weeks ago. I recommend that you use this extra time off to do something beneficial. Websites such as Coursera, Udemy, edX, offer free online classes on things you’d never thought they actually teach in school. From photography to meditation routine, you can learn anything online nowadays.

Reconnect with your families and friends. Why do I say, reconnect? The hurdles of life, and the back and forth from and to our jobs leave us with little time to see and be with our loved ones. I personally have friends that I have not spoken with since I’ve relocated. I’ve recently reconnected with most of them from calling to check-in. Pick up your phone and iPad, check on your new and old friends. Check on your family members who live far away from your city. Reunite virtually and share some words of encouragement. Remember, we’re all in this, no matter where you are in the world.

Do something that makes you happy. What is it that lifts you up when you do it? Is it binge-watching Cooking shows? (Like me) Is it baking? Is it playing the keyboard? Is it exercising? Is it praying? Is it meditating? This is the time to continually do something that takes your mind away from the craziness whenever possible. As a matter of fact, I’ve set up a specific time to pray daily since that’s what keeps me balanced during tough times. I strongly encourage you to find your happy place and set time apart to do just that.

Your mental health matters as much as your physical health. If you don’t take periodic pauses to recenter your mind, it could severely impact you in ways you won’t even think of. I know you just want things to return to a semblance of normalcy, but remember, you’re not alone. We will get past this.