Okay, shit has gotten pretty scary in the world as of late. I’ve been avoiding making this post because I’ve been stressed and trying to keep calm. At this point we have been in quarantine for about three weeks and there has been so many unknowns. For people with anxiety this can seem like our worst nightmare. In this post I will be focusing fully on what I am finding works for me during this difficult time.
I am not going to go into facts and stats as I am not a professional on any of this. Here is a list of tips and tricks that I have found that are making this quarantine a little easier for me:
- Staying Up to Date
If you do want to be in the know and keep updated then I would suggest choosing 2-3 websites that are reputable. For me these include NPR and the CDC. Another good idea is to limit yourself to how much you are viewing these things as some of the information can be scary. I check in about 2-3 times per week. - Make a Schedule
I am quarantining mostly alone because my fiance is an essential worker. This leaves me a bit lonely. Designing a schedule and sticking to it can be very helpful. This can include things like taking a walk, self care, crafting, cleaning, baking, meditating and resting. - Calling Friends and Family
Facetime has been my savior for when I get lonely. We have a lot of technology now and even though we are not physically together we are also not alone. - Binge Netflix
Aint nothin wrong with a full day of watching TV or a movie. Don’t make it habit, but treat yoself love! - Stay In Touch With Your Therapist
I still see Jen twice a week through video chat. Yeah, it’s not the same but it helps. She is still helping me through a lot of my anxiety. - Self Care
I recently wrote down a bunch of different self care ideas and put them all in a small teapot. I’ll chose one at random and give myself a little pick me up as needed. - Medications
Make sure you are still taking your medication as prescribed. It is imperative. If you have medication that you can take as needed don’t be afraid to take them if you’re feeling some type of way. Make sure that you don’t run out and call prescriptions into your pharmacy when you’re running low. - Learn Something New
Take this time to research something that has always interested you. Order some crafts off of amazon or Etsy. Learn a new language from Duolingo. There has to be something that you have put off doing, maybe now is the time! - Practice What You’re Going to Order When You Can Finally Go Out to Dinner
What? I want tacos.
There are so many things that have changed and right now this is our “new normal”. We have to adapt so that we can push through together. Quarantine means staying home so that we can #flattenthecurve. The more we pay attention to the guidelines set out for us, the quicker we will be able to enjoy each other again. This is not going to last forever. Try your best to focus on what you can control and make a list if that helps. I’ll be back to touch on some more things and go into detail on others in the days to come. Stay safe out there and wash ya damn hands.
Everything’s right so just hold tight
A Bowl of Oatmeal 