Some Hints to Stay Sane During this Crisis

OK, you’ve been cooped up in your residence for the last few weeks and there’s no telling when life will return to normal. The situation is too big for any of us to handle on our own. The worst thing you can do now is panic and make things worse. As a president once told our country during a crisis: “The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself!” Great words to heed back in 1941 that are up to date even today. Let’s look at some little things that will keep you from going nuts:

KEEP TO A ROUTINE. Get up and out of bed as early as you can after a good night’s sleep. Get dressed, shower, eat a hearty breakfast and listen to music that you like. Each evening, make a list to organize your activities for the following day. Keep a schedule and follow it. Plan out simple chores such as doing laundry, cleaning and the preparation of food. Stick to it!

GET SOME FRESH AIR: Don’t make yourself a housebound victim. Wearing your mask, go outside. If you’re in an elevated building, try not to use the elevator. Walk down the stairs for exercise and to avoid meeting people. Be cautious!

CONNECT WITH RELATIVES AND FRIENDS: Spend time on the phone to chat and to check on others whom you miss seeing. Cheer them up. Remember, this therapy works both ways.

STOP ENDLESSLY LISTENING AND WATCHING THE NEWS: You don’t need hourly reports. Your job is to keep yourself and others safe by following simple precautions. Schedule a few dedicated times during the day to check in to get updates. Don’t spend endless hours getting depressed by the rants of the networks.

DON’T BE SCARED: Focus on things you can control. Leave the big decisions to our medical advisors and elected officials. Keep a positive outlook by doing the right things to keep safe.

DON’T PANIC ABOUT RUNNING OUT OF FOOD OR SUPPLIES: Stores WII restock their shelves. We are a nation that feeds itself. Keep your anxieties and patience under control. Shop early and don’t hoard items.

BE A ROLE MODEL FOR YOUR FAMILY: Let your family see that you are not panicking. Talk to your kids as you would to adults. They understand more than you realize about this situation. They look up to you, their parent, for leadership and this is a perfect time to exhibit solid, rational, clear headed behavior.

Remember, this crisis will be over, sooner or later but the negative effects of it will linger….unless you take control and overcome the fears, anxieties and stress that accompany all such situations. The ball is in your court. Hit it out of the ballpark!