DEAR YOU,
I know you are wondering… I know you have a lot of questions in your head about how, why and when this will end just like I do. In this trying times you may be anxious of your own thoughts maybe in the middle of the night or every morning as our lives changed radically as quickly as how cases of COVID-19 rises all around the globe and above all in the own community that you and your family is in. It serves no expectation, you and me, your baby brother or sister, your mom and dad, your son and daughter, your grand, your partner, your boss, your leaders, the richest or the poor, we are all affected.
Some are battling with life and death, maybe winning or taking chances of any miracle they can get. Alone with fear dying or of hope to endure and my heart breaks knowing it can be you or me. Some lost their job and struggling with empty stomach or empty pockets looking for money to pay for their bills. Some are miles away from their families worrying for their own good and stressing to the safety of their love ones. Some already lost count of how many number of days they have been staying home feeling unproductive, worthless and useless. Some are out there in the hospital or health care center, in the grocery, at the farm, in the diner or control points and border working around the clock to curb the spread of the virus.
We are of different battles and since you are there reading this, believe me when I say you are blessed and there are still a lot of things in store for you.
After all of this, notice how the nature recovered. The air, the ocean, the galaxy, the mountains, the forest, the plants and flowers, the animals are waiting for you. You are safe, alive and surely can accomplish a lot more because you are given plenty of time to think and plan for your goals. You can now evaluate how life is going whether you are in the right job now or you need to start another after this. Maybe study or pursue something you really wanted badly for so long or think about whether you are with the right people and start reflecting and establishing your self-worth. You now have plenty of time to exercise and do yoga at home and try to eat clean and start being healthy. You can now turn your house or flat to a clean and beautiful home. You also are given an opportunity to know Jesus and take a lift of faith.
Hey, this unique challenge will pass and I am optimistic that you can get through this. Focus on what you have and what you can do. You can still live your purpose at home and surely can inspire and help others by spreading positivity and kindness around. You got this!
COVID-19 Lock down Guide: Managing Anxiety and Isolation During Quarantine
Since the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic, many of us, even those who have not been infected by the virus, will choose to quarantine in our homes for the upcoming weeks. The goal is to help you maintain mental health and psychological well being during isolation, quarantine, stress and anxiety due to Covid-19 (Coronavirus), as well as make good use of your time at home, including doing things that help you learn, grow, and thrive.
Change “I am stuck alone” to “I can finally focus on myself at home”
Approaching this time with a mindset of feeling trapped or stuck will only stress you. As dismal as the world may feel right now, think of the mandated work-from-home policy as an opportunity to refocus your attention from the external to the internal. Doing one productive thing per day can lead to a more positive attitude. Set your sights on long-avoided tasks, reorganize, or create something you’ve always wanted to. This is your chance to slow down and focus on yourself in the comfort of your home.
Get used to your normal routine
Not only will sticking to your normal routine keep you active and less likely to spiral, it will be easier to readjust to the outside world when it’s time to get back to work. Try and maintain some semblance of structure from the pre-quarantine days. For those individuals with children, sticking to a routine might be easier; however as you work from home, it could be tempting to fall into a more lethargic lifestyle, which could lead to negative thinking. Wake up and go to bed around the same time, eat meals, shower, adapt your exercise regimen, and get out of your PJ’s. Do laundry on weekends.
Avoid overthinking over endless Coronavirus coverage
Choosing only certain credible websites for a limited amount of time each day (perhaps two chunks of 30 minutes each) will be in your best interest during this time. Freeing up your day from work or social obligations gives you plenty of time to obsess, and if you have a tendency to consult Google for every itch and sneeze, you may be over-researching the pandemic as well.
A chaotic home can lead to a chaotic mind
With all the uncertainly happening outside your home, keep the inside organized, predictable and clean. Setting up mental zones for daily activities can be helpful to organize your day. You can try not to eat in bed or work on the sofa- just as before, eat at the kitchen table and work at your desk. Loosening these boundaries just muddles your routine and can make the day feel very long. Additionally, a cluttered home can cause you to become uneasy and claustrophobic of your environment- so keep it tidy. It will also benefit your health if you keep your environment clean.
Develop a new ritual
With this newfound time, why not do something special during these quarantined days? Perhaps you can start a daily journal to jot down thoughts and feelings to reflect on later. Or take time to do gardening, connect with your loved ones over FaceTime every morning, or start a painting which you can add to everyday. Having something special during this time will help you look forward to each new day. Or talk to me, get in touch with your life coach today, lifetalkwithkiaki@gmail.com.