The last few weeks have certainly been a rollercoaster of confusion and fear-mongering, as far as the pandemic that surrounds us, the Coronavirus. Amidst all this chaos, we must remain optimistic that things will get better and this too shall pass. While we wait to hear the Government’s decision of a possible nationwide lockdown, as in the case of Italy and now Spain, are we mentally prepared to deal with the stresses that this may bring? Taking you away from your daily routine, be it work or leisure? Maybe you are dreading the long days locked inside, endless games of scrabble, the kids restlessness and for many, not being able to see anyone at all?🤷🏾♀️. These sudden changes can be difficult to adapt to. It only took me one day to be stuck at home to get lonely and stir-crazy. For someone as busy and active as I am, I need constant stimulation to function productively.
Don’t despair! below are some tips to help you through this crisis:
➡️ Family fitness – there are tons of exercises you can do at home to keep you moving and fit. For example, burpees, squats, sit-ups, press-ups, knee tucks, high knee running on the spot or in your garden. Try doing these as a circuit, 10-12 reps x 3-4 sets.
➡️ You can eat normal, tasty, healthy foods – Just because you’re stocking up doesn’t mean you have to live on non perishable foods and canned vegetables. That’s going to get tiresome real quick, and there are plenty of ways to eat the things you normally would. Fill your freezer with fresh, flavourful soups. Keep pasta in your cupboards and tomato sauce in your freezer. Think about the foods you would want to eat on a typical day; usually there’s a way to keep those around.
➡️ Avoid being too isolated – you may be stuck at home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay in touch. FaceTime, phone calls or Skype is a great way of checking up on family and friends. You will probably need it and so will they.
➡️ Spring Clean – not only is this a good way to help protect against the spread of illness, but it also makes being at home more pleasant. A great opportunity to get those odd jobs done that you keep putting off. Get the children involved and let them pack away old/unwanted toys or clothes.
➡️ Plan out your entertainment – make a list of your favourite movies or playlist. Sure, you can watch the news, but do you really want to get endless updates of the ‘numbers’ who became victims of this deadly virus? The media has a way of exaggerating the symptoms of fear and its effects.
➡️ Seek help or counselling if you are struggling – you may realise that you need to speak with a counsellor to help you through the crisis, or you may be seeing one regularly. Lots of therapists offer counselling over the phone. Speak with your local council for advice or google therapists in your area.
➡️ Work from home the right way – sure it may seem bliss to lounge around in your pyjamas all day, with endless coffee, slouching on the coach. But this can get unproductive quickly. Why not dress as if it’s a normal day in the office. Have breakfast as normal and arrange FaceTime meetings.
➡️ Practice good hygiene – you don’t need a face mask unless you are sick. However, it goes without saying that you should wash your hands regularly. Soap and water is just as effective as hand sanitizer.
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