The uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic has many of us on edge and feeling anxious. We’re wondering what’s going to happen next, how bad is it really going to get, and when is it going to end?
Our daily lives have been disrupted by canceled events, closed schools and work from home employer mandates. All of this can throw us way off-balance, causing unhealthy eating habits, excessive drinking, lack of sleep, TV binge-watching, and on and on.
If ever there was a time to work on balance, that time is now.
Here are a few things you can do to find balance when anxiety and uncertainty are at an all-time high:
Take a deep breath. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know by now, I say this for everything…because it works! Count to 5 as you breathe in, hold, and count to 5 as you breathe out.
Keep your morning routine. If you’re working from home and/or are home with your school-aged children, continue your morning routines as you normally would. Wake up early, exercise, make your bed, shower, and dress like you’re going somewhere, and eat breakfast. Doing this will put you in the right frame of mind to be productive.
Take a 15-minute walk. Step away and take a 15-minute walk. The fresh air will give you perspective, re-energize you, and reset your mind making it ready to tackle the next project.
Support each other. These are trying times. It’s easy to become frustrated with family members and colleagues. Try not to react or judge, and don’t place blame. Find empathy and be kind. Everyone is feeling stressed. The more we can come together to help and support each other, the better and more balanced we’ll feel.
Get connected. If there is a silver lining in all of this, it is that it will give you a chance to slow down and re-connect with your family, friends, community or customers. For those living with family or roommates, watch movies together, play games, do puzzles, cook, bake, practice yoga or whatever it is that will allow you to spend quality time with each other. For everyone else in your life, lean into technology. This is when being connected online is a blessing. Use Facetime, text messaging and old fashioned phone calls to connect.
What ideas do you have to stay balanced during these crazy times? I’d love to know. Leave me a comment at the end of the post and if you’ve enjoyed this post, I’d love it you share it with your world.
Photo by Laura Gilchrist on Unsplash