Humans, by nature, are social beings, and this is the main reason why social distancing is such a big adjustment for us. That said, social distancing is crucial, but it’s important to remember that there are many ways that we can stay positive and even have some fun while staying safe during this difficult time.
Here are our top five ways to stay positive while maintaining social distancing during the COVID-19 situation.
1. Keep in contact with friends:
Pick up the phone and call someone. Yes, actually speak to them, hear each other’s voices. We’ve all grown accustomed to the convenience of messaging apps, but nothing can replace hearing someone’s voice. Kick it up a notch with one of the countless video chatting apps out there. These messaging apps are the best! They’re easy to set up and use, and what parent or grandparent wouldn’t want to see their kids or grandkids?
Why it’s important: It reminds us, and everyone we speak to, that we’re not alone.
2. Exercise:
As if we didn’t already know the wide-ranging benefits of exercise, here’s another reminder. In addition to the many physical benefits of exercise, it also causes your body to release endorphins, which are chemicals that reduce your perception of pain and trigger positive feelings. These endorphins will actually make you feel happy, positive, and also help you combat stress and anxiety, thus boosting your immune system.
Go for a walk or run, do some yoga or stretching, or participate in an online exercise class online (there are tons of free ones available).
Why it’s important: Exercise will help you stay healthy now and you might even adopt a new healthy habit which lasts even after this situation has subsided.
3. Mindfulness Meditation:
Mindfulness meditation is the act of purposely being mindful, or paying attention to the present moment, without judgement. A growing number of people struggle with mental health issues, and mindfulness meditation can help you learn to focus on the present moment. Daily meditation, for about 10-20 minutes, can have remarkable benefits for both your physical and mental health. Not sure where to start? There are several free apps, websites, and online videos that are designed for beginners.
Why it’s important: Mindfulness meditation teaches you to increase the space between stimulus and response, as opposed to instinctively reacting to things … which will definitely come in handy as you’re stuck at home for a while, possibly with your kids.
4. Learn:
Stoke your inner curiosity and learn something new. Whether it’s learning to play the guitar that’s been sitting in your basement for a few years, or learning how certain things work. You have some extra time now so make productive use of it and build that brain of yours.
Why it’s important: Your brain is like a muscle and the more you exercise it, by learning new things, the healthier and stronger it will be. Plus, it’s a welcome distraction from all the negativity floating around.
5. Keep things in perspective … this too shall pass:
Keep things in perspective. While the Coronavirus situation has had widespread effects on all aspects of our lives, it’s important to keep in mind that this too shall pass. The entire world is working collectively to get this situation under control. This is a learning experience for everyone: let’s use this situation to learn about what’s most important and what’s not.
Why it’s important: Perspective is key for all situations, including this one, and understanding the temporary nature of this situation will help you stay positive as you navigate through this experience.
What are you doing to stay positive right now? Let us know.