As I said last week in How I’m Staying Sane During the Stay at Home Order – Part I, I thrive on structure. I think it’s because during my teaching career, my days were so structured that I knew I could use the restroom at 11:55 a.m. and lunch would last from 12-12:20. I do not exaggerate.
In this post, I in no way mean to dismiss or minimize the emotions many of you are experiencing right now. I, too, fight this fear and have to intentionally keep myself as positive as possible, and it’s exhausting. I’m just sharing what helps me to do this.
Here are some additional examples of steps I’m taking to keep the fear at bay, keep the loneliness for friends and family at bay, and keep focusing on the positives as much as possible.
Virtual Happy Hour. We invite friends and family to join us for Happy Hour and have drinks, sometimes hors d’oeuvres, while we catch up. Phone calls are great too, but actually seeing their faces makes a huge difference.
Rich’s brother Louie and his wife Karen popped up on our computer screen wearing homemade face masks. Friends Tom and Marcia sat in front of their cozy fireplace, flames flickering, which made us feel cozy, too.
We have to cut back on the hors d’oeuvres though according to our bathroom scale LOL.
Daily Walks. I know I mentioned this last time, but it bears repeating. Getting out in the fresh air is like an antidepressant for me. The sound of the birds (no kidding), the change of scenery, the physical movement all raise my spirits. Just to be out of the house for a while makes a huge difference. Later this week we may hit 60 degrees, and I can’t wait!
Our neighborhood FaceBook page posted a request to put a teddy bear in our windows so when families are on a walk, the kids can count the bears. I saw this idea on the national news last night, too. Some people were putting bears and other stuffed animals in their trees, or making signs like an alphabet book, and putting huge stuffed animals on their porches.
Feed My Brain. I’ve stopped succumbing to click bait about the apocalyptic outcome of this. Or the misinformation that stirs the political pot. Instead, I read about people’s kindness, the courage of medical professionals, and creative outlets people have found to deal with isolation. I refuse to dwell on the doomsday misinformation.
I am surrounded at home by good books: fiction, non-fiction, inspirational, spiritual. That’s where I intend to spend my time. I’ll lose myself with Inspector Gamache in a Louise Penny mystery or spend some time with Father Richard Rohr, and read some of Mary Oliver’s poetry.
Count My Blessings. Sometimes when I get down, I give myself a reality check: I have a roof over my head. I have food on the shelves. I have the comforts of my home. I have the world at my fingertips on the Internet. I have all that I need.
I’m starting to post “It’s the little things” on my FB page. What one little thing was a positive in my day? I guess it’s another way of focusing on Gratitude. And focusing on Gratitude can change your life. I know because it’s changed mine.
This is an unsettling time and I find I expend significant energy fighting the fear and despair. I do find comfort in Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s words, “We’re all in this together.” I am with those of you who are afraid. I am with those of you whose energy lags because of depression. I am with those of you who are at sea, lost as to how to shape your days.
If you have coping mechanisms that work for you, please share them in the comments so we can all help each other through this time.
God bless and stay safe and healthy.
Those are some more great ideas, Betty. I hadn’t been out of the house for a month until this week. Twice, I’ve been to a medical facility (for an ultrasound of my broken foot that isn’t healing and then to the doctor). Frankly, I’d rather do the televisit. Anyway, sort of good news–no blood clot and I don’t have to wear the boot anymore. Sort of bad news, it’s arthritis kicking up. 🙁 Could be worse, right? Take care and stay safe.
I’m sorry to hear your foot isn’t healing. I’m glad there’s no blood-clot and you can stop wearing the boot. I had to wear one after surgery for plantar fasciitis and it was a pain – no pun intended.Going to the doctor right now must cause a lot of anxiety, but you got some good news.
I have had to face the fact that it may be a while before I get to the salon. My image in the mirror made me feel old and sad. I am experimenting with hairstyles, I traded the pajamas for real-people clothes. I am preparing my clutter to be donated. One day I even put make-up on, even though no one would see be. Looking nice lifts my spirits. I am reaching out to friends I have lost contact with. I pray at least 3 times a day and in my prayers, I express gratitude for what I do have. I am reading poetry, coloring, and only 20 minutes of news per day. I watch videos of animals and I read. Normality under otherwise unnormal circumstances. I am one of the people with the virus. Abide by the guidelines, STAY AT HOME.
Oh Deb, I hope your case of COVID-19 is a mild one. I will keep you in prayer. Yes, I’m well past my scheduled trip to the salon and my hair is in need of help. I meant to mention wearing make-up even though there is no where to go. Thanks for reminding me. I’ve been putting on make-up and styling my hair (as best I can lol) every day. As you said, looking nice lifts my spirits, too. Your coping mechanisms sound great. I need to pull out my coloring books – I love to color.