This is a scary and difficult time for us for many reasons. People are understandably fearful about the real health risk of COVID 19. Others are laid off, concerned about how to pay bills and keep food on the table. Business owners are worried about whether or not they can afford to keep their businesses running and employees paid. Anxiety is high and it affects us financially, health-wise, mentally and emotionally. Yet with all this...is there anything good that can come out of it? I would say most definitely, yes!
We all wake up in the morning with a list of things we want to happen, expectations about how our lives will go. And recently, most if not all of those expectations have bottomed out. But life is unpredictable and expectations often fall short of our intended outcomes. Not to sound cliche, but it is the way of life. So it is now with COVID 19.
FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL
Focus on taking care of your basic needs: food, clothing and shelter. After that, you have some breathing space to take advantage of the changes that are in front of all of us. To help reduce stress, focus on what you can control. What we do have control over are our expectations, our attitudes and our actions. Realizing you DO have control over more than you realize and then ACTING on what you have control over are key to making the best of what is otherwise a bad situation.
With the change in virtually everyone’s routines leading to some degree of social isolation, there is certainly an opportunity to make improvements in the situation. Here are some suggestions that will help your health.
FIND WAYS TO CONNECT WITH OTHERS
Social isolation is associated with depression, a decline in mental acuity, and possibly heart and immune system compromise. In spite of social distancing, you can reestablish contact with old friends and family. It’s a great opportunity to break the ice since so many people are also reaching out during this time. You can do this by phone, by video call or, with a group, a videoconference. Make it a regular event and set up your next call at the end of your visit.
Serving others by volunteering is a great way to get your focus off your own situation and connect with others. You have the chance to help others who are at high risk for COVID-19, especially those over 65 years old. Reach out to neighbors, friends, and relatives and ask if you can help with chores or run errands for them.
Social media is another great way to get connected if you haven’t already done so. Follow how your friends are doing and share your world with them, learn a new skill, share an existing skill, make a video or just support others through your comments. You can even start a Facebook group for your neighborhood..a way to share information and check in on each other.
BUILD HEALTHY HABITS
With nearly everyone’s routine disrupted, now is a great time to look at your health habits. It’s important to eat well and burn calories each day, which is essential to keeping our body weight under control. The biggest risk of death with coronavirus is related to obesity. Diet and exercise reduces your risk of contracting COVID-19, and that should be enough motivation right there! Now is the perfect time to get started.
Even though some are stuck at home, there are things you can do to improve your calorie burning. Look for ideas on social media to see how others are burning calories. It helps to have a fitbit or other monitor to track your activity. You can get signed up for online exercise classes or yoga, you can buy some home gym equipment online or at the local store, you can go walking or hiking. The key is to see the value of burning calories and get started.
Build a positive sense of accomplishment by taking advantage of this time to work on things that your previously busy lifestyle prevented. Maybe it’s yardwork, home projects, planning for your retirement, getting a hobby going, or spending time with your spouse, significant other or family.
We all agree that these are unprecedented times. Many have suffered and lost. Built into this experience for all of us, however, is an opportunity - if you choose to find it. It’s your decision to make...so start looking. Life is short. Take advantage of the good in every situation...even the scary ones.
