As we round week 5 of the Covid 19 quarantine, we have to start asking ourselves… how much more can we take? Well sit tight friends. Currently the only thing we are seeing are extensions in prolonging the stay at home orders and any conversations about re-opening only seem to end in politicians squabbling.
Seeing as no one has a definitive answer on when we’ll be permitted to leave our houses, we must begin taking drastic measures ourselves to help create a sense of balance and peace within our home and within ourselves.
Yes, I know, it may sound a bit emotional but everyone’s mental health is taking a serious hit whether you’re feeling it yet or not. And if you’re not feeling it..consider yourself lucky. And to be honest, you’re most likely going to hit a wall in the coming weeks anyway so this is still for you too.
We need to make sure, as we navigate through this time, to consider every part of ourself that is being affected. So let’s take a look at how we can stay sane while being stuck at home.
*Evaluate Your Current Responsibilities
The first thing that you need to do is evaluate your responsibilities. This is going to be different for everyone so try not to compare unless you know someone in a similar situation. Then it’s fine.
But seriously, check off everything that you need to do. These things include work schedules, possible unemployment filing, finances, loan applications, kids schools closing, homeschooling, home scheduling and routines, summer plans, housing issues, and more. The responsibilities are endless.
So it’s important we tackle productivity if we have any hope of getting through this smoothly.
*Make A List Of Your Must Do’s
Make a list of all your responsibilities. This is important. Make sure to review all of them. Decide which ones you really need to handle, which ones your partner can handle, or others that you have no control over.
The ones you have no control over scratch off the list right away. There is no sense in making yourself depressed if there’s nothing you can do about it. By physically scratching it off the list, you are letting go of this responsibility. (Also the physical act of crossing it off helps adapt it to memory that it’s no longer to be tended to.)
Do not waste your energy on this. A huge part of staying sane is saving your energy for important and positive items that will give back to you. Not waste it on odds and ends here and there.
*Delegate Tasks To Your Partner
Now, make sure you are taking control of the responsibilities that directly affect you. Make sure you are delegating some to your partner if your list is absurdly and unrealistically long. Organize your tasks. This will help you get a visual idea of what needs to get done everyday rather than have a headache trying to remember them.
We are working to ease your thoughts. The more you have organized, the less frantic you’ll feel.
*Cross off Silly Tasks
After you have your MUST DO list of responsibilities, I want you to read it through 3x and really see if you can’t cross off one or two more superfluous items. We want that list lean and tight.
There is enough emotional stress happening in the current situation that having trivial tasks will only waste your time, energy, and most likely make you agitated. So really look at the list and make sure everything is a MUST DO.
All done? Wonderful! Next comes the fun part. Below you’ll find the perfect tips to make sure that your list gets done while also providing you with enough breaks so as to avoid overwhelm and exhaustion.
Let’s take a look.
Tip 1. Stick To A Routine
This is key when working within the confines of any new environment while also dealing with ever changing stresses. The routine is what you will fall back on to help you get through those tasks you wrote down and make sure everything gets done.
This routine will create comfort and balance in your day. Make sure to create a routine that works for you and your family or whoever you are with. If you’re currently alone, even better because you can be the sole decision maker.
But stick to the routine. Habits make you more productive. If you don’t want to feel like you’re going crazy, follow a routine everyday. Stick to it. You can do this. This is the most important thing!
***If you need help creating a positive routine check these 2 posts here for tips, tricks and finding success.
Tip 2. Create Personal Boundaries
If you are at home with a family, especially kids, boundaries will become your best friend. Boundaries are a must have regardless of what is going on. I know..easier said than done. I have a really hard time with boundaries myself but find that I need to practice that more than ever right now.
But again, if you want to keep your sanity, you have to start putting boundaries in place. Everyone is in a fragile state at the moment whether you feel it or not. By creating boundaries, you’re able to protect your energy, keep a calm peace of mind by knowing what you are and are not allowing, and create space for you to just be.
And trust me, those moments of just being still are vastly important in times like this.
So take the 30 minutes and evaluate what you need to help make sure your space is one leading to productivity, calm, and happiness.
Maybe it’s your kids being with your partner in the morning while you work, and switching off for the afternoon. Maybe it’s you handling the homeschooling while your partner manages the meals.
If you’re alone, perhaps its making sure you turn off work by a certain time each evening and winding down with one glass of wine.
Whatever it is, make sure your boundaries are in place.
Tip 3. Take Breaks!
Another important tip is to make sure that you are taking breaks within your day. And no, this does not mean that you finish a conference call in your room and take a break from work by helping your child finish their science lesson in the living room.
This means, take a real break. A few actually.
I know, with everyone’s schedules up in the air, breaks can seem impossible to some. However, when creating your routine, make sure to include breaks. Every routine should have 2-3 breaks worked into them. So if it doesn’t yet, go back and edit it.
Breaks are necessary to help recharge your batteries, energize you for part two of the day, and also give your head a break from all the noise and screen time. I find myself getting headaches from looking at the screen too much and have started using blue light blocking glasses to help alleviate some of that. And you know what, I should probably be taking more breaks! So do that.
But seriously, trying to stay sane while managing all the responsibilities you have without taking breaks sounds pretty unrealistic and silly.
Take the break. You’ll be happy you did and be a little less crazy because of it :).
Tip 4. Let It Out
This tip is a really important one and one I know gets harder as you get older. It’s to be emotional when you need to be.
That means, if you need to cry then cry. If you need to vent to a friend then call them. But let it out. If you have any hope of staying sane in this highly sensitive and stressful time, then you cannot let all that emotion remain pent up inside of you. That’s psychology 101.
Everyone is feeling something. Maybe you’ve been furloughed, maybe you’re actually home by yourself and it’s lonely. Or maybe you’re a mom with three kids and a husband and are just exhausted from running between work calls, screaming kids, and doing homework.
Take the break. Take the space. And let it out.
If you don’t, you’ll most likely begin an argument with someone you love and feel even worse after.
Let it out. But appropriately.
Tip 5. Explore New Hobbies
This one might seem a little less obvious, what with people being much busier than expected. But since we are talking about taking breaks, setting boundaries and so forth, finding time for a new hobby might be something worth looking into.
If you can work the space and time into your routine (which you should) finding a peaceful hobby will help regulate your energy and emotions. It will keep you calm and focused on a sustained “chill” activity. Some popular ones are puzzles, painting, and obviously reading.
Perhaps a good book during a bubble bath? …just a thought.
Tip 6. Get Fresh Air
The last tip to round out this post, don’t worry I have a bunch more coming in the next few, is to get some fresh air. I know that this sounds contradictory to the stay at home orders everyone is following right now, but you should try and get some air.
I don’t mean frolic and play in the parks, tan on the beaches, or have picnics on the pier. Yes I’m talking to you people in front of my building! This is not picnic time!
But going out for a brisk walk hopefully with minimal people around, will help lift your spirits and brighten your day. It will also help with a little vitamin D action from the sun, which is a proven mood enhancer.
Also, the longer you stay inside the harder it will be to get out. And eventually we will all be returning to some kind of outdoor life, so practice a 10-15 minute walk when you can.
*Summary
Alright parents and non-parents. You have a bag full of tricks to help keep you looking straight, practicing your calm, and staying sane during this lockdown. And if you lose it once or twice, don’t feel bad. I’m sure we all will by the end of this.
But the more you practice the tips above, the healthier and less crazy you’ll feel. Do it for your family but more importantly for yourself. Stay healthy and stay safe.
And as always, If you have any questions, comments, or ideas please share them in the comments section below with your fellow parents! And definitely subscribe to the newsletter for updates and ongoing happenings at TylekTeaches.com. The subscription link is just on the right hand side of this post. See you there!
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