Tips for Not Going Stir Crazy During Coronavirus Quarantine
These are strange times.
As I’m rationing out the bread into Ziploc bags and placing them in the freezer - I’m reminded of the stories my grandmother told me during times of war. People acting irrationally because they’re scared of the unknown. Whether it’s toilet paper or hand sanitizer, none of it makes sense. And despite the Internet being a treasure trove of information, it’s also a central repository of misinformation; you just don’t know what to believe anymore. As I’m sitting at home, doing my part to #flattenthecurve with my family, I’d also like to share with you some tips and resources to help us get through this time. Yes, it sucks right now and it’s scary - but we will get through it together. As one global community.
Get the Facts: If you have to follow the news, get the facts. Go with a trusted source like the World Health Organization, or your local government to ensure you’re staying on top of advisories that are being issued frequently these days.
Feeling Symptomatic? Don’t just go straight to the hospital nor to your doctor. First, use this handy self assessment tool by the BC Government. Based on your symptoms, it will tell you what to do next. For most, the tool will recommend a home quarantine. Please save the hospital visits for those who are critical.
Stay home. Practice social distancing so that we #flattenthecurve so we’re not putting ourselves and our communities at risk, and thereby put undue pressure on our healthcare system. It’s not just a trendy hashtag - learn more about what #flattenthecurve means.
Stay healthy. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods and allowing yourself time to exercise.
Free workouts. On the topic of exercise - there are now plenty of online workouts available through YouTube, Instagram or specific apps. Locally, I like the FREE workouts offered by Barre Fitness and the affordable monthly subscription to YYoga at Home.
Wash hands, avoid face. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching your face.
Stay connected! Keep connected with your friends virtually - truly leverage social platforms for social reasons! We need each other right now!
Check on your neighbours. Especially those who are elderly and who you know are immune-compromised. See if they need anything, especially groceries or other basic supplies.
Don’t hoard. Buy what you need. There’s enough for everyone.
Take up a hobby. Or get better with an existing one. I just recently bought a bunch of classical piano music books from Amazon and will be taking up the piano again!
Support local. - buy gift cards from restaurants that are closed; buy take out of delivery from restaurants that are still open. Many local businesses also have online shopping - so now’s the time to keep the economy afloat!
Show empathy. To anyone you meet, be considerate - we’re all in this together.
Show gratitude to the front lines. To the first responders and those on the front line of battling this disease. To work from home is a privilege - they don’t get that privilege and their families are also sacrificing as a result.
Livestream virtual concerts. From performance artists like John Legend to the Metropolitan Opera’s La Bohème - and everything in between! Check out the entire list of artists and live stream dates.
Talk to your kids. If you have young kids, PBS has some great suggestions on how to talk to your kids about Coronavirus.
Go outside. Go out for a walk - but allowing space from others
Meditate! Practice meditation. It’s now more important than ever to practice calming techniques. If you want to learn more about how to meditate, check out my Beginner’s Guide to Meditation.
Clean your house! This is the perfect time to do some spring cleaning!
Bake. Cookies, loaves, all the good stuff.
Drink wine. Now’s a good time as any to break out the good stuff. Or any stuff. Why wait - honestly?
Make love. I predict a serious baby boom at the end of all this and I’ll go broke buying baby shower gifts in a year.
Cook. Whether you’re already someone who loves to cook or you’re someone who burns water, now’s a perfect time to try out a new recipe, or 10.
And lastly, I’m here for you. Even if it’s just a quick DM or an email. Let me know how you’re doing and what you’re doing to get through this weird time.
Be kind to each other.
