Keeping Well in this Covid 19 Climate

With the amount of information that is coming daily, it can get overwhelming. This new ‘normal’ has caught us all off guard and has taken away the stability that defined us. Not having a clear picture of what we need to do, adds to our uncertainty and anxiety. However, we can make a few changes during these times to make sure we make the most out of our time spent at home.

Scheduling your day in creative ways-

Even though we are not going to work, gym, park or meeting up with family and friends, we can keep to a schedule. Having a set time for different activities will get everyone in a routine and will help create a more calming atmosphere. For example, cooking a meal where the whole family is involved. This will help in being more mindful of what we eat, and be part of the government food guidelines about not only having more nutritious food but making sure there is conversation to be had throughout- from preparation to enjoying the meal together.

Social reconnection –

We are social creatures and we need to connect with people, even through social distancing. There are so many great mediums we can use to make sure we connect with family, friends and neighbours. Taking time out to actually talk to people on the phone or through WhatsApp will not only help with the loneliness that others feel but will improve our own happiness level as well. If we have elderly neighbours, we can ring them up and ask if they need groceries. At a time like this, many are helping others and bringing out the best of us.

However, we need to be aware that our modern technology should be used wisely. Information overload can add to our stress levels and we should limit the time we spend focusing on the news. It is easy to focus on stories that can trigger our anxieties and we should try to use reputable sites and not spread “chain letter” news that may or may not have any basis on reality.

Try something new-

We have always bemoaned not having enough time to do or learn creative activities. Now that we have time, we should make use of it. We all have something in the back of the closet that we bought, thinking that we would master it. It is time to dust off that sewing machine, guitar or paint set and canvas. What better time to learn a new language. By the time the lockdown has ended, we may not be perfect, but still may be pretty good at it.

Exercise

Try to have some time in the day to do a bit of stretching or add in some cardio workouts from YouTube, if the weather does not allow you to go out, or there are already several neighbours out there. Doing this with the family can make it a fun event and keep you fit. Alternatively, online Yoga may help you relax and stretch at the same time. And remember, it is easy to nibble when you’re bored. After a few weeks of extra, unnecessary snacks, it could get worse than after the holidays!

We’re all in this together

By working together through this and supporting each other, we will make it to the other side in better shape and be ready to participate fully in our Alberta. We have to look to a brighter future and be ready for all the new challenges that we will face ahead.