Guest post by: Jessica Larson, SolopreneurJournal.com
Like most people, you may still be struggling with the effects of the pandemic on your health, livelihood, and lifestyle. The combined stresses of the new normal — working remotely, educating children online, self-quarantining, social distancing, restricting travel, and wearing masks — are enough to drive anyone crazy.
By taking safety measures in stride and doing what you can to adjust, you’re more likely to preserve your health. Then you can focus on measures that save your sanity. Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones during these troubling times.
Taking Precautions Against Infection
Just because some places around the country are reopening doesn’t mean there’s a reduced threat of viral infection. In fact, the opposite is true: The more you go out in public, the greater your risk of contracting the virus. Now, more than ever, it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself and your family.
Wear a mask any time you’re in public places. Practice social distancing and wash your hands often, particularly when returning home from errands or shopping. If you’re a senior or have underlying health issues, stay home as much as possible, especially if the virus is rampant in your community.
Caring for Sick Family Members
As infection rates rise and hospitals overflow with critical coronavirus patients, you may find yourself taking care of a sick family member at home. By learning as much as you can about the virus, you’ll be in a better position to care for an infected loved one.
Talk to your physician and research CDC protocols for caring for a person with COVID at home. Educate yourself on guidelines for segregation of the sick and healthy, use of protective clothing, enhancing air filtration, disinfecting the environment, medications for reducing pain and fever, and precautions for protecting healthy family members.
Caring for Children
With summer camps closed and the threat of schools remaining closed for the 2020 school year, you’ll need to plan for the care and education of your children within the home environment. It’s not going to be easy, but having a plan can help preserve your sanity.
Homeschool veterans have a head start since they’ve been educating their children at home for years. From a nearby homeschool community, you can glean some good ideas about child care, schooling, and extracurricular activities to keep your kids happy and challenged.
Working Remotely
With cases of the virus continuing to climb, working remotely may remain your new normal. If you haven’t done so by now, look around for space you can convert into a home office. The couch or your bed will not cut it forever.
You may be surprised at the extra space you’d have if you rented a dumpster and did a thorough decluttering. With a little ingenuity, you’re sure to find a nook that can serve as effective office space for working remotely.
Financial Insecurity
Loss of income may have you seriously worried about the future. However, worrying won’t solve your financial problems. Taking control of your finances can help minimize the damage.
If you’re not living according to a budget, make one that aligns with your income and expenses, and stick to it. Cut the fat in your spending and separate some funds every payday for emergencies. If your credit cards are maxed out, start paying them down to create a cushion for the future.
Another idea is to avoid expensive appliance or home system repairs by getting a home warranty to cover the repair costs of unexpected breakdowns of major systems or appliances in your home.
And remember: Millions of people are going through this. You’re not alone in your time of need. If you lack finances to purchase necessities or emergency supplies, you can reach out to nonprofits, church groups, school organizations, or other community service programs that are helping people in your area.
Coping with Stress and Anxiety
It’s only natural to feel overwhelmed with all that’s happening during the pandemic. You don’t, however, need to succumb to stress and anxiety. Find safe ways to engage with family, friends, and your local community to get the support you need. Being mentally healthy is just as important as being physically healthy.
When you’re not working, think of activities you might enjoy or projects you can tackle to occupy some of your downtime, so you’re not sitting around dwelling on the negative. Learn a new skill, take day trips to nature parks, start a garden, or do some handyman work around your home to make it safer and more comfortable.
Need extra income? Start a side business by monetizing a hobby. There are lots of ideas online for socially distant side hustles that can channel your creativity and boost your bank balance.
Make sure you’re eating healthy meals, exercising daily, and getting enough rest to maintain good health. Take up yoga or meditation to unwind. And take care of yourself so you can continue to take care of the others in your community. A positive attitude will go a long way toward helping you stay sane and healthy during this crisis.
We hope you found these tips for staying sane and healthy during a pandemic helpful. Do you have tips to share on staying sane and healthy? Please comment them below.
