Having experienced four quarantines within the last few months, I have learned a thing or two about self-preservation. Quarantine is not agreeable by any means, but there are things you can do to successfully navigate your quarantine. Not all of the following advice will resonate with you; however, I encourage you to identify a few that help you stay focused and mentally resilient.
1. It is a matter of perspective
Focus on the positive aspects of your life and your situation. Focus on the benefits, no matter how slight or unimportant they seem. Being positive yet realistic will help you stay prepared for potential challenges ahead.
2. Be comfortable with your own company
This can be difficult when we are increasingly reliant on interactions with people, particularly through social media. Schedule some quiet time every day, where it is just you and your thoughts. Reduce distractions (yes, put away your phone), sit and enjoy your own company. Let your mind wander or try a new meditation technique. It is amazing how much calmer you can feel following a few deep breathes.
3. Maintain a routine
Just because you are in quarantine and temporarily bound to one location, does not mean you can relinquish all daily structure. It is important to go to bed and get up at a normal time. Eat meals at regular intervals and schedule some daily physical activity. Try a new YouTube video, an app or simply count your steps within your location. This is also a good time to implement a push-up or plank challenge.
4. Find an affirmation or message that speaks to you
If you find yourself in a funk, have a saying that keeps your sharp and focused. For example, mine was Desiderata by Max Ehrmann, or simply telling myself: This too, shall pass. Keeping a positive focus helped me be more pleasant to be around and more productive.
5. Challenge yourself
If you want to stay healthy, you need to stimulate growth. This applies as much to physical training and muscular conditioning as it does to keeping your mind sharp. Learn something new, push yourself physically and work outside of your comfort zone. Stagnation is infectious and seems to slow downtime.
6. Set micro-goals
Set hourly or daily goals, whichever you need to stay motivated. Make your goals reasonable, while respecting your need for downtime. Quarantine can be taxing on you and your family. It is easy to fall into the trap of needing to fill your time, but recharging your batteries is more important than depleting them. Maintain a balanced approach to your time and energy.
7. Do not worry about other people’s expectations
Some people may impose their time on you, knowing that you are in quarantine. Do not let coworkers, family members or friends dominate your time. It is perfectly acceptable to set boundaries and to “disappoint someone”. No one fully understands what you are experiencing but you. Do not be influenced or pressured into giving up your most precious commodity, your time.
8. Laugh, laugh and laugh
Call me a traditionalist, but I do think that laughter is the best medicine. Find your favourite movie, a YouTube clip or play a game with friends and family. Our bodies physically and emotionally rejuvenate with laughter. Find that guilty pleasure and indulge in some heartfelt belly-laughter.
9. Be kind
Be kind to others and be kind to yourself. I had to remind myself of this often during my quarantines. Acknowledge your quarantine experience and be reasonable with your expectations. Be reasonable with what you expect to accomplish and that you may be experiencing grief. Grief for the change in the world, grief for the routines you have lost, grief for the temporary hold on travelling and grief for the unknown. This is a stressful period for everyone, kindness can go a long way.
10. Gratitude
Be grateful that you are healthy, safe and able to continue experiencing your life. This is, after all, an experience.
One for good luck … limit the amount of news you read on a daily basis. Schedule “news” time into your routine and respect it. We do not always realize the chronic effect that a continuous bombardment of news can have on our well-being. By all means, be informed, but be disciplined with your input and your time.
Quarantine is a personal experience. Discover what works for you and keep a routine which helps you maintain your focus. After all, this too shall pass.
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