How to Stay Sane during a Pandemic
Caveat, I am writing this at 0400, so I'm not sure how well I can attest to sanity. Though, in my defense, I did get to bed at eight PM. Due to the wonders of physician night work, we learn to sleep when we can. Like others, COVID-19 anxiety has kept me up or woken me up many nights in 2020. The "loss of control" dreams are pretty impressive/terrifying. I've kept a dream journal by my bed for years. This year's collection is a doozy.
Luckily, there are things we can do to help preserve sanity and overall well-being. Here are a few that help me and perhaps this might help others:
1) Unplug. Literally put your phone in jail. With a constant 24/7 stream of noise bombarding us through social media and news outlets, it is imperative to take a daily break. At 7 PM, I charge my phone in my kitchen and put it on Do Not Disturb mode. (Do not Disturb can be customized in settings- add your favorites like Mom or kids, this will allow phone calls from favorites to ring- the rest will remain silent and go to voicemail.) I usually do not look at it again until the morning. I promise, the world keeps turning.
2) Marie Kondo something in the house. This weekend my sister and I video chatted as we both cleaned out our bedroom nightstands. It was fun to be with her, and we laughed at all the stuff we both unearthed. (Why do I have so many random buttons?) It did actually "spark joy" to have a clean space by my head as I lay down that night. And the distraction from the pandemic news was welcomed.
3) Journal. I've mentioned dream journaling. Another is a Gratitude journal. Writing all the things that are good right now helps. It shifts your mind to a positive place. I've kept one for a couple of years, and it's remarkable how it helps me change the lens of my life to rose-colored. Some days I may only write one or two things, but I can always find something to add. Just the act of reflection is something to be grateful for.
4) Puzzle. Yes Puzzle. And then, you can preserve the completed puzzle with Mog Podge and display it. (Our garage walls are filling up with “Quarantine Puzzles”.) It's fun to do together. It combines unplugging, mindfulness, and togetherness, all at once.
5) Speaking of mindfulness... Meditate. Conscious Health meditation has given me a lot of clarity and joy, but there are so many ways to meditate. There are apps or virtual classes; you can lie down, you can sit in a chair, you can have a mantra, you can listen to music. Find a type that speaks to you. It's a practice. It doesn't have to be perfect.
6) Seek a mental health advisor. On my top list of gratitude, I am grateful for my therapist, now more than ever. The great news is I can see her virtually. Just like finding the right mediation practice, finding the right therapist might take time. If you do not feel a connection with one person, try another. Ask for referrals. They are highly trained to help us get through this crisis.
Be well, everyone. Stay sane. Stay Safe. Find Joy.