We are now experiencing a new normal. Things are moving fast and times seem chaotic and uncertain right now. If you’re feeling anxious and confused, I’m right here with you. I’m trying to take things one day at a time. One of the lessons I’m learning during this novel corona virus pandemic, is that it’s all about incrementalism. Yesterday, wasn’t a great day. My anxiety level was HIGH. I let fear and uncertainty take a front-row seat. Finally, I just took myself to bed and trusted that the sun would rise again today. And you know what, it did.
Inch by inch, life’s a cinch. Yard by yard, life is hard.
When I woke up this morning, I decided to focus on what I can control. I made the conscious decision not to turn network news on. I listened to 3 NPR podcasts that were informative and one that was even hopeful (Thank God for NPR …) . If you’re looking for a quick hit of good reporting on the lastest COVID-19 updates at the start of your day, check out the NPR podcasts Up First and Corona Virus Daily. And if you need something a little escapist, but educational, listen to Season 6, Episode 3 of NPR’s Invisiblia – “An Unlikely Superpower” … this episode is a good reminder that as we get our arms around our new normal, we need to focus on the process, rather than the outcome. Ask yourself, what is the next right thing to do?
I asked myself this question today, and my answer was listen to music (NPR has some amazing playlists you can download, I’ve been listening to Isle of Calm all day), I tackled the 3 top things on my TO DO list, baked the cake I’ve been threatening to attempt (it’s an apple cinnamon cake, I found the recipe on Cooking In My Genes) and made time to take a 45 minute online yoga class.
5 Tips for Taking Control Of Your Life During COVID-19
- MINDSET – First and foremost, you can control your mindset. The way I see it, you have 2 choices, you can allow yourself to be paralyzed by fear and doubt OR you can consciously choose your thoughts and how you want to feel.
- TREATMENT OF OTHERS – You can control the way you treat others. We’re all in this one together; offering to pick up groceries for an elderly neighbor, calling to check in on friends and relatives or even taking the time (because, hey it’s the one thing we all have plenty of) to sit down and write a handwritten letter can each make a big difference in your life and in the lives of others.
- DAILY ROUTINE – Your daily routine is completely within your control during this time of crisis. If you’re new to working from home, take time to get used to your new normal and create a routine that involves maximizing your productivity. If you’re cross-eyed and bleary every morning because you’ve been glued to the tv at night, make it a habit to turn off the tv at a particular time and put yourself to bed.
- FOOD – You can control what you eat. Hopefully, getting groceries has not been an issue. Stock up on things you and your family enjoy. Healthy snacks like fruit and veggies mixed in with a bag of chips, a glass of wine or the occasional sweet of your choice make up a reasonable combination to get you through social distancing for the next couple of weeks.
- EXERCISE – You have control over how much you choose to exercise. Although many states are now issuing executive orders requiring non-essential workers to stay at home until further notice, this does not mean that you are prevented from going outside to get a breath of fresh air and take a walk (at least not yet!). There are a ton of online fitness courses, apps and challenges you can download to get the blood moving and keep your mind and bodies strong. And by the way, the CDC recommends exercise as a way to ease anxiety during the corona virus quarantine.
Daily we have the opportunity to choose our thoughts, our words and our actions with purpose. So, my question for you dear friends, is what can you do today to be positive in the face of fear and uncertainty of our new normal?
Sending you and yours much love.
Stylishly yours,Kalyn
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