Many aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic create a sense of no control. Our minds quickly go to the "what ifs."
What if I get sick?
What if I get laid off?
What if I run out of toilet paper?
Opportunities and choices we had a month ago are suspended. It’s easy to allow the restrictions to create a sense of despair.
I don’t want to minimize the hardship endured by those who have lost loved ones, are dealing with severe health issues, have lost businesses and jobs, or are experiencing the disappointment of postponed graduations, weddings, etc. The extensive effects of this virus are far-reaching and unknown.
However, if our focus remains on the negative “what ifs,” our condition worsens. We need more than a positive attitude about things, we need a paradigm shift.
Today’s Timely Tips are designed to provide hope for positive change and equip you to take charge of things that are within your control.
Timely Tips - “what ifs” that create hope for positive change
1. What if you got healthier?
Eating chips and ice cream while binge-watching Netflix may be the natural response to the crisis, but what if you chose to respond differently? Think moderation…
Don’t cancel cable, but chose to do a 20-minute yoga, cardio, or dance video before you sit down to an evening with your favorite shows. Stand up and stretch between episodes.
Don’t forbid snacking, but chose to place your snacks in a smallish bowl rather than bringing the whole bag of chips to the couch.
Don’t deny yourself a nap, but set a timer so it doesn’t mess with your night-time sleep.
While working at your desk, obey your Apple watch when it says, “Time to Stand!” Or, set phone reminders to stand up every couple hours. While you’re up, drink a glass of water.
Go outside for a little while each day. Studies show 15 minutes of sunshine provides your body with necessary Vitamin D that can help fight off disease and flu.
2. What if your family grew closer?
The novelty of sheltering in place wears off quickly, and then what? Life before COVID-19 was too busy for many things that can draw couples and families closer together, but things are different now.
Have a Family Meeting. Gather everyone’s input as to what will make the time together at home manageable and even fun. Together come up with guidelines to help maintain order, protect individual private time, create unity, and ensure some fun.
Do things you're normally too busy for. Eat meals together, play cards and board games, ride bikes, or take walks.
Take Virtual Field Trips: Mrs. Fahrney's List; Discovery Education; Travel Zoo National Parks
Research and plan your next vacation together.
Try some of these - Boredom Busters: 110 Fun At-Home Activities for Families & Kids
Learn together: Coding for Kids; PBS Learning Media; Family Education Teacher Vision
3. What if your relationships with others grew too?
Due to Social Distancing, in-person visits are curbed, but thanks to the internet, you can still reach out and connect.
Use FaceTime or online apps like Zoom for virtual meetups. Churches, schools and clubs are creating opportunities for virtual connections so you won’t become isolated while confined to home.
Search online for support or special interest groups that will broaden your base of relationships while connecting with those who share similar interests or concerns.
Don’t forget the old-fashioned phone call, especially to connect with the seniors in your life.
4. What if you were more productive with your time?
More time at home doesn’t automatically mean getting more done. But it can! Since we don’t have the external structure and accountability of the workplace, it takes some planning.
Make a list of 5-10 things you need/want to accomplish.
Next to each item, record the value of getting it done.
Based on their value choose the top three.
Move the top three to a new list and record the next steps for each project.
Decide the days/times you’ll work on them and put it on your calendar.
Give yourself a deadline and create a reward for when you reach it.
If any of your projects have to do with organizing, be sure to tap into my Organized By Choice Blog Page. You may “Search” key words for various rooms and topics.
5. What if you felt more peace and less anxiety?
If you’re feeding your mind with continual news on the pandemic and politics, you’re going to be stressed.
Set limits for when and how long you read, view or listen to the newsfeed.
Choose activities that help you de-stress—listening to music, getting outside, praying, watching an old classic movie, exercising, reading, or eating dark chocolate (one my favorites).
Get some things marked off your to do list.
Be grateful. Begin or end each day pondering or journaling about things you have to be thankful for. If specific people are on your list, let them know!
Be proactive helping others through this stressful time. Donate blood, volunteer at the food bank, join a team sewing protective masks, or check in on at-risk neighbors who may need a grocery run.
CHOOSE ONE
Before moving on, review the tips and choose one. Start with the thing that's least intimidating to you, or the thing you feel most passionate about. Let me know how it goes!
On a personal note...
I truly believe these tips and tools are helpful in coping during these challenging times, but for me, my deepest and constant peace comes from my relationship with Jesus. The song below expresses my heart and the truths that I hold fast in life. Please give a listen…
wise words
“What if we stopped saying 'what if' and started saying 'let's.'”
―Jeff Goins