Social distancing is a fairly new term we’ve been hearing over and over as we make our way through this global pandemic. Keeping our distance, staying home, practicing all of the precautions in order to be as safe as possible. It may seem like a new term, but I’ve definitely been practicing “social distancing” for several months now due to both my work-from-home career, pregnancy and anxiety. I’ve got some tips to help you stay sane, to keep the anxiety down, and to help keep you more relaxed at this uncertain time.
Staying Sane While Social Distancing
The first week may have felt more like a little break-getting to work from home (a dream for many), hanging out with your family, and having a little extra time to do some of the things you’ve wanted to conquer- which is great. I know as the days continue to roll around, it can get a little mundane or overwhelming. It’s especially hard when you can’t see your friends or family, do your normal outings, or go out anywhere. I have a couple of tips that may help you get though social distancing, while staying sane.
Mediate/Relaxing Stretches or Exercises
If you are experiencing anxiety, stress, overwhelmed during this time, or at anytime, I can honestly tell you that meditating has helped me. Starting the day and ending the day with a meditation and light stretching has relieved tension, and eased the mind giving me a better start to my day, and a better sleep at night.
Start Your Day With A Good Breakfast
We all know breakfast is important, right? Well, it’s true! Opt for a good breakfast to prep your body for the day. I always feel better when I eat breakfast. Don’t be HANGRY! I’ve also noticed it helps limit any extra snacking. I typically have breakfast at 8, a little snack around 10:30, and lunch at 12. I love a good routine.
Start & End Your Day With Skincare
Speaking of routines, a skincare routine has helped me MAJORLY! A cool splash of water in the morning wakes me up, and though I don’t do my makeup everyday, having a morning skincare routine has helped me feel more alert and ready for the day. At night, a relaxing skincare routine allows me to feel relaxed and ready for bed. Taking care of this skin is so so important to feeling good all over.
Choose Healthy Snacks
As a pregnant gal, I know the snacking is REAL, and it’s a real temptation to eat EVERYTHING in sight. While I’m all for having a treat, I also opt for having several healthy snacks available as well. I love to snack on carrots, fruit, and chips/hummas. Since I already know that I’ll more than likely have some kind of sweet treat at night, I try to eat as healthy as possible throughout the day-because it’s all about balance, plus I just naturally feel better when I eat better!
Have A Clean Space
I always feel more productive, I work better, and I feel better mentally when my home is clean. Each morning I try to pick up any left out items, straighten up the couches, and finish any dishes I was too tired to do the night before. With all of the construction at our home, I also like to vacuum to get the dust and particles off the floor. Everyday I do a light clean, and on the weekend, I do a more in depth clean. At this time, you can’t go wrong with over cleaning. Lighting a candle also help to set a relaxing mood and space. I always feel more productive when I have a clean, good smelling home.
Get Some Fresh Air
I don’t think I can stress this one enough. Fresh air does WONDERS for the mind, body and soul. You can always find me taking a break outside either by the pool, taking a walk, lounging in my hammock, sitting on the patio or taking a drive around the block. It gives your mind a BREAK.
Binge Your Fave Shows, Give Yourself A Break From The News
We are ALL binging our fave shows more now than ever right? I get it! I’m right there with ya. I also know we all want to stay informed with what’s going on so the news may be on a little more than normal. It can be a little overwhelming and may even induce anxiety. I know it was for me. Create a healthy balance of being informed, and your fave shows. Give your mind a break from the news and turn on one of your fave shows- don’t forget to give your mind a rest from both. You can often find Jacob and I catching up on our fave shows after dinner when the work day is done, and it’s time to relax. Here are some Netflix shows I’ve watched:
-Virgin River
-The New Girl
-The Office
-Schitt’s Creek
-YOU
-Ozark
-Cheer
-Dirty John
-Heart of Dixie
-Tiger King
Non-Netflix Shows I’ve loved:
-Big Little Lies
-Veep
-Succession
-McMillions
-UnReal
-Siesta Key
-The Outsider
Create A Work Schedule
Having a schedule and checklist for my work has helped me stay on task and checking things off gives me a sense of accomplishment and motivation! I always feel much more creative when I’m accomplishing tasks, staying motivated, and keeping a work schedule. For those that don’t normally work from home, this will help you to stay on task, and give you a sense of normalcy.
Find Ways To Relax
There are so many ways to relax, and it may look different for each person. Whatever it is, find ways to ease the mind of stress, anxiety, and unknowns. You’ve got to take your mind off all the negative, and focus on the positive. Change the mindset. I also want you to know, from human to human, that it’s ok to feel emotional, scared, anxious, upset etc…during this time. We are humans, we have feeling and emotions and it’s ok to feel them. Sometimes, I find it relaxing to have that release of emotions. Cry it out it’s ok. Then find something you enjoy and relax the mind. Give yourself a break-especially to all those mamas doing homeschooling! I always find praying and quoting scriptures to help relax my mind and body, especially during my anxious times.
Talk To Someone
I spend my days home alone with my pup. It can get a little lonely which can lead to “getting in my head” and “overthinking”. Once a day I call to talk to my mom, I reach out to text friends, and enjoy catch up conversations with Jacob over dinner-it’s helps to bring my thoughts back down to earth a bit. While we may be social distancing ourselves from friends and even family right now, reach out via FaceTime, or just have a good call! Don’t we all miss that in person connection though? Stay sane by connecting with your loved ones even if it’s over a phone call. Want to talk? I’m here for you too, you can reach out via email rechaelroe@gmail.com or DM me on IG @rechaelroe!
Need some ideas on what to do while social distancing? CLICK HERE! Many of these are relaxing and fun.
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