© 2020 by Ann Babiarz & Associates LLC
As I write this piece, the United States still in the midst of the Covid-19 lockdown. Trying to use the time we now have on our hands in a way that keeps us healthy can be a challenge. Here are fourteen life hacks you can try.
Routine can be your friend. Too often, when we are left with unstructured time, we become overwhelmed by the number of choices we might make. Taking away some of those choices by maintaining a regular routine each day keeps you more satisfied with your day-to-day life.
Try meditation. This is not only a good daily practice for non-lockdown situations, but it may be particularly pertinent during these difficult times. A good YouTube channel to check out is The Honest Guys. They have lots of guided meditations from which you can choose.
Declutter your spaces. Go up to your attic, down into your basement or crawl space, or into your garage. Sift through some of your stuff and see what you can donate or even sell. The latter might also help you bring in some extra cash that could be sorely needed right now.
It’s never a bad idea to start an exercise routine. The usual precaution — ask your physician — might be challenging now. But many docs offer video chats or will respond to an email from a patient. Even gentle exercise has its benefits. Who knows; You might create a habit that you continue long after lockdown days are over.
Are you able to get a good enough variety of foods from your local supermarket (or delivered) so that you can maintain or even start a healthier diet?
Get outside if you can. This may be more challenging in urban areas as we all seek to maintain appropriate social distancing. but even 10 or 15 minutes a day of sunshine will brighten your mood. And if you’re able to walk, jog, walk the dog, or ride a bicycle, you can combine this beneficial act with exercise.
We are all trying to maintain our social contacts through texting, telephone and video chats. These are all good ideas. Can you talk in-person outside at a safe distance with one of your neighbors? Even if you’re 10 or 15 feet apart, the closeness feels much more intimate than even a high definition video call.
Put down the alcohol or drugs. Nothing is perhaps more tempting when you’re stuck inside, feeling scared and maybe a little bit down. Unfortunately, it’s much easier to create a bad habit than a good one.
Try to find some good in each day. We’re not asking you to be Pollyanna. Perhaps more of a search for benefits or meaning.
Although we are trying to stay in touch and social media is a key element to that, avoid spending too much time on these sites. Doesn’t everybody’s life look better on Facebook? Maybe it’s better to limit your exposure to things that are not often a real depiction of what is happening in another person’s situation.
Be sure to get enough sleep. I’m not suggesting that you spend 12 to 15 hours a day in bed. But that solid 7 or 8 hours will keep you healthy.
You’re not able to get your hair cut or dyed, to go to the salon for a manicure or pedicure, or to visit your local spa. But that doesn’t mean you can’t practice self-care at home. Although it’s tempting to roll out of bed and stay in your PJ’s all day, you’ll feel better if you maintain as much as possible your normal routines in this arena.
Can you get Some projects done? Doing something simple around the home or for business or work or finishing personal paperwork might help you feel a sense of accomplishment. And if it’s something you’ve been putting off it’s probably something that needed doing anyway.
Take a class. There’s lots of them out there that are free or modestly priced. You can learn something new with the time you have available. Education is never a bad thing. Remember that you’re not alone. I hope this short post is helpful. But if it’s not enough to do the trick, you should feel free to search for other, similar articles. We’re all trying to help each other get through these times