How to stay sane during the coronavirus pandemic

The lives of people all across the world have been affected by the pandemic. Due to Coronavirus, self-isolation has become a part of our day-to-day life, and while for some individuals spending every hour of every day at home seems like a dream come true, others are barely coping with the fact that they are being cut off from the outside world. Since staying indoors for weeks can take a toll on one’s physical and mental health, it is important to take the necessary steps to keep your sanity. With some simple measures, you can adapt to the current situation and stay positive (okay, maybe this is not the best choice of words) in these difficult times.

Do everything you can to avoid conflict

People who live alone are craving human contact these days. On the other hand, those who live with their family members or roommates are dying for some alone time. It is a fact that this situation isn’t ideal for anyone, but if you live with someone it is important to avoid conflict as much as possible. Getting into arguments with those you care about can only raise tension and make isolation unbearable. If your loved ones are getting on your nerves, try to fight the negative effects of confinement with physical activity. It has been proven that 20 minutes of exercise a day can boost your mood and reduce feelings of tension. In fact, simple workouts such as rope jumping exercises can even boost your immunity and increase your agility. Since a lot of workouts can be performed at home, don’t use quarantine as an excuse not to engage in physical activity, especially when it can benefit you on so many levels.

Stay in touch with the outside world

If you think about it, quarantine in the 21st century is really not that bad. With all the apps such as Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime you can easily talk to your friends and family members, just like they are in the same room. Staying in touch with people you care about can bring you joy and help you stay sane during the outbreak.

Try gardening

If you have a backyard, dig a garden bed where you will plant vegetables and herbs. Having your own source of food is really a good idea, especially with the ongoing situation. Even if you live in a flat, you can grow organic food in flower pots you can keep on the windowsill. Planting seeds, watering plants and getting your hands all muddy can also be therapeutic and keep you calm and relaxed.

Learn new things

Have you always wanted to learn more about the wonders of the world or about wildlife in Africa, but you just didn’t have the time? If so, use this quarantine to search for information, read e-books, watch

documentaries and expand your knowledge. Learning new things is never a waste of time, so make the most of isolation.

Keep a journal

Writing down your thoughts and reflecting on your day can really benefit your mental health. After all, journaling can help you manage stress since it allows you to look at situations from a different perspective, analyze them and find a solution. In addition, most people find that their worries don’t have the same weight once they are written down.

Start meditating

Nowadays when all we hear about is the pandemic and we cannot turn on the radio or the TV without listening about the virus, it is easy to get overwhelmed. To maintain your mental health and sanity in these weird times try meditating on a daily basis. This simple activity can reduce your stress and anxiety, increase your mental clarity, and give you a sense of self-awareness.

Experiment with new dishes

Whether you are a wiz in the kitchen or you even manage to mess up boiling an egg, you can always find new meals to try out. The Internet is a great source of cooking tricks, tips, and recipes, so go online and improve your skills. After the crisis is over, you will be able to impress your loved ones with a delicious meal you made from scratch.

Try these calming strategies and see which work for you!