1. Develop and maintain a schedule. Create a routine. This will provide structure to your day and help preserve a sense of normalcy and personal control even in uncertain times.
2. Build in time for fun activities and breaks during the day. Plan them and schedule them to create some predictability if you can. Give yourself some small rewards (chats, tea, cat videos) during the workday.
3. Spend time outside in nature to the extent that you can. Observe and notice what you see. Look at the sky. Pay attention to trees and birds. Really look.
4. Learn a new skill or reconnect with an old one. Dig out that long-abandoned musical instrument. Learn to cook, meditate, or try a new a new language.
5. WIG not WING: Focus on what is good (WIG) rather than on what is not good (WING). Is the coffee better where you are now? Do you get to see your dog more? Much will have changed with your new circumstances. Find a positive in that each day, however small that positive may be.
6. Keep a record of this time in your life. Start or continue a journal. Focus on what you are learning about yourself.
7. Exercise. You can’t go to the gym now. But that doesn’t mean you give up on exercise. Walk, go for a run, do yoga, dance to music you love, or jump rope if space is tight. Moving your body will improve your physical and emotional well-being.
8. Stay connected to people you care about. Use Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime to watch a movie together or share an activity.
9. Show gratitude to others. Appreciate what other people are doing for you and acknowledge that. And try and give back in return. Giving to others rewards the giver as much as it does the recipient. Send an e-card, call a relative, thank the person helping you in the grocery store.
10. Think about the role you are playing in the global effort to respond to the current crisis. Even though it is hard, know that what you are doing is benefitting others – in your community and far beyond. Feel good about that.
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