We have reached a new normal with COVID-19, where staying home has become our lives until further notice. You may be experiencing stages of grief with this and that is something that should be recognized. Life as we knew it came to a complete stop without any notice. Take a step back and ask yourself; what am I feeling in this moment, what do I have control of, and how can I get through each day a little easier? Try to be kind to yourself during this time of transition.
One important thing to realize out of all of this is how important people are over anything else. The idea of anything happening to your loved ones can shake you to your core right now. When you start to allow fear to creep in, it can be hard to get ahold of reality. Try not to deal with this alone.
Your actions impact a complete stranger.
When you look at where we are today, the only thing that matters is making sure people are safe. Going out in public you have to consider what you touch that can possibly infect another person. Or perhaps if you get too close how will you protect each other? When is the last time you thought about how your actions affect a complete stranger before this?
Now is the time to build deeper connections with the people in your life and evaluate what matters most to you. This will either shed a light on your life in a positive or negative way. Anything materialistic you cared about before no longer is important, which brings you back to the basics in life.
Your mind and body will thank you later.
You might find that your relationships are being put to the test during this time. Think about all of the distractions you use to have before quarantine started. The majority of people kept themselves busy 24/7, running around nonstop. Stop and think about this moment what are you doing guilt-free, how does it feel to slow down? Not everyone can sit with themselves and just be still or alone. Your mind and body will thank you later for slowing down.
In this time of uncertainty, just remember everyone you know is experiencing similar feelings. We have to come together, one way or another and support each other through this hard time.
Tips how to create deeper relationships
Listen
The best thing you can do is listen. Be thoughtful about what people are facing, everyone is in a different head space. If you stop and listen you might find a way to understand and help provide guidance or just to be there.
Write a Letter
Consider writing a handwritten letter or an email. This kind of exchange can bring out deeper emotions, you can write freely and speak from the heart. There is nothing more heartfelt than receiving an unexpected letter from someone you care about.
Care Package
If you know someone who has been struggling right now, deliver or mail a care package of items they might need or that can lift their spirits. Bringing comfort in a small gesture goes a long way, you may learn they needed it more than you think.
Dig Deeper
Creating a deeper connection with someone means you ask questions that really matter. Not just “how are you”, follow back up with them from your last conversation, checking in with them on their feelings. Show them you are paying attention and they mean something to you.
Words Matter
Tell the people in your life how much you care about them. We are in desperate times right now, and we are witnessing everyone we care about in a state of panic. The likely hood of knowing someone that faces COVID-19 is pretty high. Even without the virus, we should always tell those we care about how we feel.
Date Night
Don’t stop having a date night with your partner just because you are stuck inside. There are other ways to enjoy each other’s company. You could cook a new recipe, light candles, listen to music, go for a walk at sunset, play board games, create an indoor picnic, practice yoga, bake together, have a spa night, and try to connect without any TV or distractions.
Make Plans
Make a point to make plans with your friends and family when you feel safe. Looking forward to something together can feel that much more special. We have habits of making plans and canceling, but this impact of seeing people is important when there has been so much isolation.
Connect with Yourself
When you are always on the go it is easy to forget about yourself. It is important to check in with how you feel. We have so much time on our hands now, the anxiety levels are at an all-time high. Sit in silence, or sit in nature and be still. Pursue a hobby or crafts you have always wanted to pursue, spend the time to invest in yourself. When your life gets back on track, find a way to continue to honor what makes you happy.
Nothing matters more in life except the people you care about..
