13 Tips for Saving Your Sanity During Quarantine

Life is starting to look a little more recognizable, and that’s something to celebrate. But don’t expect your fears and concerns to melt away quickly. Finding healthy ways to cope is as important as ever.

Accept That Plans Will Change

Acknowledge the change in plans, and let out your frustration. You may not have to cancel your plans completely, but you may need to find creative ways to make them happen. A few examples I’ve seen are people getting married or hosting physical-distancing birthday parties on social media and video chat platforms.

Be Grateful

Be very grateful for what you have. It helps keep everything in perspective. Be grateful for your family, your health and the health of your loved ones. Be grateful for the little moments you have at home with your family. Be aware of the moment and what is around you. At the same time, be mindful of those who have suffered loss. Keep them in your thoughts. Reach out to people who have lost loved ones, and do what you can to help in the community.

Connect With Others

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with friends and loved ones on a regular basis. As such, I prefer to use the term physical distancing instead of social distancing. The reason? More than ever, we need to stay social, even if it’s all virtual. Set aside time every day to talk with friends and family. Try hosting a virtual dinner party or game night to stay connected. Make it a point to connect with your older relatives or people who live alone. It’s really important to talk to them because they may be living with a lot of fear right now or feel socially isolated.

Don't Hesitate to Meditate

If you haven't already, learn to meditate. I use the InsightTimer app, which has free meditation suggestions. It doesn’t have to be a long session. You only need a few minutes per day in a quiet place. If you have kids at home, now is a good time to teach them to meditate, so they can get in touch with their emotions. Make meditation part of your morning routine because you never know what the day will bring.

Have Fun

Of course, you have to have fun. Set aside time at home to have fun. Find ways to distract the kids from everything that's going on around them. (See Spend Time With Family below for some ideas).

Get Organized

Now is a good time to get things organized at home. Get rid of any clutter. If something doesn't serve any purpose or bring you any joy, it’s time to get rid of it. Getting organized can give you a better sense of who you are and where you're going.

Get Regular Exercise

Exercise is important. We always say, “I don't have time to exercise.” You only need 15-20 minutes three days a week. You can exercise at home with YouTube videos. There are also dance videos you can do with your kids to get them moving. You could even make a TikTok exercise video with your kids. If you can exercise outside, that’s even better. Fresh air, sunlight and going for walks can really help you mentally.

Get Regular Sleep

Getting good sleep is important. Regulate your biological clock by getting up at the same time every morning and going to bed at the same time every night. Make sure you get enough daylight, even if that means sitting in front of a window for a couple of hours. If you can go outside and get some sunlight for 30-60 minutes every day, that’s even better.

Some nights, you may have difficulty getting to sleep. I'm not a fan of over-the-counter sleep medications, and regular use is not good for your brain. I recommend a melatonin product called MidNite®. You take it a couple of hours before bedtime, and it helps you fall asleep. Keep a pad of paper and a pen by your bed so if you wake up in the middle of the night, you can write down what you’re thinking, get everything out of your head and get back to sleep.

Keep a Routine

We all had routines when times weren’t chaotic. They are even more important now. If you’re working from home, you can be a little flexible with your routine. Yet, it's important to stick to some type of plan so that when you go back to work and life return to some sense of normalcy, it won’t be a big shock. Keep the kids on a schedule, too. Kids love structure, even though they tell you they don't they like to be told what to do. They may give you grief, but deep down they like the structure.

Limit Your Media Exposure

If you sit and watch catastrophic news for hours, or scroll through social media sites filled with negativity, it can create a post-traumatic stress type of situation. Watch a few minutes every day to stay informed, and then move on. If you have young kids at home, limit their exposure to media. And, don't watch the news right for you go to bed at night.

Self-Reflect and Reset Your Priorities

Now may be a good time to make a new priority list, which will likely be shorter than before the pandemic. The things you thought were important may not be so important now. It’s one way to simplify your life. One of the best ways to engage in self-reflection is through journaling. It doesn't have to be anything organized, and it doesn't have to be page after page. Just write what comes to your mind. Write freely about what you’re thinking. If you spend a few minutes every day jotting down your thoughts, you'll see improvement in your mood.

Spend Time With Family

There are a lot of activities you can do as a family. Game night, movie night and family dinners are popular right now. If you have family dinners, learn to cook together. Teach your kids how to cook. Find ways to connect with the people you’re quarantined with. The relationships you're developing now while you’re stuck together will be important. You will all remember this time for the rest of your lives, both the good times and the hard times.

Talk to Someone

Many professional counselors offer virtual visits. I’ve been recommending BetterHelp.com to my patients. It offers affordable, online sessions with a licensed counselor. If you have a mental health issue, make sure you’re checking yourself daily. If you feel out of sorts, get a hold of your psychiatrist and therapist.

Always remember, we are all learning to cope with this chaos, and we will get through this.