How to Remain Emotionally Well During COVID Quarantine

Do you have a plan for remaining emotionally well during COVID Quarantine? I hesitated to even write this post. I know there is already so much information and LOUDNESS about COVID right now. And frankly, maybe some of us are sick of hearing about it. But I knew that it would be totally unfair of me to just continue to talk about wedding planning as if nothing were happening. As if I didn’t have weddings being postponed or sessions cancelled. As if this wasn’t affecting me or the people I serve. That didn’t feel right. So even though I know my voice is just one of so many, I hope it is at least a voice of peace and assurance.

The next 8 weeks were supposed to be the busiest of my whole year, with 15 sessions and 8 weddings. COVID has wreaked havoc on all of that! However, despite my stress and disappointment, I know I am not alone in this. My heart goes out to all my couples who have to make the difficult decision to not have their wedding they’ve been waiting for. To the other wedding industry leaders and vendors who also feel the financial and emotional strain all of this has posed on ALL of us.  At times this has felt really lonely, overwhelming, and so out of control.

I’ve put together a list of 7 different things I am trying to practice in order to remain emotionally well during COVID Quarantine. I hope some of these ideas help bring you peace and the feeling of a little more control back in your lives!

1. Social Distancing means physical distance only. Please don’t completely isolate yourself.

While we all have seen the memes claiming that “introverts have been practicing all their lives for this,” life can quickly become bleak and discouraging if you completely isolate yourself from all social interactions. And if you’re not an introvert, then you’ve probably already found ways to stay in touch with others! Use technology for good! Get on Marco Polo and send messages to your friends and family. Hop on a Skype call – hear their voices and see their faces. Recently our family got all 12+ cousins together on a Zoom conference from 4 different households. We had the kids play Two Truths and a Lie and next time we might try Would You Rather. You could also write emails or a good old fashion letter. Call someone you haven’t talked to in a long time – like your grandparents or a long-distance friend. Making sure you stay social with those that matter is important, even when we can’t be together in person. It will remind you that there is still so much good in the world, still so much to fight for, that you’re genuinely NOT alone in this crazy situation. And also that this won’t last forever.

2. Spend some time journaling

Writing in a journal has so many wonderful benefits. It helps relieve stress, helps you practice gratitude, and helps put things into perspective. Admittedly, times may get harder before they get better. Being able to reflect on this time later will give you strength and a reminder that you can do hard things.

 

3. Be outside.

Even if all you have is a back patio, make sure you spend time every day outside. We are trying to give every single one of us the best possible chance of either not getting this virus or safely overcoming it. That means you need sunshine and fresh air. Being outside always helps my mood and alleviate stress and anxiety. Sometimes I purposely go outside in the rain just for the sensation of raindrops on my head and skin. Sometimes I go out in the early morning and watch the sunrise, or sit and watch the sunset in the evening. Either time is the perfect opportunity for introspection and reflection, which helps balance moods too. Plus, with three kids in the house, being outside is imperative. They fight way less when they’re outside, and thus annoy their mama less!!

4. Read!

Take advantage of this down time to learn about something you’ve always wanted to learn about, but never made the time for. Or simply a good fluffy fiction romance, just for fun. Emerge yourself in someone else’s world for a bit so you can forget about your own problems! We can learn a lot from how other people react to their circumstances, too (even if they are fictional characters!).

5. Meditate

If you don’t already have a meditation routine or program you follow, now might be a good time to test it out. It could be just a few minutes of silence in the morning before you rise for the day. Or maybe at night as you’re trying to fall asleep. Your meditation also doesn’t have to just be sitting still and motionless. Perhaps you prefer moving your body as you meditate. Try a yoga class! For me, sometimes even running becomes a form of meditation because it is a repetitive action, I am not distracted by kids or my phone, and I am alone. If you need ideas, check out this Coronavirus Sanity Guide from Ten Percent Happier. They have podcasts, meditation guides, and more.

6. Exercise

We need our bodies to be as strong as possible! Strong hearts and strong lungs. We need to move our bodies! Try to get the recommended 30 minutes of exercise, 5 days a week. Not only is it necessary for our physical health, but also for our mental health as well. It’s a stress relief and endorphin-producing activity that boosts us up! I know the gyms are closed but if you have access to outside, then run or move in the fresh air! If that’s not an option for you, find a fun exercise app or youtube channel to get your heart pumping for 30 minutes.

7. Unplug

While it can be so tempting to gorge on Netflix and catch up on all your favorite shows or rewatch the Office, I think we can do better than that. I think we make good use of this time doing all of the above suggestions. Not to mention, constantly watching social media updates can be incredibly draining and disheartening. Make sure you put your phone away at night, and also during designated hours throughout the day to give your eyes and mind a break from the blue light and influx of information and stimulation.

 

I hope these ideas on how to remain emotionally well during COVID Quarantine brought you peace and also the hope that all will be well. I’m on your side. If you want to chat, feel free to contact me here!

Prefer video? Watch below!

 

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