On the 23rd of March 2020, Boris Johnson in his address to the nation instructed that we must all stay home, to ensure that we stop the virus from spreading.
He advised that we are only allowed to leave our homes for the following reasons:
- Shopping for necessities.
- One form of exercise a day.
- Any medical needs, for others and yourself.
- Travelling to and from work, but only where this is necessary and cannot be done from home.
We had now entered a period which some were calling a lockdown. However, at this point, I had already been working from home for a couple of weeks, but regardless I felt different knowing that my freedom was changing for the foreseeable future.
In the last couple of weeks, I’ve had highs and lows while adjusting to being at home. In this post, I will share my thoughts on how to keep sane during this period of self-quarantine. I will also share some thoughts on what not to do.
Exercise
Although the gyms are closed, we can go for walks, bike rides, runs, or implement traditional home workouts.
When we think of exercise we generally tend to think of stronger muscles and an improved cardiovascular system. But science has shown that exercise provides many mental benefits. Exercise helps with the concentration of norepinephrine, a chemical known to moderate the brain’s response to stress. Exercise can support and prevent degeneration of the hippocampus, which is linked to memory and learning. Exercise can also help improve self-confidence.
My days currently consist of waking up at 5 am, running 5 miles followed by a circuit of 100 Press-ups, 100 Sit-ups and 100 Squats. I normally finish at around 6:30 and I’m ready to start my day. Doing this routine provides me with great energy and my spirits feel lifted. The days I’ve struggled are the days I just haven’t got up and kept my routine.
To anyone reading this try and implement exercise into your daily routine it can be as simple as a 5-minute walk. Start at a level that works for you, and with consistency, you will see improvements.
Read
If you know me, you know I have a love for reading, but during this time reading has become so much more important. The right book can transport you to a new world, it can provide a story so captivating that the concept of time disappears.
Research by Dr David Lewis states that reading for as little as 6 mins a day can reduce stress by 60%, in the form of reducing your heart rate, relaxing muscles and altering your mindset. Reading can also make you smarter by increasing vocabulary, knowledge in a particular field or writing ability. Depending on what you read it can help you understand yourself/others more, or provide a way to learn new skills.
I try to read a couple of chapters a day, in the last 3 weeks I have completed 3 books. I generally read in the morning after my workout, or just before going to sleep.
Journal
I remember my friend Kenny telling me he journals every day, at the time I thought he was crazy. But after a stressed period in my life, I decided to give it a try. Journaling holds more benefits than recording memories or finding self-expression. It can also be good for your mental health.
Journaling has allowed me to release my emotions in a way which is not detrimental to others. I can get rid of my fear, anger, insecurities in a way which does affect anyone else. It really has helped my emotional health. Writing my thoughts on paper eliminates any stress that I have and I generally feel better once it’s all done.
A journal also serves as a great timestamp, it’s good to look back and see how far you have come in life.
Just start, write a couple of lines on your thoughts, hopes and whatever comes to mind. Just try and be consistent.
Learn a new skill & Develop that business idea
We have an amazing opportunity to learn new skills or develop a business idea. Instead of complaining that we are bored, put that energy into something that will serve you better in the long run.
So many organisations such as the open university have made free online courses available. There is a video tutorial for almost everything on Youtube. It doesn’t have to be text-based either, explore your creativity, try painting, yoga, baking or even dancing.
Our day to day life can be so hectic that we struggle to find the time to learn, but right now we have no excuses.
Speak to friends
Try and find the time to speak to your friends. I’m in various Whatsapp groups with my friends, which has meant that we can go for months messaging each other rather than speaking.
But now we are speaking and video calling regularly, these conversations have lifted my spirits whenever I have felt low.
Check-in on your friends. It will lift your spirits and strengthen the depth of your friendship.
Structure your day
Having a structure allows you to regain control over your day and your mental state, you know what you want to achieve, and where your focus should be going. It allows you to focus on what’s under your control. My days are planned to the point that I have little time to worry about the virus.
A structure will allow you to develop into the person you want to be, state your desires, understand the habits required, build a structure to enforce those habits and continue working until you get the desired result.
Write a timetable, then focus your efforts on completing everything that you said you would.
The Don’t
Comfort Eating
This is what I’ve found the hardest, I’ve suddenly become hungry all the time. And eating food that I know I really shouldn’t be. I was eating junk food, and then getting mad at myself once I’d finished. I had to first realise that I’m eating out of boredom, and I had to remind myself what my long term goals are.
Instead of buying junk, I’m buying more fruits and veg, and instead of fizzy drinks more water, so if I do comfort eat it’s not as damaging.
Re-engaging toxic friendships/relationships
Now is a period where a lot of people will be trying to reconnect. You need to be careful of the people you let back into your life. That person that you have been avoiding may try and reach out.
This period has offered an opportunity to make peace with a couple of people I had disagreements with in the past. But I’ve also had to ignore a couple of calls. Can’t bring old problems into a new decade.
Watching TV all-day
Do not spend all your time watching TV, it’s great in doses to help you relax or even provide temporary escapism. But it can also stunt your ability to grow and have an active life. Some spent their time watching TV instead of addressing the areas in their life that need attention.
Overspend due to panic
Coronavirus sent the UK into panic mode, with thousands overspending due to the fear of a lockdown. Although I understood the approach, I never felt it was necessary. Now is a period in which you can save a lot of money, my spending has dropped by 80% (Ubers, Travel & Uber’s Eat).
Review your finances, now presents the opportunity to cut all unnecessary spending. We are entering a period of uncertainty, save every penny you can.
What are you doing to keep sane, during this coronavirus period?