With extra time on our hands during the “shelter in home” times – I have been trying to keep my mind off all the uncertainties by doing tasks around the house. If you find yourself with a wandering mind and increased anxiety – try doing one or some of the following. You will feel a sense of accomplishment as well as have a break from the anxiety and/or boredom.
- Devices: Go through all your photos on your photos on your phone and remove any that you do not need (for me – this includes mistakes, pictures of shopping lists, etc). This will free up memory on your phone and make finding photos you actually want to see easier.
- Inside: Go through your media in your house (old DVDs, CDs, etc). Do you even own something that these can be played on? If the answer is no – donate or throw them away. If you do still have a device that they work on – try and eliminate ones you know you have not and will not watch within the next year. Let’s face it – by that time there is a good chance you will not have the device or will have something better. (Example – I own the Sopranos full series on DVD but I also have a HBO subscription which has all of them available on demand. Why am I holding on to these? Repeat this task for clothing, shoes, and anything else you “should go through but never seem to have the time to do”
- Outside: As we get closer to nicer weather consider starting a garden or even a pot of herbs. Figure out what you love fresh and try and plant it. This will also go a long way with less trips to and relying on the grocery store.
- For Others: Each day – pick up the phone and instead of typing – put it up to your ear and actually call/talk to someone you “should call” or “wonder how they are doing”. Have older relatives? Write them an actual letter.
- For You: Being able to control something in these uncertain times can go a long way. Do yourself a favor and get on the scale (just do it!) and use these few weeks to get control of your health by eating better and moving more. Time spent running to the stores should now turn into time walking (inside or out), doing simple body weight exercises/stretches and anything to make you physically and emotionally stronger.
All in all – not being able to see friends/loved ones is tough, but we can use this time to focus on a number of “I/we should” things we have putting off. Put that worry energy into something positive and improve your life!
