COVID-19 has created a massive disturbance in the Force our lives. Feeling anxious, depressed, uncertain, angry, or lost are 100% normal responses. More challenges lie ahead as many confront the realities of self-isolation for the next several weeks (or maybe longer) with husbands, wives, kids, or roommates. While we love them, the prospect of spending 24/7 with them for the foreseeable future, presents a challenge. Especially if employers have tasked us with working from home.
Attitude is everything. Remaining positive, while easier said than done, helps everybody adapt. With input from every member of your household, establish a detailed schedule with specific expectations. The temptation is to treat this as an unscheduled vacation, but during chaotic times, everyone responds better with the consistency of a known agenda. We can’t control what happens, but we do choose our response. It’s an excellent idea to fact check your thoughts. If you are worried, address the concern directly, assess how likely your fear is to manifest, and explore the actions you would pursue if it happened. Talk about your concerns with your friends, family, and as appropriate, your children.
Be prepared to be overwhelmed, and be willing to do something, no matter how crazy it might seem. Stand up, go for a walk, empty the garbage, or play hide and seek. Build a blanket fort, plant seeds, bake bread, learn a new skill, and reach out to neighbors, and extended family. Take part in activities that make your soul smile and delights your loved ones. Organize a game of finding the funniest coronavirus memes, tell jokes, and have fun. You may discover being with your family is a pleasure. May the Force be with you.
What strategies are you adopting?
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Keep on writing.
Jo Hawk The Writer