Stay Home, Stay Sane
We all want to act responsibly during the COVID-19 pandemic. We all want to prioritize the health and the lives of ourselves and our loved ones. But staying home for days, weeks, and potentially months on end can lead to negative feelings of boredom, frustration, anxiety, depression, and the list goes on.
Many of us have taken major financial hits as our careers have been redefined overnight in the best case, or are lost altogether in the worst. Our children struggle to learn via screens as we scramble to muster the patience to become their new teachers and tech supporters, most of us, without any professional experience.
We have each suffered from cabin fever, loneliness, and deep uncertainty, and we have no idea how long we will be in this situation of isolation. Which leads me to the point in question: How can we keep calm and stay positive in the face of so much unknown? Here are my top five tips:
In this new era of social distancing, I have found so much comfort in connecting virtually with my Instagram audience. I always say, “The best way to help yourself is to help others.” Sharing inspiring words and positive imagery and simply talking openly in Instagram stories about my feelings in this turbulent time has helped me feel less alone. I even shared my panic attack which so many could relate to. We are so lucky to have the tool of social media to join together in solidarity on a global level. Everyone can act as an influencer within his or her own sphere, leading by example and putting safety above all else, and spreading truth and positivity to those who may be impacted.
Music has been a wonderful outlet for me, both listening to and singing songs that comfort me. I posted a video of myself singing Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love” on Instagram. It was the first time I have ever shared my own musical voice with my audience. I was compelled to do so, as a note of love in the language that comes straight from my heart. In this complicated time, we have seen so many beautiful expressions of art shared virtually, which allows people to relate on a deeper level. I encourage everyone to share poetry, music, dance, painting, and any other form of artistic expression with the world right now. We are so thirsty for inspiration
Speaking with loved ones brings peace to an anxious mind. I have been reaching out to friends and relatives I rarely talk to check in on them, discuss our emotions, and distract ourselves by reminiscing about old times or laughing about the challenges of home schooling and trying to cook dinner when the grocery aisles are empty. Even though we are physically apart, we are more connected than ever.
Watching nostalgic movies and eating comfort food has been a nightly ritual. There is something about doing things reminiscent of childhood like eating grilled cheese sandwiches and watching The Sound of Music that soothes the soul. Childhood is a time when most of us felt protected and certain of what tomorrow would bring. Reconnecting with our favorite indulgences from our upbringings envelopes us in feelings of safety and security. It’s like Maria Von Trapp sang, ”I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don’t feel so bad.”
The ultimate solution for comfort is to delve into spiritual inspiration and prayer, in whatever way one best connects to the higher power to which they subscribe. For me personally, as a proud Jew, I have found watching classes online from rabbis I admire and speaking to Jewish women I look up to, to be hugely impactful. In my pre-COVID-19 life, I frequently neglected my spirituality and often performed religious rituals simply out of obligation and routine. This moment has forced me to look in mirror and become much more introspective and deliberate with my practices and prayers. One of the great silver linings of the trauma we are all currently enduring is the enhanced closeness we feel to G-d and to one another.