Tips for Surviving COVID-19!
COVID-19 has drastically changed many lives in the last 6 weeks. Wise people continue to remind us that this too shall pass. Our lives will return to “normal” and we will get through this challenging time. Below are five tips from the Women in Ag on how to survive this trying time.
Take Care of your Mental and Physical Health
Staying upbeat, positive and optimistic is tough. Getting down and being sad is OKAY. This is a trying time and we all will go through ups and downs. Some days will be better than others. It is important to recognize our feelings. Be sad. Be happy. Cry if you need to.
Every day we need to try and do things that help our mental and physical states. This may look different for everyone. Those who are busy on the farm or chasing after kids might need some downtime or time to rest. Others might need to get out of the house for fresh air and a walk to clear their head. Whatever it is, take time for yourself to recharge.
Lastly, when taking care of mental and physical health, limit social media and screen time. Taking a break from our phones, news outlets and emails is good for our mental state. Too much social media can take a toll on our mental clarity. Put the phones down, grab the kids and go for a walk!
Continue to Socialize with Friends & Family
If you are someone who often kept a full social calendar you will be finding this time particularly difficult. Though we need to be creative, we can and should still socialize with our family and friends. So many different apps have become available for group virtual calls – FaceTime, House Party and Zoom are a few well known platforms. Schedule a time with some friends and get caught up with everyone. Even use video calls to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries!
Whatever it is, take time to connect with loved ones. Equally as important to our mental health is the mental health of our friends and families. It is crucial that we try to check in with loved ones regularly. Let people know you are thinking of them and available for a chat. We are in this together!
Establish a New Routine
It is hard to keep motivation and enthusiastic when our routines are off. However, accomplishing tasks will keep us feeling fulfilled and productive. If you are busy trying to keep kids entertained, make a schedule to help with establishing a new routine. If you are now working from home, schedule in coffee breaks and lunch breaks. If you are having to juggle both kids and work – your day may look more like survival mode. Schedule in a time to grab the mail or have a shower. Whatever it is, try to establish a routine in your day.
If you have a task list or chores to get done, write them down. Even the miniscule items, write them down. Crossing off a to do list helps with focus and maintaining enthusiasm in completing tasks. At the end of the day when you feel like you hardly got anything done, you can reflect back and see all the items you checked off.
Try Something New
Did you ever say “When I have more time I’d like to try…” NOW IS THE TIME TO DO IT. If you had a DIY project on your list, give it a try! Many home improvement stores offer curb side pickup or delivery. Start small and take your time if your DYI project seems daunting. Take advantage of all the online “how-to” guides. Have fun with it!
Have you wanted to learn more about grain marketing? Take time to do some research or call your local reps for information. Are you eager to get into the garden? Maybe try your hand at starting bedding plants.
All the things we never had time for when we were running in different directions with kids’ activities and social outings, we have time now. If you have recipes you wanted to try, get the kids involved and make something new for supper.
Stay Safe
Wash those hands. Follow guidelines put forth by the professionals. Maintain smart social distancing measures. Stay home as much as possible. There are a lot of mixed messages out there so make sure you are listening those who are educated and well informed. We are in this together. The curve will flatten, and our lives will regain normalcy. We all need to make sure we do our parts in getting there.
This is a crazy time. We will get through this. Go easy on yourself and do the best you can!
Stay healthy and happy,
WIA