For the past couple of weeks the only word that has been on the lips of many of us has been “corona.” Switch on the television, go on YouTube or any other social media platform and I guarantee you the only headlines you see will be with regards to the Covid-19 pandemic; rightfully so because the world is struggling to deal with this awful outbreak that has to date claimed 16 231 lives (26 of them in Africa) and infected 372 757 people globally (1305 being African). SOURCE

One thing I’ve picked is that this has evoked a lot of panic and anxiety in a lot of people. Obviously this is a huge problem because the whole world is already dealing with increasing levels of mental health issues as it is. I just sat down and decided to write down a few pointers on how to deal with the stress and anxiety of this season coming from someone who has been working alone(from home or a co working space) for the past 2 months because of the new direction my company is taking. I hope you find these quite helpful because staying sane is essential during this season. If you have more tips to share feel free to comment below:

1. MANAGE YOUR SCREEN TIME

Social media, social media;🤦‍♀️ I sigh because it’s such a great tool but can be a toxic one all at the same time. Do you know the ideology that what you focus on is what you become? Well now is one of those times you do not want to find yourself focusing on negative things. Unfortunately, despite there being some cases of people who are sharing how they overcame the virus and were mild cases, as a way of spreading information the media is sharing a lot of scary (though true) messages with regards to the death toll; patients suffering in their hospital beds you name it. One thing I have decided to do (though I am still struggling a bit) is allocate time to engage/read about what’s happening.

• I usually get my screen time at night and during lunch time. This is when I watch YouTube, go on Facebook, WhatsApp statuses you name it. I then make sure I watch the local 7 o’clock news.
• Don’t spend all your time on news channels it’s going to drive you crazy.🤪
• Do not engage people on social media who are spreading fake news just report the post. Unless you feel really strongly about it; them respond and get on with your day. Caution a back and forth can potential ruin your mode.
• This is not the time to be on twitter, Facebook, Instagram all day; set yourself times to go on them it’s not healthy or productive unless it’s your job. 2. PLAN YOUR TIME

This is a hard one. Oh man! I still struggle🙈 but it’s a discipline thing and it’s developed over time. The trick is maintain your day to day schedule with a slight tweak because I think we need to also use this time to relax. Wake up the same time you do when going to work. Take a shower. Eat and sit at your desk. No! Don’t try and get in one episode of your favourite series on Netflix because that will be the end of your day; stick to the schedule. When you do this you can make sure you knock off earlier than usually because I can assure you working in solitude brings out quicker results.

Side note: don’t scroll through Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp & YouTube before you settle down to do your work that might be the end of your productivity.

3 .START A PROJECT YOU’VE BEEN WANTING TO DO

Where are the vision boards? You might be unable to physically go out but you can use this time to work on a project you have in mind for this year or even next year.  Make a mood board. Make a budget for it. If it’s a business time to draw up your strategy and business plan. Might be a convenient time to even ask people to answer your market survey because we have some time on our hands. Blog away or build that website or YouTube channel. For those with backyards or space with some money start that back yard garden during this time it will camo in handy in the coming months. Basically use this time to elevate yourself when will you ever get time to be home for such a lengthy period to do or plan what’s been on your heart.

4. KEEP HEALTHY

This is what we are about at wellness with goofy just pushing the health narrative as per WHO. Let me remind you what health is again before I delve into my points:

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” – WHO

• Healthy diet this is a diet rich in minerals and vitamins especially Vitamin C and E because of their antioxidant properties. The idea is to ensure your immune system is as strong as possible during this time.  Ensure you get in your fibre, carbohydrates and definitely some protein.

NB: Caution you might want to reduce portions since you will not be as active as you usually are on a day to day basis so you energy needs will be lower.

• Exercise: gyms might be closed but home workouts are a must during this time. Not only to keep fit but we need those endorphins to maintain out sanity. You could skip or do some floor work. Currently, I go for a walk-run every evening just to get some fresh air and Vitamin D. Guys, vitamin D; the sun makes me so happy so for me getting some sunshine D is really important.
• Mental health: this is major in this time. I have a very standard routine for my mental health (I am not perfect I default at times) but I do my morning devotion; I have a morning devotional and journal that I use for this exercise. It’s called Break time: devotions for young women by Amanda Cowles. Thereafter, I gratitude journal (this is a method from my reading the secret) and pray.

I recently downloaded an app called Simple Habit that I am LOVING that is helping me meditate. As a beginner I am doing 5 minutes in the mornings just after I wake up. If you find yourself panicky or anxiety stricken during this time I recommend you get it and try it. Though it’s got a premium version I am currently enjoying the free version.

For my fellow Christians this is also a good time to get in all that quiet time reading the bible.

• Socially: Honestly, I might not be the best person at giving advice on this because I like my space. I don’t care for phones (sorry if you have ever called me/ WhatsApped and I didn’t answer) or constant human interaction probably a by-product of being born in a family with lots of boys. However,I read such a sad post someone asking “Can you go to someone’s house if you are on lock down and feel suicidal” that shook me and I thought how can we practically make sure people get out of this time of quarantine and lock downs alive?

Firstly, I really think having some people that you have agreed you will video call or do calls with DAILY or FREQUENTLY is very essential to add to the human aspect. Not just mere commenting on each other’s statuses but actually calling each other at decided time or even doing activities together e.g. maybe prep dinner together, decide on a movie to watch at the same time. Or even start a quarantine WhatsApp group to share some motivational & encouraging content together.

This is what I would love to do; read some books with some strangers during this time; a virtualnyana book club. Wouldn’t that be cool? Any takers💁‍♀️

I do want to add that if you are not in a good mental space or struggle with mental health issues and live alone please join someone during this period or contact your psychiatrist or psychologist for possible solutions. BE PROACTIVE. And if you have a friend in this position make sure they have a plan.

e) Immune boosters:Lastly if you can afford to, please get a good multivitamin or immune booster during this period. I know of Efferflu C Immune Booster (I have used Efferflu C) and I’ve seen an old friend plug Airmune by Cipla. This is simply to give your body the boost it needs in terms of vitamins and minerals looking at the fact that perishables (fruits and vegetables) might not be as accessible during this time.

5. LISTEN

Sounds weird but honestly listen. If you are told to stay home it’s for your own good. When you wash your hands use the right method as its being preached all over. Keep the right distance between you and the next person if you are sharing a space. Don’t touch your face…You get my drift listen to your healthcare providers, the ministers etc. for reliable information and implement.

Also listen to good music to calm those nerves. Whether for you that means listening to a classical music playlist, The Yanos or a great praise & worship playlist or all of the above do what it takes to stay sane.

Xoxo

Goofy😘

Disclaimer: I am not getting paid by any of the above mentioned brands and I genuinely enjoy or know someone who has benefited from them hence my recommendation.