Social distancing has been strongly encouraged to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. We’ve all heard it over and over again for weeks. For many of us, it means time spent at home. Some may be working from home; others may have been laid off due to business disruption, while some may be taking time off to care for children who are home from school. Whatever the reason, you may be feeling a bit stressed and possibly even frightened.

During this time, you should be concentrating on staying healthy, both physically and mentally, and keeping a positive attitude. While you might be tempted to sit around, watch TV, eat junk food and stress, it might not be the healthiest choice for you. Here are some suggestions for keeping your sanity during social distancing.

Ten tips for staying positive and maintaining your well-being while at home

  1. Keep physically active. Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you can’t go outside and enjoy nature. Spring is finally here, so get out and get some fresh air. Go for a walk or bike ride, play catch with your kids, take your dog for a hike, or just enjoy a quiet at-home workout. Many local fitness centers are live-streaming free workouts at various times throughout the day. If you’d prefer, just pull out your mat and do some yoga. Do whatever you most enjoy, just stay active.
  2. Give your mind a workout. Read a book or sign up for an online class or seminar. There are often many free seminars you can find that will provide a great learning experience. Perhaps you’ve been eager to learn a new software program or even a new language.
  3. Test some healthy recipes. Most of us eat when we’re bored or stressed. It’s a great time to try some new recipes and focus on incorporating some healthier foods into your diet. You can find just about any type of recipe you’d like with a quick online search, including recipes you can make with your kids.
  4. Maintain your social connections. If you’re feeling isolated, don’t be afraid to call a friend. If you’re used to the social aspect of a large office, you might be feeling Keep us those connections with phone calls or Facetime with friends and co-workers. Have you heard about Facebook Watch Party? It’s a feature on Facebook that allows admins to hold a live screening of pre-recorded videos that are publicly available on Facebook. Group members can all watch and comment on the videos at the same time to create a shared viewing experience.
  5. Start an online book club with friends. This is another great way to stay connected to others during social distancing. Read a book and then share your thoughts in an online chat.
  6. Take a virtual tour of a museum. Believe it or not, this is a thing. Here is just a sampling of the many virtual museum tours you can take from the comfort of your own home: The Louvre, The National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel among many others.
  7. Try Yoga or Meditation. Maybe you’ve been wanting to give yoga or meditation a try but just haven’t had time. Well, now you do. Search online and you’re sure to find free videos and instructions.
  8. Tackle some items on your to-do list. We’ve all got a to-do list. Maybe it’s cleaning out your basement, organizing your closets, painting your kitchen or spring cleaning your yard. Whatever the chore, imagine the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when it’s done. Tackle it as a family.
  9. Check on an elderly neighbor or relative. They are probably lonely and afraid. Pick up your phone and check on them. Perhaps they need groceries or some other type of help. Helping someone else will make you feel a lot better.
  10. Enjoy this quality time with your kids and loved ones. We realize it’s a scary time, but it doesn’t mean you can’t relax and enjoy this extra time you have with your family

Remember, getting to spend an extended amount of time at home isn’t the worst thing in the world. We’re sure there were times in your life you were so busy that you longed for the peace and solitude of some quiet time alone at home. Now you have it. Try to maintain a positive attitude and take advantage of this time to do the things you enjoy and that make you happy. Stay safe and stay healthy.