A couple of weeks ago, the world came to a screeching halt. The COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States hard. Although the military usually goes on without skipping a beat, this pandemic has everyone scrambling to prevent further spread of the virus.
But don’t you panic. You can still stay sane and not lose your mind during this time with a few simple tips you can do every day.
1. Get Some Sleep
Let's face it, the life of a military spouse can be pretty hectic. If you're a spouse that is not considered an essential employee or you get to work from home, take this as an opportunity to get some rest. You may still have work to do, and quite frankly, it's probably more work with your family home, so rest up. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep at night. There's no morning commute to the office, so there's no need to get out of bed at the sound of Reveille playing. It's okay to take a nap during the day if your body needs the rest or you feel tired. Besides, your body needs proper rest to repair itself, including your immune system to help fight off any potential viruses.
2. Keep A Schedule
Try to keep some type of schedule. It doesn’t have to be rigid but plan to accomplish some tasks throughout the day. If you're not careful, the whole day can go by, and you can easily have spent the entire day in your pajamas, eating all of your Coronavirus snacks, and binge-watching television. You don't need to get up at six each morning, but plan to get up out of the bed, shower, and at least change out of your pajamas. If you have work to do for your company or business, be sure to manage your time appropriately. This includes giving yourself breaks and making sure you’re eating and staying hydrated.
3. Family Time
Schools and Child Development Centers have almost entirely shut down. You are now expected to teach your kiddos common core math, complete your work, cook, clean, and possibly work alongside your spouse while they are on their fifth conference call of the day. Who knew that spending time with your family could be so annoying? Yes, we all love our families, but after a couple of weeks of spending almost every waking moment with one another, even the slightest thing can get on your nerves. Give yourself some grace when it comes to this. Not many of us planned on homeschooling our kids in the middle of the school year. The kids may be struggling with all of the changes as well. No school sounds great, but what about their friends, prom, and graduation? Don't put too much pressure on them to complete all of their assignments at once. Take this opportunity to connect with your family. When was the last time everyone was home to have lunch or dinner together as a family? What about a game night? Board games are a great way to have fun while giving the internet and cell phones a rest.
4. Write A Book
Have you been meaning to write or book? Maybe your thing is starting a podcast. Perhaps your business needs to pivot due to the current market. Whatever project you have always wanted to start or finish, now is the time. Find time in the day to work on something for you. If you can spare an hour here and there to work on your passion project, you may just have a finished product by the time things get back to 'normal.' The world is waiting for your next big thing, so take advantage!
5. Virtually Hang Out With Your Friends or Neighbors
Social distancing is the new way of life, at least for the foreseeable future. This concept may be a bit unfamiliar to some, but in a world of technology, there are more ways to stay connected with loved ones than ever before. You can host a virtual party on social media utilizing the Live feature. DJ Nice hosted a virtual party that streamed on Instagram Live with over 100,000 people, including public figures and celebrities such as Oprah, Michelle Obama, Jennifer Lopez, former Vice President Joe Biden, and Senator Bernie Sanders. You may not have the following of DJ Nice, but you get the concept. This could be a perfect time to get to know your neighbors while being socially responsible.
6. Go Outside
Vitamin D is good for your mental health. If you've ever felt depressed or really sad during the winter months, lack of sunlight, aka Vitamin D, could be to blame. Cabin fever has probably set in by now, so get out and get some fresh air and sunshine. You will feel better. Don't confine yourself to your home 24/7. No one is saying going outside is not allowed. Just be responsible about it. If you have little kids, make sure they get some outside time to play and run around. Go for a walk, ride your bike, or just sit on your porch and meditate. Whatever it is you do, be intentional about ensuring you are staying positive.
7. Unplug From the Media
You can't escape the barrage of media coverage of the Coronavirus. There seems to be a news conference or social media post every second of every day. Too much can be overwhelming and lead to anxiety. Taking some time away from the news or social media for a day or so could be the break you need. Give yourself time to process the information you already have.
The COVID-19 pandemic is here, and we must deal with it.
Remember to be safe and follow the recommendations of healthcare professionals. No one knows when the curve will actually flatten, and things can start to get back to a place of normalcy. You don't have to have all the answers. Be kind and patient to yourself and your loved ones. If you find that you are struggling with managing your emotions or experiencing anxiety, seek help by connecting with a licensed therapist. Telehealth is an option available for Tricare, Military OneSource, and US Family Health Plan beneficiaries.
LaQuista Erinna
Dr. LaQuista Erinna is a licensed therapist, speaker, and author. As an Army Veteran and former military spouse, she is passionate about eliminating mental health stigma in military communities. She enjoys educating and inspiring others about mental health & wellness, resiliency, and women’s empowerment. To connect with Dr. LaQuista, visit https://laquistaerinnaspeaks.com/ or @laquistaerinna on social media.
