Consider what we’ve been through and experienced in recent months, from social distancing to mandatory mask-wearing and the closure of businesses, recreational areas, public areas, gyms, and even parks. And let’s never forget the countless loss of life.

When you consider everything, death, economic insecurity and devastation, uncertainty, distrust, schools in many states being closed for months, it’s no wonder so many people are battling fear and anxiety.

Uncertainty has always been a part of life. But it feels even more so now than ever before.  People need to feel safe. They want to feel in control of their lives. The events of the past year have left many with feelings of stress, anxiety, and powerlessness.

4 Ways to Guard Your Outlook & Keep Your Sanity

Even  when we’re not battling a pandemic, uncertainty is a part of life. If we’ve learned anything from COVID-19 and how governments and businesses reacted, it’s that, to a large degree, our sense of security was an illusion. We’ve come to realize that we can’t assume that certain things, like jobs and access to employment, will always automatically be there for us.

So if you feel, or have felt, worried or anxious, cut yourself some slack. Life might return to the way it was pre-pandemic, or it might not. Who knows? But you have the power within yourself to stay hopeful and positive. Consider these tips:

Be Grateful

Without minimizing the tragedy and loss that so many have experienced, what are some blessings you enjoy daily? Don’t overlook the small ones. Have you had more time to connect with friends or loved ones? Perhaps even a little more time to enjoy your pets? Perhaps you’ve had the chance to work on a project you’ve been putting off or write the great American novel. Maybe the pandemic has helped you realize what matters most to you – that you were taking certain things for granted.

Gratitude unlocks joy and hope. Despite what you might’ve lost, what are some things for which you can be grateful? Gratitude is a pillar of emotional and mental health. An optimistic outlook does wonders for your overall well-being.

Structure Your Day

Many people have been forced to throw their daily routines out the window. So what? Make a new one – perhaps one that’s more suited to your wants and needs. Open your favorite calendar or notebook, and design a schedule. Include your responsibilities AND goals, and dreams. Scheduling your day imparts a sense of control. Plus, it gives your day purpose and meaning and promotes productivity. Trade worry for peace of mind by taking control of your day. By taking control of your day, you take control of your life because time = life.

Make Relationships a Priority

Stay in touch with colleagues and loved ones via technology if necessary. Although face-to-face is better, it still isn’t possible for everyone just yet, especially with office buildings in certain states still being closed. So use technology to stay connected with people you care about.

Do whatever you can to avoid social isolation at all costs.

Connecting with friends is a great way to cope with fear and anxiety. And it’s fun, too! Initiate contact. Don’t wait for them to reach out to you.

Take Care of Yourself During and After The Pandemic

Self-Care Ideas:

• Enjoy a hot bath or soothing shower
• Journal
• Meditate
• Take relaxing walks in nature
• Plan family dinners/meals
• Focus on faith/spirituality rituals and practices
• Listen to inspiring music
• Engage in physical activity either at the gym or at home
• Limit watching negative news
• Connect socially regularly
• Read
• Volunteer
• Start a side business – pursue your dream!
• Set aside time for your passions and interests
• If you have a partner, enjoy mutual massages

Remember: YOU are in charge of your life. It might not feel like it when restrictions are forced upon you. But it’s up to you how you manage your response and lead your life.

Have faith in yourself. And be a pillar of strength and encouragement for others. The pandemic has been scary for a lot of people. You’re not alone. We’re here to support each other – to make someone’s life better.

Do what you can to stay healthy, be positive, help others, and take care of yourself. These simple practices will safeguard your well-being and keep you sane because they put YOU in charge of your life, taming fear and worry during the pandemic and its aftermath.

Let your faith and courage, not your worries and fears, define your life and shape your future.

Image by Alexandra A life without animals is not worth living from Pixabay

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Do you feel like you’re stuck in a rut spending too much time on your own? Are you tired of screens and functioning in a “virtual” world?

Well, here are four ways to ease social connection back into your life, whether you’re an introvert or someone who’s had the introverted lifestyle forced on you. Keep in mind that you need to manage your health risk regarding social exposure and becoming infected with COVID.

1) Get out there responsibly but within your comfort zone

Push yourself to try new things. But live responsibly for yourself and others.

Try new things in new places. Enjoy activities and events in venues that follow established health protocols. Do something that moves you outside of your comfort zone a little bit as you reintroduce yourself to the world.

Maybe it’s time to frequent your favorite restaurant or coffee shop. Maybe attend a concert or a birthday party but hang out in the corner with a friend.

If you’re a person of faith, maybe it’s time to visit your faith community. Be wise. Wear your mask. Keep sanitizer with you.

You want to push yourself but not too fast or too far.

2) Meet new people on YOUR terms

Start a conversation with a friendly person at your favorite store or restaurant. Go somewhere where you might make a new friend – someone with whom you share common interests.

3) Push yourself to participate in something new

Search online for fun things to do in your local area. Doing something new can be a great way to boost social interaction in your life.

4) Welcome the spotlight

This might not be for everyone. But have you considered small groups where you become the focus of attention at some point, like a book club, creative writing group, or karaoke?

Reintroducing yourself socially is difficult but not impossible. Practice pushing yourself to do new things but on your terms and without risking pushing you past your limitations.

The fears of 2020 may have created anxiety issues for some people. So meeting with a therapist can help with processing and managing those emotions.

Although mask-wearing and social distancing are some of the protocols that are still in effect, don’t let them lead you into a lifestyle of social isolation. Be responsible, and make social connection an important part of your day by living your life on YOUR terms.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

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Staying indoors for days on end makes you restless and irritable, especially if you’re an outdoors person or get cabin fever. If that sounds like you, then binge-watching Criminal Minds probably isn’t a good idea right now.

There are many things you can do that don’t involve staring at screens (or each other) for hours on end or setting a new Guinness world record for how many games of Uno a family can play in thirty days (Uno rocks, btw).

Here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling.

1. Stay in Touch

Thanks to technology, self-sheltering doesn’t mean social isolation.

If you’ve been thinking about reconnecting with friends and family, this is the perfect opportunity, especially if you’re home alone. So go ahead and give Cousin Eddie a call! Thanks to social distancing, you won’t see his RV parked at your curb when you wake up tomorrow (this movie-reference joke isn’t meant to poke fun at anyone named “Eddie”).

Social interaction lifts your spirits and stops cabin fever in its tracks. It breaks the monotony of your surroundings and keeps you connected to the outside.

2. Exercise

No doubt people are stress-eating right now. Combined with a lack of physical activity, pounds can pack on fast.

Consider using this time to take long, stress-reducing walks; remember to practice social distancing, and wear a face covering.

Physical activity strengthens your mind and body, so lace-up your shoes and get off the couch. You’ll probably feel so good that you’ll want to do it again tomorrow!

If you’re a gym-rat and are jonesing for the squat rack, well use your phone, smart TV, or computer to access thousands of awesome at-home workouts by trusted professionals on YouTube or apps at the app store or google play.

If you’re okay with investing a few dollars into your health, then the Peloton app and Beachbody On Demand have great workouts, some even include the whole family. Caution: Be aware that some content contains unsuitable language and music for your family; choose wisely.

3. Self-Care

A long soak in the tub might not be practical on most days, but it’s perfect for when you’re stuck indoors.

If long baths aren’t for you, try a new recipe, read a book, give yourself a manicure or do pretty much anything that involves taking care of yourself.

4. Creative / DIY Projects

There’s no better time to catch up on the DIY projects you’ve been putting off. You can repaint a room, hang pictures or paintings, redecorate or reorganize your home, spring clean, paint or write; whatever gets your ‘creative’ juices flowing.

5. Give Yourself Some Leeway

While it’s important to stick to a schedule even when you’re stuck indoors, give yourself some leeway. You may find yourself watching more TV than usual, sleeping-in in the morning or taking afternoon naps.

As long as it’s within reason and you’re not staying in bed all day or staying up the entire night, you should be fine—no need to be hard on yourself; practice self-compassion. Why? Because when you’re kind to yourself, you’re nicer to others.

Being stuck indoors can be seen as a dreadful challenge or a gift. Seize this opportunity to practice self-care, exercise, finish DIY projects, and chat with friends and family (or to update your resume, just in case…).

Chances are that when the need to self-shelter is finally over, it won’t be long before we’re all wishing for a little bit more stay at home time again.

Photo by Simon Ray on Unsplash

The post Self-shelter Indoors Without Going Crazy During COVID-19 appeared first on Lifestyle.

People are out of work; paychecks have stopped. Businesses have shuttered; the hopes of business leaders are failing because they can’t take care of their employees.

And millions of homes across America have become temporary classrooms, making moms and dads substitute teachers.

People aren’t sure what to believe because news briefings contradict what they reported the day before as experts learn more about COVID-19.

Domestic violence and child abuse are rising, along with suicidal thoughts and behavior. If fear, stress, and hopelessness are the emotional powder keg, then strained social connections are the short fuse.

COVID-19 is impacting every area of our lives. One word describes the mood: Grave.

But another story is surfacing during this time of chaos. It’s a story about heroes.

They are the folks keeping our store shelves stocked, and the truck drivers making sure there’s something to put on those shelves. Not to mention the checkers risking their health to make sure we get home with our supplies.

They are the bank tellers, overworked nurses, police officers, firefighters, lab workers, scientists, government officials, entrepreneurs, community volunteers, generous businesses, faith communities, teachers and principles finding creative ways to educate our children, oh -and let’s not forget the kid who keeps toilet paper on the shelves.

This is an age of heroes. We can choose fear and uncertainty or courage and hope. We can cower inwardly, or be brave, choosing to work, serve, and live for a better tomorrow.

Here are ten ways you can stay hopeful during the COVID-19 crisis and channel your inner hero, no mask required (well, not that kind of mask).

1. Be Prepared

Keep your family prepared with medicine, food, and personal items. Preparing isn’t hoarding; be a hero.

2. Be Optimistic

Focus on bravery and breakthroughs; avoid doom and gloom information.

3. Be Active 

Physical activity strengthens the immune system and brightens your mood.

4. Be Hopeful

This crisis is temporary; it will pass. So don’t do something permanent or irreversible. People have overcome similar situations; so will you. It won’t be dark forever; dawn is coming.

5. Be Money-Wise 

Although times are tight, review your finances, and keep accurate records. If you’re having trouble paying bills, let your creditors know.

6. Be Kind 

Do something selfless. Make someone smile; offer hope; be a friend.

7. Be Mindful 

A few minutes of deep breathing and meditation will soothe your mind. When feeling stressed and overwhelmed, find a quiet place (even if it’s alone in the bathroom!) to enjoy a couple of minutes of slow, deep breathing. We need you. Be a hero.

8. Be Productive 

Keep up with your studies and work; choose a project or hobby. Don’t be idle.

9. Be Grateful

Even during difficult times, we can find something for which to be thankful. Before falling asleep tonight, give thanks for two or three things for which you’re truly grateful.

10. Be Strong

While some people advise avoiding negative people during times of crisis, why not be a blessing instead? How? Listen. Encourage. Be a blessing by sharing hope. Be heroic. Lend a glove-covered hand. Point to the generous and selfless acts of others, no matter how small or insignificant. Lift people up. Help those in need. Grieve with those who grieve. Be strong.

Although it might not feel like it right now, this will all be over soon. The world won’t be closed for business for very long.

We will find a vaccine, and life will slowly return to normal. People will return to work; kids will go back to school, and hospitals will have beds.

We will study what we did well and what we could’ve done better.

We will honor loved ones who passed and forever cherish their memory.

But for now, until that day comes, and it is coming, let’s help each other through these scary times by clinging to hope and being someone’s hero.

Photo by Edwin Hooper on Unsplash

The post Being Hopeful & Heroic During COVID-19 appeared first on Lifestyle.

Although we watched COVID-19 shut down China, Italy, Germany, Spain, with more countries being added to the list daily, it’s real now because it’s on our doorstep, not thousands of miles away.

So let’s talk about how you can protect yourself, COVID-19 symptoms, and how you can avoid infecting others.

Coronavirus: Try Not to Panic

The word “pandemic” is scary enough without making things worse.

So, please go to organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to stay informed.

Tune out social media “influencers” or organizations that use fear to manipulate people for ratings and profits.

Avoid alarmists and conspiracy-leaning folks, even if they are sincere; the last thing you need right now is someone else taking charge of your mind and emotions.

Panic usually makes things seem worse than they are. It makes people think and behave irrationally, thinking only of themselves instead of the needs of others.

A great way to stay calm is to “work the problem” as they say, by taking action and making reasonable preparations. Many people also find strength and courage in their faith and family during times like these.

Knowledge, awareness, faith, and helping others are ways to ease feelings of fear and panic.

How to Prepare for the Coronavirus

Although we’ve been preparing for COVID-19 for several days, let’s review to make sure we’ve covered everything:

Prepare for the possibility of quarantine. Although strong precautions are underway to prevent this from happening, if quarantined, you’ll be required to stay inside your home.

Just in case this happens, here’s what you can do to prepare (according to the CDC)

• Maintain an updated emergency contact list: Family (especially if your loved ones are elderly), friends, neighbors, your health care provider, local health department, employer, and your child’s school.

• Many employers have instituted an emergency operations plan. Learn if yours covers sick leave, has an option to work from home and your company’s long-term plan for handling this outbreak.

• It bears repeating: Follow credible news sources to stay informed about the coronavirus. Avoid hype and hearsay.

How to Prevent Getting the Coronavirus

Okay, we’ve heard it a million times these last few days, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds several times daily! 

Wonder how long twenty seconds is? Sing Happy Birthday twice to yourself while washing your hands.

Also, wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or being in a public place.

Although it’s best to use soap and water, hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol will do.

Surfaces – Avoid Touching Surfaces in Public Areas: Doorknobs, handrails, elevator buttons, airline check-in kiosks, handling someone else’s phone, or letting them hold yours. Also, avoid handshakes and hugs for now.

See someone with cold or flu symptoms? Wish them good health…from a distance! Protect yourself by staying at least three feet away; experts say six feet is better.

Practice safe respiratory hygiene. COVER your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when sneezing or coughing to prevent infecting others with any virus-infected droplets.

Already Sick? STAY HOME. For how long? Until you feel well again.

Is your health compromised, or are you elderly? Avoid crowds.

At the time this post was written, public officials were advising that people avoid public gatherings consisting of more than ten people. Closed spaces, and areas that aren’t well ventilated make respiratory infections spread faster.

Coronavirus: Are You or Someone Know At High Risk?

Anyone who is 60 or older or has these medical conditions is at high risk: Lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, and anyone else with a compromised immune system; be vigilant.

Those over the age of 80 and have medical conditions are at the highest risk; so take the necessary precautions. Stock up on groceries and medications, keep space between you and others (six feet or more), avoid gatherings, refrain from travel, wash your hands often, keep your house clean, and stay home.

COVID-19 Symptoms

Normal Coronavirus Symptoms:

The CDC lists these cold-like symptoms to watch out for:

• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Fever

Experiencing these symptoms? See your doctor or health care provider for testing and evaluation. Call ahead first.

Emergency Coronavirus warning signs:

• Having trouble breathing
• Are short of breath
• Pressure or pain in the chest that won’t go away
• Uncharacteristically confused, or can’t seem to wake up.
• Lips or face have turned bluish

These emergency-warning signs require immediate medical attention.

(Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html)

If you’ve been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, consult your doctor or health care provider for medical advice. Avoid contact with others to prevent spreading the virus.

More COVID-19 Information and Resources

• Practice general hygiene and cleanliness.
• Follow your health care provider’s advice and instructions.
• Wash your hands for twenty seconds frequently – especially after touching public surfaces, items, or people.
• Keep your house clean – clean all high-touch surfaces daily.

For more information on COVID-19, consult the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov

World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Parting Thoughts…

In this time of worldwide fear and panic, and financial uncertainty, we unite and stand together, and commit to helping each other as far as possible.

Although it’s being said that these are unprecedented times, what isn’t unprecedented is our love, hope, strength, will, ingenuity, sheer force of will, and resilience. We will do what we’ve always done: Survive, learn, and find a better way forward.

Remember, there’s hope; things will get better soon. The thoughts and prayers of our entire Lifestyle Magazine family are with those who have been gravely affected by this pandemic. We stand together, not alone, and look forward to the future with hope and faith.

P.S. Want Some Good News?

For some GOOD news on recent developments regarding the coronavirus, click the link below to check out a blog post by best-selling author, Peter Diamandis, who’s best known for being the founder and chairman of the XPrize Foundation. In his post, he shares 15 encouraging developments regarding the coronavirus:

15 Recent & Encouraging Coronavirus Developments

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

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