The Social Distancing Wellbeing Kit
Hey folks! I hope everyone is being safe out there. Obviously much has changed in your life in the past two weeks and I suspect that things are going to continue to change. This is a time that requires great adaptation. Our culture is shifting at a pace that is unprecedented and uncanny. It is important to make the most of this era of experience by finding new and creative ways to create value and meaning. In this week’s blog, I wanted to provide you all with some tips in regards to making the most of your “social distancing” for yourself and for others. We all have the opportunity to emerge from this as better and stronger versions of ourselves.
Stay in contact. I very much dislike the term “social distancing” (despite the title of this blog) as it implies that there is a lack of trust between those you choose to interact with and, in addition, that you are not allowed to communicate with them. A more accurate term in this period ought to be something along the lines of “physical distancing” or “proximity distancing”. We can still be there for each other in some capacity. There are plenty of ways to spend time with friends and family while maintaining a safe distance. Be sure to follow CDC.gov and WHO.int guidelines if you are going to be seeing others physically. Find ways to play games through online platforms, video chat, start a book club, write long-form letters, etc.
Create a playlist. Find songs that are uplifting and/or discuss the highs and lows of everyday life. Songs that reflect the reality of the breadth of emotions one can experience throughout the day. Make the playlist indefinite, continue to add songs for as long as they emerge as synchronized with your thoughts and feelings or whenever you remember them. Make a playlist for specific people to let them know that you are thinking of them.
Read an epic. That book that has been sitting on your bookshelf for months, maybe years, isn’t going to read itself. Now would be a great time to conquer long-form novels, series, or non-fiction books. They call them epics for a reason, they are journeys in of themselves. While at home seek adventure with a book that you know is going to be simultaneously challenging and rewarding.
Support local businesses. Many businesses are remaining open during this time and will need your support. Don’t feel like going out? Reach out to see if they have an online store (or are prospectively opening an online store) or see if some of your favorite restaurants have take out/delivery options available.
Get creative in the kitchen. Research recipes online or find a recipe in a cookbook that you already own. Further your culinary skills through preparing something new. It doesn’t have to turn out perfect the first time. Often I’ve personally found that any mistakes that I make with a new recipe are learning opportunities to improve upon. Savor your food, make those taste buds sparkle.
Exercise. Reach out to your gym to see if they have any home workout routines that can help to keep you active. Not a part of a gym? Get on YouTube and find a fitness expert/coach/personality that piques your interest. There are plenty of parks and hiking trails near and around Denver. Take a long bike ride and explore unfamiliar areas. You don’t necessarily have to confine yourself to the quarters of your home. Which brings us to our next tip.
Get some sun. That vitamin D fix that you get from natural light has many health benefits. Perhaps the most important benefit that you can get from vitamin D is support toward your immune system. Vitamin D has been linked to lowering the risk of contracting the flu. Another benefit of vitamin D is increased energy and mood. Be sure to wear sunscreen if you are planning on spending a significant amount of time outdoors.
Limit alcohol/marijuana consumption. While it can be easy to cope with the amount spent at home by getting inebriated it also has an ability to affect your mental health and diminish your productivity. Attempt to refrain from smoking marijuana every day and limit yourself when drinking alcohol. You will feel better in the long run.
Allow uncomfortable emotions to emerge. Being and/or feeling isolated can be a great source of discomfort for some. You will need to learn to accept uncomfortable emotions. Accepting negative feelings can help us in validating the wide spectrum of experience in which we all partake. Ignoring or deny feelings of discomfort can only create issues further down the road. It is better to allow them to be so that you may discover their origin.
Organize. Keeping your home tidy can assist in alleviating the sense of having no control. This is a great opportunity to focus on home improvement and creating a space that feels liberating. Be mindful of excessive organizing as it can be a sign of an unwillingness to confront underlying anxiety.
Needing assistance in how to make the most of “proximity distancing”? Feel free to explore AdamGWalterbach.com or call 720-551-5868