5 Life-Changing Things To Do During the Covid 19 Isolation

Don’t only survive, but thrive.

Covid-19, commonly known as the Coronavirus, has everyone concerned, to say the least. Shops and schools are closed, while events are canceled. With many in self-isolation, working from home, or out of work altogether, fear, confusion and even depression can take root. I am writing this to tell you that it is okay to be afraid of how serious this time is. In fact, fear of uncertainty is one of our natural survival instincts. So give yourself grace and permission to be afraid and unsure. Then read the following to make the most of this time, and not only focus on surviving this crisis but become better during it.

I felt such a desire to take time to send out a little love and hope during all the chaos because I know that we are all feeling a little vulnerable. In the next few weeks, self-isolation can become lonely, but we are not alone. You are not alone. I am not alone. This virus, has brought to light the most globally connected community that our generation has ever seen. We are all learning from and cheering on one another in an attempt to gain control over a world-wide epidemic.

We live in a time of incredible technology that keeps loved ones and communities connected despite illness, tragedy, and crisis. My hope is that together, we can find solutions and even be able to focus on the beauty that can arise in times of crisis. Let’s all use this time to take a pause, re-evaluate, and create a more wonderful us on both a personal and global scale.

These three mantras keep me going during this difficult time:

• Beauty lies in our own reflections

• Peace forms from the deepest pains

• Growth takes place during trials

In taking all these things to heart, here are five life-changing things I believe we can do during the Covid-19 isolation:

1. Find Your Voice:

I am here to tell you, that YOU are a truly beautiful and unique individual. You have talent, vision, and inspiration, but life keeps us so busy that we sometimes lose sight of our own voice and the gifts that we have to offer this world. Take some time to journal your thoughts and stories. Or even write that book or start that podcast you have been dreaming up!

2. Focus On Relationships:

Whether you are locked inside with your spouse and children (I’m with ya!) or sitting with your cat or pup, connected with others only through technology… take some time to check in on others. Work on forming deeper relationships with those you love during this time. As everyone is forced to slow down, it is a perfect chance to reach out through phone, text, email or even facetime to friends and family who you’ve been “meaning to check in on.” 

I called my brother-in-law via face-time for his birthday and while he was just staying in, we joked that we live in a time that we can actually have a virtual bday dinner party with friends! I mean, think about it… if we are forced to be in isolation, what better time period to live in with this incredible technology keeping us all so connected and in the know?

3. Re-evaluate Your Life’s Course:

This is a pretty heavy one, but it may just be time to ask, “What if this were the end of days?” Am I happy with the path that I have taken in my life?

Try this activity: Ask “What are three things that I have loved about my life? What are three things that I would change or would have done differently if given the chance?” Write them down and then brainstorm ways to make big strides towards the things you love and are proud of. Those things are your true path. Also, look at the things you aren’t happy with. How can you change or prevent them moving forward? 

4. Be Kind to Yourself:

Slow down, meditate, read that book that has been collecting dust on your nightstand, pamper yourself, exercise your body and mind. Also, experts tell us that taking a 30-minute walk daily can increase our mood and overall happiness. Fresh air is such an important part of your well-being, so even though you are essentially “locked-in”, don’t forget to get out at least once a day. Walk around your backyard, jump on the trampoline with your kids, lay in the sunshine. It will do wonders for your soul, I promise!

5. Learn Something:

Knowledge is the new form of currency. We have all seen the hundreds of masterclasses and educational podcasts that sneak into our social media feeds and searches. Pick something you’ve always wanted to learn about and either soak up all of the freebies out there about that topic, or invest in an online class. Use this time to learn something new, even pick up a new language using an app like Duolingo! You are bound to feel empowered and excited about this new knowledge, and when the world does finally resume, you will enter back into it with a leg up from those who sat around binge-watching netflix all month. 

In conclusion, we should all remember to simply be grateful during this time of hardship. Be gentle with yourself and gentle with others. If you are reading this on any form of technology, keep in mind that you are one of the fortunate ones. You are alive, and most-likely have access to modern healthcare and food. Complaining won’t change what is, and the only way back to normalcy is to focus on the community over oneself. Do not take more than you need, and stay kind. We live in a time where the world is connected, for better or worse. Love your neighbor whether they are right next door or oceans away. And don’t forget, you are never alone. We are all OneHerd.