At home during COVID and how I manage positivity
Although we’ve all had different COVID experiences, my goal is to help our Inspired Community by sharing what has helped me and my family. If you’re going through a tough time—or know someone who is—I hope my experience can help. We’re in this together.
It’s been 8 months since sheltering-in-place orders were issued following the COVID pandemic. Since then, I’ve worked from home and my kids have been distant learning from home. In our household, everything is happening AT home — and some days — I feel like a prisoner.
It’s never quiet.
I’m never alone.
I feel trapped.
Can you relate?
We all have different ways of getting through stressful days. Some days I’m so frustrated that I want to scream, while other days, I just want to crawl into bed in a dark room and sleep. Mostly, I get through stressful days by eating potato chips and drinking wine.
Yes, I stress eat. I know that may come as a shock but I am—after all—human. Yup… this is real. This is me. This is my COVID experience.
Over the last few months I’ve learned that doing small things every day helps me reduce my anxiety and stress levels, and helps me get through each day positively:
1. We eat together. We’ve had more family together in the last 8 months than we have in the last five or so years. It’s a totally amazing time for conversation and bonding.
2. We have more open conversations as a family. There is something about being forced to be together all the time that allows for a deeper connection. And part of that has been helping them learn to communicate better since we are all crammed into the house.
3. I have quiet coffee time every morning. It does so much for my mental health to wake up before everyone else and sit in the quiet house—sipping on my coffee.
4. I read for fun. This is my personal life saver. I read whenever I can find a small window of time. Reading helps me reduce stress and relaxes me.
5. I make being outside a priority. If the weather is nice I will eat lunch outside or read outside in the afternoons. I walk multiple times a week with a friend. Fresh air lightens my mood and helps me channel positive energy.
6. I set boundaries for my work hours. I set work time limits and this allows for me to find the time to take care of me. And if I am taking care of me, I am more able to take of others.
7. I turn off the news. For me, watching or listen to the news is depressing. So, I turn it off.
8. I am thankful every day that my family is healthy and safe.
9. I am thankful for my support circle of friends and family who help guide me on my journey and help me maintain my personal boundaries and open lines of communication. By doing this, I’ve become a better person as a wife, mother, daughter and friend.
Doing these simple things every day helps uplift me so I can get through challenging days with positivity. Some of these things may work for you too.
Who is in your support circle?
Who do you lean on when you’re struggling?
How do you cope with the day-to-day challenges?
Anna Dufloth
BS, CPT, Certified Fitness Instructor