- Maintain a healthy lifestyle – A hiatus from work and daily life can cause boredom and lead to feelings of sadness and frustration. It is important to take care of your physical and mental health. Ways to do this are getting enough sleep, exercising, eating well and staying hydrated.
- Stay virtually connected with others – During social distancing, utilize text, calling and apps (Facetime, Skype, Zoom) to connect with family and friends. If you are feeling depressed, anxious, or isolated reach out to friends and others to talk about your experience and ask for support. Utilize digital connection to help children stay connected to their friends during this time.
- Create and follow a daily routine – Keeping a schedule at home, especially with children, will help preserve a sense of order during times of uncertainty.
- Limit social media- Take a break from reading, listening to or watching media related to the pandemic. Take time to listen to music, read a new book, or watch something entertaining. When looking for updates on COVID, rely on trusted organizations — including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the World Health Organization.
- Spend time outdoors – While schools, playgrounds and community facilities are closed, it is still possible to be outside. Find a space in your yard, a local trail to walk, or check with local and state parks to see if trails and bike paths are still open during this time. Fresh air will help break up long days of being indoors.