It’s not what happens to us, but what we do with it that matters.
Here are some tips that will help you maintain your sanity and hopefully create some silver linings during this trying time.

SCHEDULE – EVERYTHING

Life usually does this for us, and it works! Try to schedule in 1-2 hour time slots:

WORK – actual work, housework, projects. This will make you feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction

MEALS – post weekly on the fridge. Eat (and drink!) healthier than usual and try to eat at least one meal with others, even virtually

FREE TIME – resting, tv, playing with your phone, reading. Just make this time intentional SOCIAL – family and friend time, zoom dates, phone calls

EXERCISE – try to plan something daily – walking, weights, yoga

OUTSIDE TIME – the earth is breathing, it is right there for you

PLAY – be silly, laugh, play with your kids. Lots of music, dance even if you can’t. Start a hobby. Slow down and smell the roses, literally!

STAY POSITIVE

We will all be needing to stay ahead of anxiety and
depression

KEEP YOUR NARRATIVE REALISTIC AND POSITIVE – “this is tough but
temporary and we will get through it”

MAKE MEANING OF THIS TIME – look for the unique opportunities this time
gives us, write down 3 things you are grateful for daily

SIMPLICITY

Don’t get overwhelmed

Limit your intake of news

Spend your time with people and activities that matter to you

Delete those emails and podcasts you know you will never get to

Keep your living and work space orderly, and continue “normal” things. ( It’s okay to wash your car even if you aren’t driving it, take care of your hair, ladies!)

Slow down, look around you, wonder, sink into your inner life. Pay attention to one thing outside and be curious about it. “Lean in” to this new normal and make meaning of this time.

SERVICE

This gets us out of ourselves and feels really good

Try to do one thing for someone else daily – check on a neighbor, call someone who might be lonely

BE KINDER THAN NECESSARY

SAFETY

This is our main job right now. Follow the guidelines and help others
do so. This is temporary, we can do it!

AS INCONVENIENT AND TRAGIC AS IT IS, THERE IS A SWEETNESS TO
THIS TIME. BE OPEN TO THAT AND SAVOR THE SWEETNESS!!

Vickie Vann, LCSW
415-979-8183
vickievann@comcast.net