During this time of uncertainty it is important that we maintain our mind, body, soul, and spirit in a place of wholeness and calm. None of us know how long this pandemic will affect us but regardless here are a few ways to keep your "whole" self moving forward and strong. Get ready for what I believe are the 10 must do things that will help you navigate this storm.
1. Get Up.
Don't allow depression or any other melancholy to lay on you. You still have purpose and goals. Get with it.
2. Acknowledge God In All Your Ways.
Prov. 3:6 tells us, "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Doing this will help you set your mind on the right things and keep you from wilin' out on your loved ones.
3. Get Dressed Like You Are Still Going To Work (but business casual).
That means bathe, zhuzh up, put your makeup on, put on some clean clothes, and get a workout in before you go into the next room where you will be spending majority of your time at (your virtual home office). Even if you don't have the ability to work from home, still get up and move like you normally do. Nobody wants to be stuck in the house around a slob.
4. Don't Lose Your Consistency.
Keep up your routines that can be handled inside the house or while you're out on essential business. You have the same 24 hours now that you had before this pandemic. Now you just have less things to prioritize.
5. Reconnect With Family and Friends Outside Of Your Home.
Some on social media and hopefully some off! Social media is not your entire world. Erykah Badu often says that she is "an analog girl in a digital world". Go back to being old skool by CALLING! CALLING! CALLING! people on the phone. Or going OUTSIDE like you did when you were a kid and sitting, playing and working in the yard. Speak to your neighbors over the fence. See if they need anything or if you can be of service to them while you have the time. Me and my neighbors keep each other up on happenings by having tea over the fence. They stay in their yards and I stay in mine but we are still together as a community providing much needed conversation and support.
6. Go On A Phone Date.
And I don't mean sexting. This pandemic is a BLERD's best friend. Now is the time when you can call and be called by your blerd hottie and talk about stuff that most think is uncool. Things and hobbies you may keep to yourself for fear of running them off can now be discussed. Chemistry, Civil War History, Because, where they got to be?! LOL!
7. Start A New Hobby.
Get started on one of those hobbies you've kept putting off. Cooking channel on YouTube anybody? I'm a big fan of car detailing and cleaning channels.
8. Learn A New Technique & Improve Your Skills.
Speaking of YouTube, get on there and practice those hairstyles and techniques you've always wanted to learn. I am a self taught braider but YouTube helped me to do braids almost like a pro. Other useful sites are Skillshare, Udemy, and other niche specific blogs.
9. See Clearly
Know that this pandemic is an inconvenience and not the end of your life. This to shall pass and we will come out on the other side stronger and wiser.
10. Get In The Right Perspective
Know that in everything it's a matter of perspective. you can fall into a fearful, anxious, pandemonium froggy mindset or you can thank God for the opportunity to get some much needed rest and to reassess what is most important.