Dealing with social distancing can be difficult, but we are all in this together! Here are some best practices from Cody Alan to help you stay healthy, hopeful, and productive during these uncertain times.
Keep a schedule. Routines and schedules are a crucial step to keep a sense of normalcy about your week. Treat working from home, like you would if you were working from an office. Set a time to clock in, a scheduled lunch break, and time to "clock out." Pro tip: Designating a space in your home as an office will also help set the new standard of your routine.
Setting a schedule for your family will also help your kids keep a structure that feels productive and worthwhile. Be aware of time outside of your regular routine. It's important to stick to a general bedtime and morning routine.
Practice self-care. Social isolation can be mentally and emotionally exhausting. Staying home easily lends itself to less physical activity than you may be used to getting. It's more important now than ever to practice self-care.
If you're anxious about the state of the world or the health of your family and friends, this might be an excellent time to pick up journaling, start meditating or even connect with a therapist who can meet with you online.
If the constant influx of news is stressing you out, permit yourself only to check the news at certain times of the day.
Stay social. Right now is a great time to bring back the good old-fashioned phone call — or get a little more tech-savvy with your family and connect via a video chat. Zoom, Facetime, or Google Hangouts are easy to use and free. Virtual coffee dates, Netflix Parties, and endless online concerts are other great resources to spend time with friends.
Take action. If you're feeling helpless, you're not alone. But there are ways you can help without leaving the house! Donate to nonprofits that are struggling, buy gift cards to support your local small businesses, see if your local hospital is accepting homemade fabric masks, or offer to grocery shop for an elderly or immunocompromised neighbor.
Remember, we are all in this together, and there is power in positivity! Cody and the crew are "Here For The Heroes," and we want to hear from you! Do you have a hometown hero that you would like to cast a spotlight on? Nominate your shining star by sending Cody a video message on Instagram at @CodyAlan.
Photo Credit: CMT Radio.