I hope that you guys are finding things to keep you busy in this strange time of staying home. I myself am getting a little stir crazy, but am doing my best to keep my ADHD brain from exploding.
For those of you that don’t know, I have bronchitis and because I am a nurse I have been swabbed for COVID-19. First, I am not in any kind of medical crisis. I have some mild shortness of breath and a bit of a cough. I get bronchitis almost every year and it is likely more of the same, but I have to be sure what’s going on before I can return to work. I am still waiting on the test results and have no idea when they will come back. The labs are pretty busy right now. Long invisible lines.
This means that I am currently in self isolation. I cannot work for obvious reasons. I am staying in one bedroom and bathroom so that I do not share this with the two people I live with. This gives me about six feet of floor space to walk in and a comfy chair to chill in. I have a lap top, my fire and cell phone to entertain me.
I am normally an on the go kinda person, so this has been a challenge. My friends and family have been really awesome in engaging with me over the computer. But it has brought home to me, what everyone else has been struggling with. Since I am a nurse, I have been working and thus have not felt a large change in my routine prior to this. I tend to be a work a lot kind of girl who stays at home on my days off anyway.
This experience has made me realize how important our coping skills are right now. Coping skills are the things we do to manage our emotions when changing the situation is not appropriate or possible. For those of us with chronic illness, this is something that we’re pretty familiar with. However, given the extra stress, our usual methods may not be enough. So, don’t be afraid to try new coping skills when life throws new challenges your way. Here’s a list of things that you can try:
1. Listening to music
2. Art
3. Video games
4. Talking to friends
5. Joining a support group
6. Soaking in the bath
7. Fidget toys
8. Pacing
9. Writing
10. Taking a nap
11. Meditation
12. Dancing
Keep in mind that you don’t need to be good at any of these in order for them to help you manage how you’re feeling. It isn’t about the final product you’re producing, but the act of doing it that has the benefit. If you have other suggestions for coping skills, feel free to share them in the comments.
Keep the distance and stay healthy!
Zebra Pig 