Healthy Habits
How to stay connected in isolation BY AMY HARTLINE As the COVID-19 situation persists and we continue to be isolated in our homes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by factors beyond our control. Now, more than ever, it’s important to focus on the small tasks we can accomplish each day to pursue personal balance and well-being. What are some tangible steps we can take toward recovery, healing and growth? Here are actionable tips to help individuals and families build healthy relationships. SCHEDULE FAMILY CHECK-INS.
Designate intentional space and time to talk to each other. Be sure to include topics on which you connect and others on which you disagree. Setting aside this time helps each family member feel heard and valued. It helps to foster open communication – an essential skill to practice during stressful times. Without scheduled time, it’s easy to forget to communicate, and oftentimes resentments and misunderstandings can begin to build up. Follow these check-ins with something fun that the whole family can do together, like a board game or craft.
SHARE GRATITUDE. Although
the current news cycle may seem overwhelming and daunting, focus on the things you appreciate. For example, instead of feeling resentment that you are unable to go out to eat, consider this an opportunity to learn to cook a new dish together. What’s the one new thing you’ve talked about learning or starting as a family? Is there a project you’ve been intending to accomplish together? Look at this time as an opportunity, rather than a setback. Sharing one or two things you’re grateful for is an easy practice to incorporate into family dinners and create a moment to be completely present with one another.
GET OUTSIDE (SAFELY!). Under
the statewide “stay-at-home” order, you may still get fresh air and outdoor activity on your own or with household members. Be sure to practice social distancing (at least 6 feet of separation) when crossing paths with other parties. Spending time in nature has stress-relieving and healing properties that offer a reprise from being constantly indoors. Sunshine and fresh air can help you reset and act as a natural mood booster. Take family walks, bike rides around the neighborhood or just stretch and breathe in the fresh air. Remember to avoid public areas like playgrounds and do not engage in risky outdoor activities that could compromise our health care resources if you were to get hurt and require medical attention.
MAKE SPACE FOR ALONE TIME.
At some point, if your family has been together constantly, each family member will likely need time to themselves. Remind each other that this is important, and encourage each other to find something they can happily do alone. It could be as simple as taking the dog for a walk, drawing, journaling or playing music. Being able to take care of yourself in this way allows you to show up for your family.
TAKE A BREAK FROM THE NEWS AND LIMIT SCREEN TIME. It’s
important to stay informed, but it’s okay to take a break from the news cycle. This might mean setting hard limits for yourself, like only reading the news in the morning, or putting your phone away after 6 p.m. If you find yourself yearning to click a news or social app, reach for a book instead. This is something you can remind your family to do, too. It’s easy to spend more time online and in front of screens without our regular routines; setting boundaries can help regulate this schedule. Some easy limits which lower technology use could include no cell phones or TV during certain family activities and meals.
REMEMBER TO BE MINDFUL AND FORGIVING OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS. Set aside five
minutes at the end of each day to reflect and create intentional space to send love and light to yourself and others. Sit quietly and take stock of the day. Affirm yourself for the ways you showed up well, and forgive yourself for the ways you feel like you could have done better. Research demonstrates that this type of mindfulness can help us feel less isolated and more connected. At the end of the day, remember social isolation is not permanent. This too shall pass, and we will come out on the other side. It's up to us whether we come out better off: healthier, more mindful and more connected. l Amy Hartline is a family wellness counselor at Open Sky Wilderness Therapy. For more information visit www.openskywilderness.com.
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