While our lives and careers have been unexpectedly put on hold, it can be difficult to live the sweet life, la dolce vita. We’ve had to endure weeks — which is now turning into months — in isolation. With a little mindfulness, it is possible to live the sweet life during a pandemic. Here are some things you can do to help the time go by easier and make life a little sweeter.
Human Connection
Keep in touch with the outside world. Pick up the phone and dial a friend or family member. Check on your older relatives and neighbors. They may need someone to talk with to ease their fears. You’ll feel better too.
Try some of the free technology available like FaceTime and Zoom. You don’t have to cut yourself off from society. You can feel like you’re right in the room with them when you see their smiling faces.
Go out and practice social distancing. We’re permitted to go outside for necessities. Or maybe you can walk around the block or around your backyard. Get some sunshine. Remember to wear a mask whenever you go out. The virus is airborne. Protect yourself and others by following the health and safety regulations.
Practice Patience
You may be riding this out alone, or you may be stuck in with someone else or multiple people. Be patient with your isolation partners. If they are overly talky, they may be more anxious than they are letting on. If they get really quiet, make sure they are not falling into depression during this crisis.
Be there for each other, but also learn to respect each other’s space. When you’re stuck together, there is a good chance you will eventually get on each other’s nerves. Be conscientious and respectful. Share the TV remote. Wear your headphones when listening to music. Help with shopping, cooking, and household chores. Keeping up the home shouldn’t fall on one person.
Cleanliness
Don’t let your surroundings get out of control. A disordered environment leads to a disordered mind. Keep your space clean and uncluttered. It will do wonders for your mental health. It also helps when you need to get on a Zoom session with work.
Bathe. It’s tempting to lie around in the same clothes or PJs for days on end. Who will see or smell you, am I right? But taking a shower or a bath feels wonderful. It feels like normal. Normal is good.
You may not be able to get your haircut, but you can shave your legs and groom your face. You could also use this time to experiment. Have you always wanted purple hair? Now is the time to try it out.
Get dressed, even if that means getting out of your pajamas and into your sweats. You need that separation from sleep time to day time. If you really want to feel good, elevate your loungewear. Order some new pieces online that are comfortable and make you look and feel fabulous. Silk pajama bottoms, anyone? One of the components of my la dolce vita lifestyle is to surround yourself with luxurious fabrics.
Wellness
The best defense against a viral pandemic is a strong immune system. Following a Mediterranean diet with a well-rounded nutritional plan will keep you strong. Make meals of healthy fats, lean proteins, whole grains, fish, and plenty of multicolored fruits and vegetables.
Get a moderate amount of exercise. Gyms may be closed, but you can find countless workouts and exercise advice online for free. Search on YouTube and you’ll find thousands of routines in every style imaginable, from yoga, ballet, and pilates, to weight training, cardio, and body building, for all ages and fitness levels.
Keep your mind in good health by practicing meditation, journaling, or reading a good book. Binge-watching Netflix can be fun, but don’t let it consume your whole day. Expand your mind in other ways.
Practice self care. This can be as simple as giving yourself a manicure or facial, or more complex like taking an online class. Do something for yourself that you enjoy.
Don’t Waste Time
This can be a good time to catch up on sleep. A proper amount of sleep, somewhere between 7-9 hours, is necessary to maintain a healthy immune system. Be careful not to fall into patterns of listlessness. If you find it difficult to get out of bed, please pick up the phone and call a family member or a friend.
Put down the video game controller. I see a lot of young women online complaining that their significant other is spending the entire day playing games. Games are fun in moderation. Limit your playing time. Don’t let them take over your life.
You don’t have to put pressure on yourself to write the great American novel during this time. Just don’t waste all this precious time by don’t nothing at all. Life during a pandemic doesn’t have to stop.
Find joy in the time off. We always say we never have time to do the things we really want to do. How many times have you said, “I would (fill in the blank) if I only had the time. Well, now you do have time. Take advantage of it. You’ll be busy again soon enough.
Life During a Pandemic
We have to continue on to the best of our abilities. The common theme of this article is respect. Respect for yourself and for the well-being of others.
I hope you find these isolation tips helpful to living the sweet life during a pandemic. Let me know in the comments if you have any other tips. I love to learn from you too.
Until we meet again, stay safe, wear a mask, practice social distancing, and wash you hands! 🙂
Join the Conversation