Integritus Prime

Many are experiencing burnout from quarantining themselves, social distancing, and assimilating the news. Add to the list home schooling, childcare, cooking, domestic violence, and the perils of grocery shopping, I think it’s fair to say that most people feel they need a break from this way of life. To top it all off, there are a number of conspiracy theories going around. What can one do to stay sane? Here are 9 tips:

1. Do your research: If you don’t know enough about something, including the novel coronavirus or a conspiracy, but feel worried, it will be better for your peace of mind to do research from credible sources and inform yourself. Keep in mind that media agencies and other news providers may not be motivated to provide a balanced perspective, because that would not get them the best ratings.
2. Focus on what you can control: Even if you find out that unjust actions are being implemented, figure out what you can do about it, and do it. For example, if you’re unhappy with how local establishments are handling social distancing, speak to or write to the management. Speak up and be heard.
3. Respond, don’t react: When something triggers you at work or at home, take some time to dig deeper into why it bothers you, then calm yourself and rehearse what you will say before you have the conversation in a detached and focused manner. Being reactive won’t help the situation.
4. Build immunity: Given the presence of the novel coronavirus and high amounts of stress, it pays to eat healthy foods to keep your immune system strong. A plant-based diet with herbs like echinacea and elderberry, with extra vitamin C and zinc, and exercise in Nature are basics to incorporate into your daily regimen.
5. Take Precautions: Even if others don’t follow guidelines for basic sanitation, make sure you do your part. It doesn’t hurt to be careful, and you could be saving lives.
6. Eliminate Fear: Fear undermines your immunity, so get to the bottom of the fear and eradicate it from your mind. Take steps that empower you, instead of succumbing to fear.
7. Adopt Compassion and Kindness: Be kind and show compassion to everyone you interact with – we are in this together and it is hard on everyone. We highlight some wonderful kind behaviors in episode 5 of our Beyond Medicine: The Importance of Behavior Change series this past week.
8. Support, don’t oppose: If you find practices that are more harmful than helpful, take a stand that supports the helpful practices. Opposing something only amplifies it – focus your mind on what you want to increase, not on what you want to diminish.
9. Take breaks: This means breaks from all your routines: work, relationships, cleaning, and so on. Spend some quiet time by yourself, resting or listening to music. Do what restores you, whether that’s hiking, yoga a digital detox or movies. Pause. Do it often.

Try these tips out and see if they make a difference in this marathon of changing habits and conditions. Take it one day at a time, and drop me a note with your questions and updates.