COVID-19 has been challenging for all of us. Even if you aren’t directly affected by it, you’re most likely still caught up in its chaos.

I’ve had a lot of things working against me and my positivity during this time of self-isolation.

For starters, I just moved in with my in-laws. This is challenging no matter who you are, but during a time when you are under stay at home orders? Forget it.

Second, we found out we’re expecting our first child in October. This is great news, but can you say hormones!?

Lastly, I’ve been dealing with my depression and anxiety which got triggered by other life events. As soon as I thought I had things under control, boom - ISOLATION.

This time has been challenging, to say the least. But, I know I’m not alone! Americans are dealing with the same issues I am and many others every single day.

Here’s how I’m maintaining a well-rounded, mostly positive mindset during this crazy time.

Boundaries

This word has haunted me for my entire adult life. It’s incredibly hard for me to set boundaries with people and even myself sometimes.

I’m a people pleaser by nature.

Setting boundaries during self-isolation has saved me immense amounts of stress and struggle.

I set boundaries with my in-laws…without them even knowing!
Boundaries don’t have to be a full blown discussion. For me it was as simple as not engaging in conversations that I find triggering and being comfortable enough with who I am as a person to not let their irritating words affect me.
There’s been plenty of confrontation, but some people just need to be dealt with differently than what you may be used to. These aren’t “talk it out” kinda people that I’m dealing with, so I took the initiative to do what I needed to do to protect my energy.
I set boundaries with the TV. Sounds silly, right? Wrong.
The news and other media outlets can be fear inducing. I’m choosing to trust that I am educated enough about what is going on in the world right now. I don’t absorb any more than that. Knowing death totals or confirmed cases does not make me any more or less safe. I’m taking the necessary precautions and saving myself from major anxiety by choosing to not engage in major media. More Shark Tank, less Fox 11 News.
I set boundaries with my SO (significant other). Alone time is not a consistent option right now. I’m working from home, he’s not working at all. We live with his parents which means we’re in our bedroom together a lot. We make it known when we need to be alone or are in a mood. This saves us from silly arguments and avoids tension.

Self Care

Being home all the time when you’re not used to it can make you so lazy. GUILTY!

It’s so much easier to lay in bed all day with unbrushed hair and to remain in pajamas.

This really got me the first couple weeks. I now make a point to take care of myself more now than before. I have new systems I follow with my skincare, I try to read 10 pages of a book a day, I meditate and I also started doing yoga again. I even got the SO to start walking with me almost daily, score!

Things that I fell off of doing because I didn’t have time or energy due to work, are becoming a lot more prevalent in my life right now. They’re important to me because they make me feel good, even if I don’t feel like doing them in the moment.

I’ve never regretted doing something that was for me.

Routine

My routine became non existent when this all went down. I found myself lounging around more and not wanting to even work from home.

I got back on a consistent routine pretty quick and acted like everyday was a normal work day. The same things needed to be done before and after to prepare.

This has helped me establish a better, more productive day for myself as well as ensuring I don’t become a lazy girl.

Everything I’ve done to maintain a positive headspace starts and ends with me. I have to choose to be a happy, productive person and take the necessary actions to make sure I get there.

It’s easier than ever to fall prey to mental health conditions, laziness or just plain BLAH. But you have to be the one to take the initiative and not let this happen. Take back your control!