July 8, 2020 – Kat Jorgensen

I’ve been getting a lot done during the pandemic. I think people are falling into two camps – those who can get a lot done and those who aren’t able to be so productive. Both are very valid responses to the unusual times we are living through.

Staying positive is key. I firmly believe that. We have to take care of ourselves, mentally, physically and spiritually.

Nothing lasts forever. There is a finite end to everything, even our lives. The pandemic will end at some point. Life as we know it may be altered somewhat, but we will get back to living our lives and being careful as we go forward.

So keep looking to the future. Plan for it. Do things to keep yourself mentally sharp whether it’s working puzzles or doing brain games. Reading is wonderful for keeping a sharp mind. And for relaxation and enjoyment.

Visit with friends. If you can’t do it safely and responsibly in person, then have a FaceTime meeting or a zoom meeting. I’ve done both and they are great. Not as perfect as being in the same place at the same time, but the next best thing. Maintaining relationships is key to our well-being. Humans do not function well without social contact. Find ways to make it happen. Emails and texts are also great ways to stay in touch with friends and family.

Make sure you have a hobby that you enjoy. Something to occupy your spare time instead of spending it worrying about things. Paint, plant a garden, write a book, play an instrument. Take up photography. Whatever will nurture your soul, fulfill you and enrich your life.

For the physical component, make sure you are exercising. Walking, biking, dancing, doing stretches or strength training. Any movement is good to keep the body in good working order.

Also, make sure you are getting good nutrition and staying hydrated, especially during the hot summer months. Proper hydration will help keep your mind clear and focused as well.

Sleep is crucial. Good sleep. So many people are currently wrestling with getting a good night’s sleep due to the unsettling situations in our lives. Try to meditate before bedtime or put on relaxing music. Set a timer so the music will shut off automatically. Journal at bedtime about the things that are bothering you. Once you commit your thoughts to paper, let them go. If you have to, you can pick them back up in the morning. But let them go at night. Read a good book. I always read at night to get my mind to unwind.

For the spiritual, I’ll leave that up to you. We all have our specific belief systems. Prayer is helpful in general and even more important in trying times. Be in frequent communication with your higher power. There is much in life we cannot control. Turning out problems over to a higher power is very freeing.