How Self-Isolating Households Can Make It Work by Sheila Johnson
While the year 2020 is now far behind us, the dangers of COVID-19 are still present in our society, and more cautious families are weathering the storm by continuing to self-isolate at home. While you likely feel safer, having a large family indoors together all day can lead to stress and unhealthy feelings if the dynamic in the household is not handled properly. Mind Trappings shares some great tips on how you can make the most out of your self-isolating household.
The Stresses of Self-Isolation
While on paper, the idea of a family spending more time together sounds like the ideal scenario, the fact is that without taking the proper precautions, that constant togetherness can create its fair share of stress. Children do not always understand the idea of spending time apart, and the noise and constant proximity to everyone at all times of the day can sometimes be too much for parents to take.
Often this stress can lead to arguments and fighting that is never healthy for the family unit, and it can only get worse as time goes on and things are left unresolved. If parents are feeling needlessly stressed, then it is important to step away from the situation and take some personal time to do something that makes us happy. Remember that this isn’t abandoning your family, but instead taking a few moments to re-center yourself.
Even though the house may be hectic, it is important that everyone in the family can relieve some of the stress by getting enough sleep. By sleeping eight hours, you can wake up the next morning feeling rejuvenated and everyone can start the day on the right foot. Not getting sleep and feeling groggy will only make the situation at home more tense.
Don’t Let Work and School Become Impacted
In addition to avoiding stress for the love of your family, it is important not to let potential tension boil to a point where it is also affecting the important duties of your family.
For instance, many kids are still homeschooling, and that knowledge is important, so it is essential that parents are as supportive of their children’s education as ever. To avoid loneliness and depression during isolation, make it a point to have your kids meet up with their friends and schoolmates over a video conference. Seeing each other’s faces will be a major relief.
Parents must also be careful not to let issues at home negatively impact their work, especially managers who are also helping and supporting their employees. Being a manager is already stressful, and if you let tensions at home impact your work, you could be harsher on your employees or say something you’ll regret and the misstep could cost you your job. One way to stay out of trouble is to ensure a work-life balance and to take your breaks and lunches accordingly so you are not constantly stressed.
Self-Care Is Crucial
The best tool that can save you during this entire endeavor is self-care. You must take care of yourself physically and mentally and not let things go downhill. For instance, make it a habit to meditate and exercise every morning. Not only will you stay fit, but that workout will also clear your mind and put you in a better place mentally.
Parents must also ensure that they and their children eat healthy food. Eating the right food is essential for keeping up your immune system to fight potential sickness. On top of that, by eating nutrient-heavy foods like fish, almonds, and fruits and vegetables, you will keep your body and the bodies of your kids strong so they can continue to grow and develop properly.
For many parents, it is not hard to imagine how easy it can be for a self-isolating family to feel the effects of stress during these uncertain times, but by working on it and practicing self-care, you will make it through.