Resilience in Pandemics

Mainstream press is full of ideas to keep us sane when we add a holiday to the stress of living in a pandemic for the better part of two years. Some of the ideas are mainstream, but one is quirky enough that you might enjoy giving it a try.

• Take a set period every day to do things that you personally enjoy. You can set your own time limit - even 15 minutes of painting or playing the piano will help.

• Chat with supportive people - in person if possible, but online if that is the only option. Strengthen those bonds and avoid people who weaken them.

• Find moments for optimism - even among those that contrast with them.

• In contrast, give yourself permission to feel stressed when it happens and is real. You don’t have to feel guilty about your feelings. The good thing is that feelings come and go.

• One place near the door for everything you need when going out is a big help. Mask, umbrella, keys, purse, credit cards - seeing the items will remind you to take just what you need and make the load lighter.

• Organize your fridge. Wasted food makes us feel guilty as well as costing us money. A Lazy Susan is a good device. So are glass containers that stack so you can see what is inside them. A whiteboard can remind you of what is left over. A generic shopping list pinned to the door means you can circle items for the next trip.

• Do a short workout - seven minutes will refresh you. Call it an exercise snack.

• Maybe you do all those things already. But here is something different. Watch Jellyfish: