We are all stuck in one place at home. The very place that gives us comfort, happiness, relaxation is now getting exposed to stressors of work, of discord since everyone is confined in one place. There is also the uncertainty of the future, the uncertainty of jobs, of work, of people's wellbeing, of regular doctor visits that may not be happening right now...

In one word this is all very OVERWHELMING. But to stay on TOP of this situation, you need to first say this aloud 

"I have to be in the present. I am not going to think about or give my attention to what will happen post this phase. Right now it's about making the best of what I have, where I am, with who I am with and making my days, my time most happy and productive. I WIll sail through this effectively"

Anytime a negative thought comes in, repeat this line, record it and listen to it! 

Now how do you stay at top of your game, how to keep yourself happy in the present. Here at 10 tips for you. And please try and practice all of this

1) Say 5 good things as soon as you wake up

I am going to accomplish my pending tasks.

I am going to cook something nice or enjoy a nice cup of coffee chatting with someone at home or on a video call with a friend

I am going to take care of myself, look good, meditate, exercise or just chill today 

I am going to make my loved one feel special by things i say to them or do

I am going to pray, read, relax, I would do something that calms my nerves.

These are just examples. You can make your very own List of this.. But the idea is to wake up with positive affirmations.... Not getting stressed about achieving these but being excited about the day... This start to your day will cut scope of negativity and anxiety! 

2) Keep your workspace defined at the home

Make a particular place earmarked for your work.

It could be a sofa, a char, a chair and table, whatever you have at home, but it should be one spot, hopefully near the window and a sitting position. Every day when you start your work, come to this place to work and try and work from this place as much as you can...

This would help you in creating a boundary between your home life and work life, improve your productivity, concentration, and the much-needed disconnect from feeling like its all home and no space for work. Also, you can put a plant, decorate this spot to make it feel more lively and cheerful.

But having a dedicated workspace is essential! 

3)  Avoid conflicts and arguments

The thing about being in a home with everyone together can lead to disagreements and arguments. But right now you don't have an exit. You cannot go out with friends, for work, for some strolling in the mall.

You have to be still in the home and so argument and conflicts can escalate, can break you down and the best way right now is to know that the other person who is stuck with you is also in an extraordinary situation and its a good idea to give them benefit of doubt! 

4) Be polite and Assertive 

If something is really getting on your nerves, like lack of respect for your work at home, or someone being rude to you or being dismissive of you, please very assertively and yet politely rather than using over negative words that you don't want them to do this to you and that they must respect your work, your space and that they should talk politely. Keeping it straight and assertive will help communicate what is needed, will send a strong message and cut the scope of arguments 

5) Practice relaxation

Yoga, meditation, listening to nice and slow music, dimming the lights, making a lemonade are all things you must do. We are all in an overwhelmed stage right now...

And we need to work especially on our mind-body alignment, our relaxation. So practicing these things will help put you in a state of harmony that will replenish you and bring your anxiety levels down

6) Stay connected with friends

Do video calls, have a chit chat with friends.

But make sure you discourage them and yourselves in sharing minute to minute update of what is happening in the world, what all has gone wrong, so on and so forth... You cannot do much about what is happening outside.

The fact is you are safe inside. People concerned are taking all measures so you need to focus this time on engaging with each other, laughing, talking just as friends do at other times! 

7) Practice good sleep hygiene! 

When it is 11:00 clock in the night, lie down. Close the lights, play nice relaxing music, wear something comfortable and nice, have clean bedsheets and sleep.

If anxious thoughts plague your mind,  practice this:

"I am in it just like everyone else. I am not alone in this. The world will take care of me. I will do my bit by taking care of my mind, my peace, my soul, my health and my family. I have been through tough situations and have come out stronger.

Whatever worse I am imagining will not play out and this is not real, this is not the time for me to waste even a second thinking of it. I have a great day ahead. For doing my best tomorrow, I have to sleep now... I am in control. I am in control...

Keep repeating I am in control in your mind and you would see you fall asleep. Sleep a good 7-8 hours a day and try and nap for 20 minutes in the day time too.

8) Eat well 

Do not starve yourself. Do not overfeed yourself. Have good balanced home-cooked diet that you usually used to have. Avoid close to bedtime eating. Let your last meal be at least 2 -3 hours before your sleep time. Eat good nutritious food with fruits, vegetables, pulses, rice, carbohydrates. You need it all. No diet should be done at this time. 

9) Seek therapy 

If you are struggling with some larger life problems, health anxiety, chronic stress, relationship issues, professional distress, depression, lack of motivation, this is a good time to heal all of it. You have time, you are not stuck in jams, in crazy routines. Even when working from home, you have more leisure time.

Now is the time is given to you to invest in your mental health and wellbeing. IWill therapy is not just available on Call and VIDEO but also on Chat and you can use chat if you feel there are people around. But do invest in this.

10) Stick to a routine

Plan exactly what you wish to do in the next day. Write down your tasks, even give yourself time for leisure and let that be flexible. Have a good hygiene routine. Not just washing your hands, make sure you relax and have a good shower once or twice a day. 

Little will go a long way! This time too shall pass.

This is the time to make things work even better for you! Follow these tips religiously and you would see your Quarantine Time changing for good!