The coronavirus outbreak has created a lot of uncertainty, most people are now self-isolating to avoid crowds and only going in public when necessary. With schools, churches, concerts among other social gatherings being put on hold, there is a lot of time left on people’s hands and many are wondering how to make use of it. Instead of worrying about what you cannot control, shift your energy to what you can create. An alternative to going around this is to first of all try and look at the positive side of this situation, according to Theogene Nsabimana, a social worker. It is important for one to stay safe and also to try and create normalcy out of this tentative period regardless of how tough and frightening it is, he says. Below is a list of activities one can choose to engage in during this time. Maintain social connection The outbreak of coronavirus has filled people with anxiety as stress, this is why it is important to maintain contact with family and friends. Because movement is restricted, making calls, chatting and online video calling are all good ways of staying connected with loved ones. Rose Bazamukunda says the only major tool of connection at this time is the use of technology, people should use apps such as FaceTime, WhatsApp video calls, among others, as a way of maintaining connection. Take up online education No one is sure of how long the outbreak will last. Most countries have temporarily shut down schools but as a way of one avoiding the disruption in their education, they can sign up for online studies. Also, now that most activities are put on hold, one can choose to take up that online course they always wanted to. Work out from home Exercise has always been a good way of beating stress and staying healthy. In light of the novel coronavirus outbreak, one way to effectively fight the virus is to be healthy, and being active is one way to do that. And even though many public spaces are closed including gyms, carrying on with a workout routine can be done from home by making use of online tutorials on platforms such as YouTube among others. With or without workout equipment, a person can exercise right in their spaces at home. Declutter Now that most people are mostly staying indoors and working remotely, they can choose to use this time to clean their places; this can be a closet makeover, general cleaning for the bathroom and kitchen or a complete new arrangement for the sitting or bedroom. Start a journal Writing is a form of therapy for some as it helps one to gain control of their emotions, hence, improving mental health. Sharon Mbabazi has always kept a journal, she says writing down her thoughts and feelings has always helped her understand them more clearly. At a time like this, it is possible that fear and anxiety has crept into many people’s lives, choosing to journal certain happenings and noting down feelings can be a good way of reflection and letting out one’s fears. Engage in reading Research shows that when a person reads, not only are they improving memory and understanding, but it also makes them feel better and more positive too. This is why such a time can be good to develop a habit of reading; as a way of spending quality time but also as a way of building a habit that can have long term positive impact. Be kind to yourself With the outbreak of the coronavirus, it is very easy for someone to wallow in sadness and self-pity. Such situations of gloom make it hard for even the most optimistic to stay positive. And whereas it is important for the situation to be taken seriously, it is also very important to stay calm and optimistic. Bazamukunda suggests that now is the best time to practice self-love. “You can meditate, do yoga or pray. Go outside for a walk and bask in the beauty of life, if this situation has taught us anything, it is to enjoy the gift of life while we can,” she says.
