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As we each do our part to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) by practicing social distancing and staying home, many of us are experiencing boredom, anxiety or even social isolation.  

¡°We¡¯re all going to have a new normal for a while,¡± says Catherine Powers-James, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist in our Integrative Medicine Center. ¡°Try to be flexible and take it one day at a time.¡±

Despite how different your days may look now, you can still connect with loved ones and find satisfaction in what you accomplish. Here, Powers-James shares advice on ways to reduce the emotional effects of social distancing and stay productive during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stay connected through virtual dates

¡°Luckily, we live in an age of technology,¡± says Powers-James. With apps and software supporting mobile video chatting, you can connect with many people around the world from your device. And, because we¡¯re spending more time at home, we have the time to check in more often.

¡°Especially for people who live alone ¨C trying to connect is very important,¡± says Powers-James. She suggests scheduling times to meet over video the same way you¡¯d schedule an in-person get together.

Also, many gyms and churches are offering online sessions, which allow you to stay connected with your community, even when you can¡¯t be with them physically. MD Anderson is offering online support groups for patients, family members and friends so they can meet others facing similar challenges.  

Schedule some ¡°me¡± time

With school closures and stay-at-home orders, many of us find ourselves home with our families more than ever. ¡°We¡¯re not meant to live in close quarters 24 hours a day, seven days a week,¡± Powers-James says.

She suggests looking for opportunities for alone time, even if it¡¯s just for a few minutes. ¡°If you¡¯re burned out or depressed, you¡¯re not able to give your loved ones the attention they need,¡± Powers-James says. Take time for yourself to read, meditate or do a hobby you enjoy to help re-energize so that you can better support the people you love.  

Have fun with your free time

Powers-James also recommends looking at this time together as an opportunity to connect. ¡°Pull out a favorite board game and watch home movies, or do anything else that can bring you closer as a family,¡± she says.

Finding and trying new recipes, gardening or writing chalk messages on your driveway can be fun ways to spend time together.

And although it¡¯s easy to spend more time in front of a screen, Powers-James recommends unplugging as often as you can. ¡°Think about projects you can get done while you¡¯re home,¡± she says. Organizing closets, cleaning out your pantry or finally vacuuming out your car are all things you can accomplish with your newfound free time. 

If you¡¯re just not feeling up to it, that¡¯s OK, too. ¡°Many of us are having difficulty focusing or we don't have the mental reserves to learn a new skill or be extra productive,¡± Powers-James says. ¡°The most important thing is to take care of yourself.¡±

Make working from home work

If you¡¯re working from home, it¡¯s important to maintain a schedule, if you are able. Powers-James suggests logging in at the same time you would if you were in the office, but be realistic about what you¡¯ll be able to accomplish in a modified work setting. ¡°You¡¯re probably not going to be able to give 110%,¡± she says. ¡°Do what you can, and know that this is only temporary.¡±

¡°Most of us have never experienced anything like this to this extent in our lifetimes,¡± Powers-James says. ¡°So be compassionate with yourself ¡ª and with others ¡ª as we all find our new normal.¡±

Focus on the positives

Although it¡¯s natural to be concerned about contracting COVID-19, you shouldn¡¯t let those thoughts consume you, Powers-James advises.

¡°Try redirecting your thoughts to something more positive,¡± she says. Doing things you enjoy, like listening to music or re-reading a favorite book, can help you get back to a better frame of mind.

Try taking walks outside, as long as you maintain a safe distance. ¡°Seeing other people and getting fresh air can really help your mental health,¡± Powers-James says.

Practicing meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or Tai Chi can also help you manage anxiety in a healthy way. MD Anderson patients and caregivers can reach out to our Integrative Medicine Center for help accessing these services.

If your anxiety is significantly worse now on a regular basis than it was before COVID-19, Powers-James suggests seeking professional help.

Stay healthy at home

In addition to practicing good hand hygiene, Powers-James recommends eating a balanced diet, getting frequent physical activity, and sleeping enough to stay healthy during this time.

And, remember that we¡¯re all going through similar challenges during this pandemic. ¡°Not every day is going to be a good day, and that¡¯s OK,¡± Powers-James says. ¡°Try to maximize your good days, and be kind to yourself on the not-so-good days.¡±

Find COVID-19 self-care resources.