There is no doubt that the coronavirus (COVID-19) is one of the things on everyone’s mind right now. It has impacted all of us globally, and everyone’s newsfeeds and timelines are flooded with information.

When things like this happen I look towards history to guide me. Why? Because history repeats itself. The human race has survived 20 recorded pandemics and emerged stronger every time. I believe that when we recover from this, we should expect incredible innovations and creations because of quarantine.

Here is a short list of a few things that came to be because of quarantine:

• Issac Newton discovered calculus 
• Shakespeare wrote “King Lear”
• Daniel Bedingfield wrote Gotta Get Thru This
• Jane Austen wrote Emma, which became the movie Clueless

While I believe it is important to stay well-informed and to follow the CDC’s guidelines, as well as any guidelines put in place by your specific area, it is also important to stay as calm as possible (which I know is easier said than done).

Stick to the facts, don’t over-shop or hoard items (which leaves little supplies for those who need it, too), be mindful of others, and wash your hands! Below are some ways to stay productive and calm while getting through the COVID-19 pandemic.

GET STARTED ON YOUR SPRING CLEANING

If you are spending more time at home right now, and social distancing, now is the perfect time to deep clean your space and get an early start on your spring cleaning. Cleaning and de-cluttering can be a calming activity, and it can help keep your mind off of things. You can also be sure to donate any items that you no longer want or need – it always feels great to help others in any small way. Find donation locations in NYC here. 

BINGE WATCH TV SHOWS/WATCH NEW MOVIES

With the news inundating us constantly, it is the perfect time to catch up on all those binge-worthy shows you’ve been wanting to watch, as well as any movies you haven’t had a chance to see yet. There’s so many streaming services to choose from, such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, so go nuts! It’s a great distraction from the news! For a list of all my picks, click here.

TAKE A DIGITAL DETOX

If you are feeling anxious about the overload of information everywhere, it may be the right time to take a digital detox and limit your news exposure. It can become overwhelming, and while you want to stay in the loop on any updates, it’s important to not “drown” in the information. It is beneficial to take breaks from social media and from the news to limit anxiety as much as possible. I promise, it will do you some good!

KEEP A ROUTINE

Some people are able to work from home now, which cuts down on commute time and can also change up the schedule you are usually accustomed to. One of the most important things to do is keep a routine. Treat working from home as any other day in the office – eat your breakfast, do your work, take your lunch break, make sure you’re still getting adequate sleep, and keep up your workout routine if you have one. 

PRACTICE SELF-CARE

With all of the anxiety surrounding COVID-19, practicing self-care now is more imperative than ever! Make time for yourself and engage in self-care activities that will keep you feeling good and relaxed. Take time to do your nails, give yourself a face mask, do yoga or meditate, drink your favorite tea and read a book, listen to music and dance around, play video games, etc. Do anything that will make you feel happy and cared for! 

SEEK HELP IF YOU NEED IT

If your feelings of anxiousness become too overwhelming and you do not feel capable of dealing with your emotions on your own, seek professional help. There is nothing wrong with seeking help when it is needed. It is normal and you are not alone. The great thing is that many professionals offer video chats, so you can receive the help you need from the comfort of your home. 

MAKE TIME FOR LOVED ONES

If you are home more frequently now, it is the perfect opportunity to spend more quality time with those in your household. It’s a good time to eat dinner together, ask about everyone’s feelings during this time, and be there for one another. And to lighten the mood, do some activities from the comfort of your own home such as a family/friend game night or a movie night, with extra popcorn! And if you aren’t in close proximity to those you love, make time for a video chat or a phone call just to check in – it will make their day to hear from you!

WORK ON A PROJECT YOU’VE BEEN PUTTING OFF

If you find yourself with more free time, work on something that you’ve been putting off. Whether it be learning a new language, taking up a new hobby such as crafting or painting, cooking that recipe you’ve been meaning to, renovating your bathroom, or writing your own blog, get started. There’s no time like the present!

If you’ve always been interested in starting your own business or building a social media presence then join me for a webinar on Wednesday, March 18, where I’ll teach you how to do that! Sign up here to join.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL, SMALL BUSINESSES

While staying safe is of utmost importance, a lot of businesses, particularly small and local ones, are going to be hurting during this time. A lot of customer facing jobs do not have the luxury of working from home, so you can still help local businesses by purchasing online gift certificates or gift cards for use at a later time. For example, I am offering 20% off of all of my tour gift cards right now using code NYCSTRONG.

BE KIND

This is a scary time for a lot of people, and the single most important thing we can do is be kind and spread kindness and love. While we all seem to be dealing with this pandemic, plenty of people have been dealing with other important life things, too. We never know what anyone else’s struggle is, so again, be kind, smile, offer help if you can, check on neighbors and the elderly, and make a difference in your community. 

For NYC updates and information, click here. 

Remember, times are unpredictable right now, but we can all take the necessary precautions to safeguard ourselves, and all those around us (especially those that are most at risk). Emotions are at an all-time high everywhere, so be mindful of others. Listen to what your state or city is recommending you do. Practice social distancing and do not be in a large crowd if you don’t need to be. Stay at home if you are sick! And frequently wash your hands for 20 seconds. We’re all in this together!