Balancing While Distancing
Practicing social distancing safety measures is difficult. I’m sure many of you are losing your minds, especially if you physically enjoy being around people. For example, my extroverted wife thrives around people. Whether collaborating with people at her job or traveling to spend time with our family, being with other people yields in positive energy. And even for an introvert like myself, I get a little stir crazy from being inside most of the day. So the interruption or our normal way of life has been tough and as time goes on, the cumulative toll of stress while practicing social distancing measures will undoubtedly continue to be a challenge. If you’re also experiencing additional Covid-19 related stressors (i.e. job loss, working from home/parenting or reduced work hours, this list goes on) this stress is likely amplified.
As someone that’s been furloughed, I can’t control the greater economic and financial implications of a pandemic. But I can control the associated stressors, so they don’t control me. One way that I do that is by trying to find some normalcy. I believe we can create normalcy if we (safely) become creative, explore, learn something new, and engage in those activities that yield satisfaction, joy, regularity or...value. Sound familiar at all? Just MELV it.
Running is my reprieve and my UnFamous Movement (no pun intended). Depending on the run, it’s not always joyful but the completion of a tough goal or route more than often results in mental and physical satisfaction. Running allows me to be and feel like my best self. While I am on my feet most of the morning and day entertaining an almost toddler age child, I still need the additional exercise. This was even more necessary when I was working from home and chasing my attention demanding son. Running gives me that much needed mental break. It gives me a sense of freedom so I have the opportunity to clear my mind. When running, I can decompress and leave life’s stressor’s out on the tough hill I conquered or the 10 mile route I just needed to sweat through.
Is it the ultimate fixer? Nope. But most times it helps me get through stressful days and it carries me through the next couple. I also read, cook, and spend time with my family, all things I enjoy. It’s a combination of these activities that help me gain traction on some consistent normalcy.
What better a time to share best practices so we collectively support one another and help each other get through this together. So what’s your UnFamous Movement? What are you doing that gives you a break from your regular day-to-day Covid grind and how are you surviving? Whether you get on your Peloton, read, hike, meditate, yoga, enjoy a drink on your back deck, we want to know about it and why you do it. Share with us by tagging us in an Instagram post and we’ll share some of our top (and safe) practices.
Note: Running is not my recommendation for you. I practice running social distancing safety measures and as new research and information becomes available, I will follow those guidelines for the safety of myself and others. Please consult with your doctor or physician for safe social distancing practices and activities.