Keeping Your Morale Up While Quarantined

You’ve been sent home and quarantined. Maybe you’re now working remotely for the first time in your life or you already work at home. I’ve worked at home for 14 years—and I love it. I find I get way more work done when I don’t have the daily disruptions one has at an office. Regardless of how you landed at your home, you might be going stir crazy. I wanted to share some ways to keep your morale up during this time of quarantine.

Get up every day and act as-if, meaning you act like you’re going somewhere even if you’re not. Get dressed, shower, do your hair (or makeup if you’re a woman and wear it). Why does this matter? Lying around in one’s pajamas or sweats isn’t healthy. It can create depression. Think about how you feel when you don’t bother to get dressed. In my world that usually happens when I’m sick (now if you are sick that’s a different story). I don’t feel good about myself if I don’t shower and take care of myself, which can make me feel depressed.

If you’re still allowed to go outside (New Yorkers are being asked to stay inside), then take a walk or walk the dog. Don’t let the four walls close in on you. Get some fresh air. Notice spring flowers are blooming. Just practice six feet of social distancing. Open the front door to your house and windows. Let some fresh air in so you don’t feel sealed in the house. Make sure you’re getting sunshine. Vitamin D is essential to emotional well being, and Vitamin D comes from exposure to the sun.

Turn off the TV—that can get depressing too. Find a hobby you’ve always wanted to try and do it. If you need the supplies to do it, order them online. Amazon carries arts and craft supplies and so does Michael’s online. If you go on You Tube, you’ll find many different artists to show you how to do something. If you’re a reader, order a book on the subject at the same time that you order the supplies.

Call or video call your friends you may not have stayed in close touch with—now is a good time to reconnect. They’re probably feeling isolated, too. Video calls are more personal when you can see someone. You may want to check on them anyway.

Create a Zoom social club. I saw one called “Cocktail Hour” on Facebook. Use social media or Meetup and invite your friends to gather virtually in one place to socialize. You can even form a book club to create lively discussions.

There are many different ways to stay in touch while we’re quarantined. Officials are now projecting a much longer quarantine than initially expected. You don’t have to get lonely or depressed. Today’s technology allows more ways to connect than ever before, so you might as well take advantage of it.

Michelle Gamble is a publisher, writer, editor, and marketing and PR specialist. You can hire her by sending an email to info@3LPublishing.com or calling 916-300-8012.