For the second time in recent years, we found ourselves in a situation where we could not leave our homes. During times of anxiety, like these, we often come to a standstill, but unlike the situation with the pandemic - we know the world isn't stopping with us right now. Fear, anxiety, and increased preoccupation with the bad news flowing in from all directions can paralyze us, preventing us from engaging in productive activities. The cancellation of routine only exacerbates worry and a sense of helplessness.
This is a terrible cycle that feeds itself. Therefore, in light of the terrible war we are currently experiencing, we reflected on our resilience and decided to compile a list of ways to pass the time in a healthy manner.
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Keep a Journal: Writing in a journal allows for emotional release. Expressing feelings like anger, stress, or suppressed sadness can help us process them in a sterile environment without judgment, helping us healthily deal with them. Additionally, the act of writing itself can provide us with a deep internal perspective on ourselves, where we stand, what exactly bothers us, and what is challenging – enabling us to improve our situation and engage in positive actions.
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Create a Workout Plan: Physical activity releases endorphins, known as hormones that naturally improve mood. It has been proven to be an effective way to alleviate emotions such as anxiety and depression, providing a break from negative thoughts, especially if the exercises are challenging and divert the mind from unwanted thoughts.
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Indoor Camping: Camping at home is not just for parents. Indoor camping can be a fun and uplifting way for both adults and children to spend time. Spread a thick blanket on the floor, create a tent with cushions, turn off the lights, and tell stories by flashlight (bonus: roast marshmallows on the stove). It may seem like a childish activity, but it can engage both you and your children and transport you, even if just for an hour, to another place.
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Enroll in a Free Course: Always wanted to learn something new and never had the time? Now is the time! Mental hurdles often arise during challenging times. Free courses provide material for thought and occupy the mind with learning new subjects, opening up new horizons.
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Volunteer: Even if you're not a soldier, you can help. Volunteering offers a variety of opportunities, well-publicized on social media. From preparing meals for soldiers to coordinating visits for reserve soldiers or organizing camps for children whose parents are on the front lines, there are volunteering options that prioritize your safety above all else.
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Create a Schedule: After discussing activities, it's time to talk about a schedule. When going through tough times, days can turn into a mixed blend of moments, and an entire day can slip away without accomplishing anything other than worrying and fearing. This is where a schedule comes in handy. Wake up in the morning and plan everything you intend to do – half an hour for sports, an hour for learning, a quarter-hour for a meal, and so on. The schedule will provide a sense of satisfaction and order amid the chaos.
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Clean, Sort, and Organize: More time at home is an excellent opportunity to clean thoroughly, sort things out, fix items, and get rid of the unnecessary. A tidy and organized environment can improve your mood and create a sense of satisfaction. An orderly home leads to an organized mind, in addition to the benefits of active engagement and a distraction from troubling thoughts.
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Maintain Connection with Loved Ones: In difficult times, it's important to maintain continuous contact and deep conversations with the people you love. We're all in the same boat, and it's crucial that we express our feelings and receive support from our surroundings. Especially during these days, it's important to maintain a regular connection with those close to us through video or phone calls, checking on their well-being, encouraging and supporting each other – thus improving our mental health and strengthening our social resilience.
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Take a Break to Breathe: Among all the tips and activities, it's important to stop, understand how you're feeling, and accept it with love. Take a break, breathe, and understand that experiencing difficulty is okay. It's allowed, and it's reasonable.