Kindred,
Do you think we should develop out of body experience as a coping method to escape quarantine, without breaking quarantine?
For some people, being cooped up is their test of character and being cooped up with their kids the ultimate test, especially if they are asked to home school with zero or negative patience or teaching skill.
It becomes questionable who will survive? The parent or the kids.
Survival now depends upon developing positive coping skills (and teaching skills for parents).
Coping is not escaping (with a bottle or other exteral means), its actually having ability to handle stress or problems in a positive manner.
Unfortunately, most coping strategies include socializing in support groups as a big part of managing stress with shared empathy and sympathy.
But fear not, the same principles apply whether in quarantine or not.
Be honest, especially with your emotions.
Identify the problem; admit it and confess it out loud.
Express your emotions in a positive, do no harm manner;
Use words
Talk about the problem.
Express your emotions with
music, song, dance, plays,
art, journal ....
Exercise, exercise and excercise
(try Yoga or easy workouts).
Hydrate and take vitamins, especially C and D, also your Bs and E.
Self care.
Remember to breathe; take a breather and meditate.
Meditate or pray as many times as necessary.
Give to charity or if in need ask for help.
Reach out and ask for help if you need it.
Do not forget, if you are having difficulties, then so are your kids (link to coping strategies for kids).
Do not let stress build up or lash out in inappropriate ways; use words to express and explain your feelings.
Create a family plan to cope with stress and problems and strategies on how to deal.
When you pray remember to ask for patience and strength to deal and don't forget to thank the Lord for his many blessings.
If you like, you can be like Pollyanna and play the glad game.
May the peace and gentle calm of the Lord be with you.
