Keeping your sanity in the era of Covid-19

Like everyone else that is living through this new normal of Covid-19, I too have had to change my life. Unlike others that may be married, in relationships or have kids, my quarantine has been spent alone in isolation. 8 months of only myself for company. Funny how pre-Covid, when we would go to work, we longed for the weekends. To sleep late and lounge around. We looked forward to vacation. Now that I have been in my home for 8 months, I HATE IT! I hate sleeping late, I hate sitting at my home computer. I've grown tired of speaking with service reps from various companies that likewise are house-bound, and listening to dogs barking, kids crying and loud TV or music playing in the background. I have also notice now that more and more people are working from home, their communication skills are markedly lax. Dare I say downright rude.So what can we do to keep our sanity as we follow the rules and count down the days until we are back to normal?1. Get up in the morning and go to bed at set times. Maintain a schedule so that your sleep pattern is is normal.2. Force yourself (if necessary) to eat breakfast. I know I am not the only one that is an emotional eater. Add to that the fact I am addicted to politics and cable news, let's just say I get stressed out at the current condition of our world. However, this doesn't mean we have to gain weight. Breakfast starts your day off on a positive note. Be mindful of everything that goes in your mouth.3. Stay hydrated. Drink water as if your life depended on it.....because indeed it does.4. Twice a week for one hour, take a dance break. Crank up your favorite music and sing and dance like you were at your favorite nightclub. Not only is it a good workout, but it does wonders for your mental health.5. Remind yourself you are not an island. The world is a big place. Connect with anyone and everyone OUTSIDE of your home. Phone calls, Zoom meeting, emails, texting and yes....get out of the house (safe distancing) and connect with others. Go for a walk and get fresh air and speak to others....even strangers. 6. Lastly, step outside your comfort zone. Over 200,000 of our fellow Americans are dead because of coronavirus Each one died...their lives cut short, preventing them from accomplishing goals and aspirations. In honor of them, challenge yourself to live boldly. Do something you always wanted to do, but have told yourself you can't. Our lives are short and we aren't promised tomorrow. So many of us act as if we are, but we aren't.Live!