By Paula //
The way we manage our time can help or hinder our recovery. Without intentional time management, we might end up lazing around and deteriorating in our mental state, or we could be productive and use our time meaningfully; supporting our recovery. This is even more crucial during this time of COVID-19 when most of us would be home either working or without a job. Here are some of my personal tips on how to bide our time in a healthy way.
- Schedule
Sticking to a schedule can keep one productive, instead of procrastinating or lazing around. For example, I plan my schedule daily, as if it is a 9-to5 work day. Before “circuit breaker”, I had some activities scheduled throughout the week, like going for activities organised by mental health agencies like the Singapore Association of Mental Health. I also attended Christian cell group. These are now online sessions. By planning, I am able to allocate time for my hobbies and keep myself occupied.
- Know your limits
Stay physically and psychologically healthy and balanced. Don’t overstretch yourself. I do what fits into my lifestyle, and I take care not to overstress myself. Know the warning signs when you are going to be affected negatively, so you can avoid or reduce the activity that might be triggering you. At the same time, do not isolate yourself completely, and continue to be meaningfully engaged.
- Know your priorities
Having priorities in life keeps you focused. I have a few priorities in my life: God, recovery and work. What are yours? Perhaps you can start by deciding what is most important to you, and start listing a few others after that. You can do it!
Give these tips a try. Let us know how it went for you during this “circuit breaker” period and even beyond. I’d be glad to share my own roadblocks, obstacles and solutions from personal experience.
Paula has lived experience since 2011 and writes to inspire people. She writes at applecherrypipz.wordpress.com .
This article is part of our #CopingCovid19 series, click here to read more stories about people coping wth Covid19 and their mental health.
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