This year, the entire human race is living unprecedented times. A big part of the United States’ population has been asked to remain home until they are told the contrary. The COVID-19 global pandemic is impacting every aspect of life for Americans. Movie theaters are closed and about to go bankrupt according to Variety.

Schools are shut down nationwide. Sports authorities put a halt to all major sports events, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Death and chaos are all we see on the news, while we all stay at home, trying to be safe from the coronavirus.

However, being home for weeks is more frightening to many people than the dangerous virus itself, and that’s why it is important to know how to deal with isolation and take the best out of it.

Being quarantined in a home for weeks could be a recipe for unchecked anxiety and feelings of solitude, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

The next are a few pointers that could help you survive negative thoughts about this uncertain time, as well as managing your time to ace schoolwork.

First, it is important to stay positive. For instance, reframe “I am stuck inside” to “I can finally focus on my home and myself.” Trying to keep your thoughts positive will decrease the risks of anxiety and will help you focus on doing something productive.

Set your sights on long-avoided tasks, reorganize, or create something you’ve always wanted to. Staying home is a fantastic opportunity to slow down and focus on yourself.

Secondly, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America recommends staying close to your routine. For example, go to bed around the same time, eat meals, or shower at the regular times you did before the quarantine.

For students, sticking to a routine might be easier; however, as you work on your assignments from home, it could be tempting to fall into a more lethargic lifestyle, which could lead to negative thinking and anxiety.

Avoiding procrastination during the time you set to work on your schools’ projects is critical. Focusing on completing your work will also give you the feeling of success, and the probability of getting better grades will also be higher.

Thirdly, relax, keep it fun and organized. After you have worked on your assignments and helped with chores, try to start a quarantine ritual.

As Dr. Aarti Gupta suggests, “With this newfound time, why not do something special during these quarantined days? For example, perhaps you can start a daily journal to jot down thoughts and feelings to reflect on later. Or take a walk every day at 4 p.m., connect with a friend or relative over FaceTime every morning.” Having something special during this time will help you look forward to each new day.

Finally, keep yourself informed. Keeping yourself updated with accurate and timely information about the COVID-19 pandemic is important. Nevertheless, avoid obsessing over endless Coronavirus coverage. Only go to official sources and prevent spreading rumors or false information on your social media about the pandemic.