4 Ways You Can Feel More In Control (And Sane) During The Coronavirus Outbreak

Part of Avery Blank's series of Forbes articles.

The coronavirus is testing people’s health, both physically and mentally. The new measures and guidelines put in place are changing the way you live, which can be stressful. Still, there are ways to combat what is out of your control and maintain a sense of control over your life. Here are four steps you can take to feel more in control of your life:

1.     Let it go, and accept what is out of your control.

You may hate what is going on or are frustrated with changes to your life due to the outbreak. Changes are the reality. Don’t fight it. Don’t give so much of your energy trying to do what you usually do. Sometimes, you have to accept disruption. Making the decision to accept change will put you in control as opposed to allowing the change to control you.

2.     Break away from your routine.

If you feel stuck in a rut, now is your opportunity to change things up. Some of your community’s rules and measures may be forcing you to tweak your schedule. Use this as a jumping off point to mix up your routine.

If you are used to going to the gym in the morning, consider running outside in the afternoon. Try reading the newspaper while enjoying your breakfast instead of heading straight for your email. Instead of watching television to decompress, engage in brief periods of mindfulness exercises. Life altering events can help you to change and improve upon how you live your life.

3.     Say “no” when you usually say “yes.”

Working from home may create more work for you. People may think that the lack of commute gives you more time for teleconferences or housework, as examples. Regardless of whether this is true or not, don’t automatically take on more work. Now, more than ever, is the time to focus on your needs and health. Think about what you might do with extra time that would help you and your physical and mental wellbeing. Be smart about your decisions, and don’t hesitate to say “no” to other people’s needs.

4.     Clean up, and clean out.

You may find yourself with more time during the coronavirus outbreak. This is your chance to clean. When your physical space is clean, your mental space is clean. When you see less clutter, your mind is less cluttered. Clean your desk. Clean your room. Enlist help from members of your family to clean other parts of the house like the bathrooms and kitchen. Clean away the clutter to center your mind and feel more in control.

Life throws curveballs that can be stressful, but there are ways to prevent what is out of your hands from controlling you. Change your routine, decline some things, try not to worry about everything that is going on around you and do some cleaning.

What helps you feel like you have control over your life when everything else seems out of control? Share with me your stories and thoughts in the comments section below.