Keep your sanity while quarantined

DAVENPORT — The Lincoln County Health Department is encouraging residents to be mindful of their mental health needs during the quarantine ordered by Gov. Jay Inslee.

Last week, Gov. Inslee extended the quarantine order until May 4. And while attorneys for Republican lawmakers are reviewing the legality of the oroder, healthcare providers are offering advice for residents not used to being homebound.

“We’ve asked residents not to neglect their physical health during this time by eating healthy, remaining physically active and continuing to see their healthcare provider, but we cannot afford to neglect mental health,” Lincoln County Public Health Administrator Ed Dzedzy said “The stress of the current pandemic along with uprooted schedules and routines can take a toll on people.”

Counselors in the county are offering the following advice:

• Focus on what you can control — Schedule activities that match the weather. For example, when rain is in the forecast, plan home movie time, in-door exercise, writing letters and in-door hobbies. When it’s sunny, visit open parks, ride a bike or get some fresh air by working in your yard or garden.

• Limit digital news intake — Schedule a check-in time during your day to catch up on the latest news. Avoid it otherwise, as a constant stream of negative media impacts emotions and thought-processes.

• Think positive — Focus on what you can do instead of what you can’t. If you’re stuck at home with a Negative Nelly, find a place you can be alone and gather your thoughts.

• Maintain a routine — Plan your day. Wake up and go to bed around the same time. Plan a regular time to eat, shower, brush your teeth and comb your hair. Don’t forget to complete other daily chores.

• Dress for activities — Don’t lounge around in pajamas the whole day. Dress appropriately for planned activities.

• Stay in touch — Give family members or friends a call to chit-chat, or use digital media to video chat, or maybe share a virtual dinner with them.