| How to Suspend an Object in Jello Posted: 02 May 2020 05:00 PM PDT Whether you're trying to make a creative dessert or prank one of your office mates at work, suspending a solid object in Jello is a fun, easy activity. Start by mixing 1 packet of Jello into a large mixing bowl. Let the Jello set and then place the object on it. Mix up 2 more packets of Jello and pour them in. After the whole mixture sets in the refrigerator, pop it out onto a flat plate and serve! [Edit]Setting the First Jello Layer - Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of boiling water into a large glass bowl. Use either a kettle or pot and boil 1 cup of water. When the water starts bubbling, remove it from the flame. Then pour it into a large glass mixing bowl.[1]
- Pour the water gently so it doesn't splash and burn you. Use an oven mitt while handling the pot for extra safety.
- This amount of water should fill about 1/3 of the bowl. If the bowl you're using is larger than this, double the Jello servings.
- This recipe is for small packets of Jello, which contain 6 oz. (170 g). If you're using large packets, which hold 12 oz. (340 g), boil 2 cups (480 ml) instead.
- Stir in 1 small packet of Jello mix until all the powder dissolves. Right after you pour the boiling water in, add the Jello mix. Use a long spoon or whisk and stir the mixture. Continue stirring until all the mix dissolves.[2]
- Don't forget that the water is hot. Be careful holding or grabbing the bowl.
- Add 1 cup (240 ml) of cold water to the mixture and stir for 2 minutes. Pour the cold water in and stir at the same time. Stir for at least 2 minutes so everything mixes together.[3]
- If you stir for less time, the Jello won't be as firm. This is important because the Jello needs to be very firm to support an object.
- Leave the Jello in the refrigerator for 4 hours. This gives the Jello plenty of time to cool and firm up so it supports the weight of the object. Place the bowl out of the way where no one will disturb or knock it over.[4]
- If there is uncovered food in your refrigerator that might transfer to the Jello, cover the bowl with plastic wrap. If not, then leave the Jello uncovered while it's setting.
- The Jello needs to be very firm for this to work, so don't take it out early.
- There are "speed-setting" tricks to make Jello set faster, but don't use them for this trick. The Jello won't be firm enough.
[Edit]Inserting the Object - Wash the object you're using if you plan to eat the Jello. Keep everything sanitary by washing the object with soap and warm water. Then rinse it off thoroughly to remove any suds.[5]
- Placing office supplies like staplers into the Jello is a common workplace prank. For party desserts, try using plastic fish and blue Jello to look like a lake. Other toys and action figures also add a fun twist to this project.
- If an object is heavier, like a stapler, make sure it has a flat surface area so it sits on top of the Jello rather than poking through.
- Also if you're going to eat the Jello, don't use a small or sharp object that could injure someone. Be especially careful if you're serving the Jello to children. Use large objects that they can't swallow.
- Check any objects you use for small pieces that might break off. Remove these before encasing it in Jello.
- Lay the object on top of the Jello. After 4 hours have passed, remove the Jello from the refrigerator. Then gently lay the object onto the Jello. Let it sit for a few minutes to make sure it doesn't sink.[6]
- If the object does start sinking, take it off and put the Jello back into the refrigerator for another hour.
- If the object keeps sinking after that, it may be too heavy. Consider using a different object.
- Make 2 packets of Jello in a separate bowl. Follow the same procedure you did for making the first batch of Jello, but use 2 packets instead of 1. Boil 2 cups (480 ml) of water, pour it into a separate bowl, stir in 2 packets of Jello, add 2 cups (480 ml) of cold water, and stir for 2 minutes.[7]
- Pour the second batch of Jello over the object. Pour gently. Don't dump the water in or the water will splash out. Cover the object with this new batch of Jello.[8]
- If you're using a large bowl and this serving size doesn't cover the object, try adding another Jello packet or 2 and using more water. Add 1 cup (480 ml) of hot and cold water for each packet you use.
- Let the Jello set in the refrigerator for 4 hours. Once you've poured the second batch of Jello, place the bowl back into the refrigerator. Give the Jello another 4 hours to set completely.[9]
- Remember, the Jello has to be very firm for this trick. Don't take it out early.
- Only cover the bowl with plastic wrap if there is uncovered food in your refrigerator that might transfer to the Jello.
[Edit]Removing the Mold - Put a flat plate face-up on top of the bowl. After 4 hours have passed, remove the bowl from the refrigerator. Take a flat serving plate and lay it face-up on top of the bowl.[10]
- Flip the bowl upside down. Hold the plate and bowl together and flip them. Lay the plate on a flat surface with the bowl on top.[11]
- Press the plate and bowl together tightly while you're flipping them. If the Jello comes free and you aren't pressing down, it could spill all over the place.
- Pull the bowl off of the Jello. Tap around the bowl to dislodge the Jello. Then slowly pull the bowl up and let the Jello slide out. Give the bowl a little shake as you lift if the Jello isn't coming out.[12]
- If the Jello is stuck, flip the bowl back over and place it in a larger bowl full of warm water. Make sure the water doesn't flow into the Jello. Let the bowl sit for a few minutes and try to dislodge the Jello again.
- Serve the Jello. Now you have an object suspended in Jello! Place the plate on a table for everyone to see your creation.
- If you aren't serving the Jello right away, put it back into the refrigerator until you're ready to serve it.
- It is also possible to add more than one object but if you want them suspended at different levels, you'll need to layer them with more batches of Jello.
[Edit]Warnings - If you plan on eating the jello, don't suspend anything small or sharp in it.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - 2 large bowls
- Flat serving plate
- Jello
- Object (such as a coin)
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cup
- Water
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Talk to Your Landlord During the Coronavirus Outbreak Posted: 02 May 2020 09:00 AM PDT It's frustrating and challenging if you're unable to work, and trying to figure out how to afford your home could make you even more stressed out. If you're struggling to make rent in the coming months due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), your landlord may be able to work with you so it's not as much of a burden. While every landlord will handle how they manage tent during the outbreak differently, hopefully you'll be able to find and agree on a payment plan that works for you. [Edit]Negotiating Your Rent - Email your landlord as soon as possible if you have financial trouble. Realizing you may not be able to make a rent payment can be extremely stressful, but do your best to stay calm. Try your best not to reach out to your landlord right when your rent is due since they may not be able to offer you as many options. Instead, talk to them immediately so you can inform them about your current financial situation and how coronavirus has affected you.[1]
- You may also send texts or a physical letter to your landlord if you don't want to use email.
- Provide paperwork that shows a loss of income due to coronavirus. You can either use a letter from your employer about their coronavirus policy or your past few paychecks as proof of any financial difficulties. If you're part of an industry that was forced to close, such as retail or entertainment, providing your proof of employment may be enough. Attach copies of the documents to your email so your landlord can look over them and recognize that you've genuinely been affected.[2]
- Avoid trying to negotiate your rent if you haven't been affected by coronavirus and can still afford to pay it in full.
- Offer to make a partial rent payment if you're able to. Even if you can't make your full rent payment, let your landlord know how much you'd be able to comfortably pay. That way, your landlord will see that you're still trying to work with them and they may be more willing to negotiate or waive your payment. Just be sure to leave enough money for yourself so you can still afford groceries, medication, or any other essential products you'll need.[3]
- For example, you may say, "I'm sorry I can't make the full rent payment for next month since my job has been shut down for 2 weeks due to coronavirus. I can still cover $1,200 though, so would we be able to make that work out?"
- Ask if you can make a plan to repay rent over a few months. If you don't have enough money to make a large rent payment, see if your landlord will accept smaller payments over a set period of time. Choose a regular payment amount that you can comfortably afford and let your landlord know how long you plan on taking to pay it back. If you come to an agreement, make sure you make your payments on time to show that you're reliable.[4]
- For example, if you have to pay $1,200 USD for rent, you may instead offer to pay $300 USD every month for the next 4 months or even $200 USD for the next 6 months.
- You will still have to make your future rent payments in full and on time unless you also negotiate for them.
- Your landlord may ask you to pay an extra percentage as interest if you split your payment between months. For example, if your rent is $1,200 USD and your landlord wants 10% extra as interest, then you'll pay a total of $1,320 USD.
- Mention what makes you a good tenant to help persuade your landlord. If you've made payments on time in the past or have had a good rental history, mention it in your email so your landlord sees that you're usually very dependable. While being a good tenant doesn't necessarily mean you'll get a break on your rent, it may help convince your landlord to help you out so you keep renting from them.[5]
- For example, you could say, "I've rented from you for 2 years without receiving any complaints, and I have made all my past payments on time so you can tell that I'm usually reliable. Since we had to leave work so suddenly due to coronavirus, I hope you can understand why I'm asking you to accept a partial payment for this month."
- Keep your landlord updated on any changes in employment or income. Have an open line of communication with your landlord about your financial situation throughout the month so you both can plan accordingly. If you get another job or are able to go back to work, let them know if you still need to follow the payment plan you agreed on. If you're still having trouble trying to meet rent, tell your landlord as soon as you can to see if they can offer any additional assistance.[6]
[Edit]Finding Alternative Solutions - Check if your area has eviction holds so you don't lose your home. Some cities, states, and countries are putting moratoriums, or holds, on evictions, so you're still legally able to live in your home if you miss your rent payment. Check the websites for your local, state, and federal governments to see if there are any moratoriums in effect. If you live in an area with a moratorium, then you don't have to worry about getting evicted if you miss or are late on a payment right away. However, you usually have to pay back rent within a certain period of time.[7]
- In the United States, all foreclosures and evictions are suspended through the end of April.
- If you can afford your rent and there's a moratorium in effect, you can still pay for it on time.
- Organize with your neighbors to address your landlord together. Reach out to the other tenants in your building via social media, email, or fliers and ask them if they're also worried about paying for rent. If there are multiple people in the same building with similar concerns, plan to send emails at the same time to your landlord. Alternatively, you can collect signatures from your neighbors and send a physical letter to your landlord to address the problem.[8]
- Your landlord may be more likely to listen and be able to offer assistance if multiple people have the same problem.
- File for unemployment so you can still receive income. If you're out of work due to the coronavirus, you can still get unemployment insurance even if you'll get your job back after a quarantine. Look up your state's unemployment program to see if you meet the qualifications. Fill out your personal information in the online claim forms or call the office directly if you want to speak to a representative. Typically, you'll be sent a debit card or check within a few days.[9]
- Look for an "essential" job so you can start working again. While there are many industries that have had to shut down, you may still find job openings in jobs that are considered essential. Try contacting local pharmacies, grocery stores, or restaurants to see if they have positions available. If you have a vehicle, you may also sign up for food delivery services, such as Postmates or Uber Eats, since they still operate during the outbreak as well.[10]
- Other essential industries include law enforcement, healthcare, utility services, and financial services.
- If you've been infected by COVID-19 or feel sick, don't try to return to work since you could spread the virus.
- Look for tenant advocacy groups in your area that can offer financial aid. Advocacy groups typically have emergency funds to help tenants who can't afford rent due to an emergency, so check if your state or city has one. Reach out to the advocacy group and let them know about your situation to find out how they can help. If they have funds available, they may be able to provide some money so you're able to afford your place for the next month.[11]
- Advocacy groups may also contact politicians or present to a city council to further protect your rights as a tenant.
- Apply for a short-term loan at a bank if you need to. Many banks are offering zero- or low-interest loans during the coronavirus outbreak to help ease your financial burden. Call a few different banks or lenders and tell them about your situation. Ask about how much you can receive, what the interest rates are, and how long you have to pay them back. Only take out as much money as you need so you don't go into debt.[12]
- Contact a politician to bring up your concerns. If you live in the United States, try reaching out to your state's governor or Congress representative. Otherwise, you can try reaching out to a mayor, member of parliament, or your city council. Bring up your concerns about affording rent and explain how your landlord handled the situation. You may be able to sway the politician to consider different rent policies that are more helpful for you and the community.[13]
- If you can, try to get multiple people on board since politicians may be more likely to help if they know more people have been affected.
- Avoid making any non-essential purchases so you can save your money.
[Edit]Warnings - Don't assume that you don't have to pay rent even if you can't get evicted. Always discuss your options with your landlord so you can find the best solution together.
[Edit]References |
| How to Cope with Sheltering in Place Posted: 02 May 2020 01:00 AM PDT During natural disasters, infectious disease outbreaks, and other major emergencies, you may be required to shelter in place. This means you have to stay where you are—whether you're at home, at a friend's house, at school, or at work—until the danger has passed and local authorities give you permission to move around freely.[1] This sounds pretty simple, but no matter how much you love your comfy couch, you might eventually feel a little stir crazy. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid losing your mind! Even basic strategies like sticking to healthy routines and doing stress-relieving activities can help. If you start to feel too overwhelmed, don't be afraid to reach out for help. [Edit]Avoiding Loneliness and Boredom - Reach out to friends and family by phone or online. Isolation and loneliness are major problems when you're sheltering in place. You can relieve this burden on both yourself and others by taking time to get in touch. Call friends, family, and loved ones who aren't staying with you, chat with them over text, or video call them so you can see each other face-to-face.[2]
- You can also connect over social media, such as Facebook and Instagram. Share status updates to let others know you're doing okay and check in to see how they're doing.
- Make a virtual gathering space. Sheltering in place might mean cancelling parties and family gatherings, but the power of the internet means that you don't have to give up on hanging out altogether![3] Try creating a Facebook group where you can share fun and positive content with your friends and loved ones. Post funny memes, your favorite YouTube videos, or uplifting news stories. You could even take turns doing fun livestream videos to entertain each other!
- You can also have virtual get-togethers using video chat programs with group chat features, such as Skype, Google Duo, Zoom, or Discord.
- Take time to do activities you enjoy. Being stuck in lockdown can get boring fast. Think of things you can do to reduce your stress, relieve boredom, and help the time go by faster. This might include working on hobbies and creative projects, watching movies, reading, cooking, or playing games.[4]
- Do fun group activities if you're staying with other people. For example, you might play a family board game or watch a movie together.
- Avoid spending all your downtime on the internet or binge-watching shows on Netflix. Spending too much time in front of a screen can start to make you feel burnt out and cooped up.[5]
- Work on chores and tasks around the home or wherever you're staying. Taking positive action is a great way to keep busy and relieve your anxieties while you're cooped up. Use the opportunity to take care of things that need to be done around the home, or look for actions you can take to help yourself and others get through the situation you're in.[6]
- For example, you might do some deep cleaning, take an inventory of your supplies, or look up helpful information that you can share with others in the same situation.
- Look for ways to combine work with fun. For instance, you might make a shelter-in-place playlist with some of your favorite music and crank it up while everyone cleans up the kitchen.[7]
- Go outside occasionally if you're able to. Being cooped up indoors for a long time can be very stressful. To avoid getting a raging case of cabin fever, go outside for a little while every day if you can, even if you're just stepping onto your balcony or going into your back yard. Try to go out in the daytime so you can get sunlight, especially early in the day.[8]
- Getting sun can help keep your day/night schedule from getting thrown off.
- Open windows if the weather is nice.
- If you have kids or pets that go outdoors, take them outside with you so they can play and release pent-up energy. For example, you might go for a walk with your dog or take your kids into the back yard to play catch.
- Give yourself and others alone time. It's important not to feel isolated while you're sheltering in place, but it's also crucial for everyone to have a little space sometimes. Even the people you love the most can start to drive you bonkers if you're stuck at home with them for days on end! Try to schedule a little "me time" for you and anyone else in the home throughout the day.[9]
- If possible, create separate "zones" in your home or wherever you're sheltering where people can go when they need space or are getting on each other's nerves. For example, you might designate a chair in a corner of the living room as a "chill-out zone" for a family member, or a spot at the dining room table as a "work zone" for yourself.
- If you have noise-cancelling headphones, now is a great time to break them out! Even if you can't physically separate yourself from the people you're living with, you can listen to some peaceful music, an audio book, or nature sounds to help you tune out for a bit.
[Edit]Doing Fun Activities - Watch a little TV during your downtime. It's not a great idea to veg out in front of a screen the whole time you're on lockdown.[10] However, watching movies and TV can be a great way to unwind when you need a break between other activities. Take advantage of your time sheltering in place to catch up on movies and shows you haven't seen yet, or take comfort in some of your old favorites.
- Laughter is a fantastic stress reliever, so fire up a few episodes of Nailed It, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, or Saturday Night Live if you're feeling down.[11]
- If you have a dark sense of humor and enjoy making light of the situation you're in, you could even go for some comedies with apocalyptic themes, like Good Omens, The World's End, or Zombieland.
- Make some popcorn and have a movie night with any family, friends, or roommates who are with you. You could even have a virtual watch party over instant messenger if you're sheltering alone!
- Check out some new podcasts if you enjoy background listening. Podcasts are fun, often educational, and great for keeping you entertained while you're doing other, not-so-fun things (like disinfecting your home).[12] Ask your friends to recommend some of their favorite podcasts, or look at an online list of recommendations like this one from Time: https://time.com/5524332/best-podcasts-to-listen-to/.
- If you're stressed by listening to too much media coverage of the emergency that has you on lockdown, avoid listening to podcasts that deal with related themes.
- You can find podcasts on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, Spotify, and Overcast.[13]
- Catch up on your reading. Reading is a relaxing, immersive experience that can help take your mind off of being stuck at home. Grab a book you've been meaning to read or pick up an old favorite that you've read a million times before. You can even make it a shared activity by reading out loud to anyone who wants to listen!
- If you have kids, reading with them is a wonderful way to bond, keep them engaged, and make the shelter in place experience less stressful.[14]
- Try creating a family book club. You could all read the same book and schedule time to discuss it every evening, or you could read different books and take turns talking about whatever each person is reading.
- Have a dance party or jam session. Listening to music, dancing, and making your own music are all great ways to relieve stress while you're sheltering in place. Listening to upbeat music can energize you and lift your mood, while calming music can help you relax and unwind.[15] Create some playlists for different moods or times of the day that you and your family or friends can jam to. Put on some upbeat tunes and dance when you want to get your body moving. If you're musically talented, you can sing or play an instrument to entertain yourself and whoever else may be staying with you.
- Try hosting a dance party or virtual jam session online with friends and family who are sheltering somewhere else.
- If you've got kids, there are tons of sing- and dance-along videos online. Help them put together a playlist so you don't end up listening to "Baby Shark" 24/7!
- Play some board or card games. Few things can help the time pass while you're stuck inside like a board game. Get a friendly family competition going with a little Clue, Pictionary, Scrabble, or Carcassonne.[16]
- If you're by yourself, try playing a solo game like solitaire or mahjong. You can also play social games online like Words with Friends or an MMORPG like World of Warcraft.
- Other kinds of games you can play include jigsaw puzzles, card games, and physical skill games like Jenga.
- Go on a nature walk if you can go outside. Getting outdoors, and especially spending time in nature, can help reduce stress and lift your spirits.[17] If you're allowed to walk around outdoors, try exploring a nearby walking path or going for a stroll around the block. Pay special attention to the animals, plants, and other natural features you see around you.
- If you have kids, take them out on a "bug walk." Look for as many different kinds of insects as you can find. You could even take pictures of the bugs you find or draw them in a sketchbook, then go online and try to identify them all. This is something you can easily do even if you can't leave your yard!
- Do some fun cooking projects. Having good food can make your shelter in place experience a lot more enjoyable. The act of cooking itself can also be fun, especially if you can make it a shared family activity. Break out some cookbooks or look online to find fun recipes you can make with the supplies you have.[18]
- Baking is a lot of fun and easy to do with limited supplies. See if you can make some basic cookies, muffins, or bread with stuff you have in the pantry.
- Get creative with arts and crafts. Whether you're a master artist or can't manage much more than a stick figure, making art can lower stress.[19] It's also a great way to express your feelings in a safe and healthy manner. Do some doodling, coloring, knitting, or whatever kind of project strikes your fancy.
- Doing arts and crafts is a fantastic way to bond with kids and keep them busy while they're stuck at home. Search for kid-friendly arts and crafts projects online.
- You can also play simple art games with anyone who's staying with you. For example, give everyone a piece of paper and have them start drawing. When everyone has drawn a little, have someone in the group shout "Change!" Then, everyone passes their paper to the person to their right. Add onto the drawing you just received until the next person says "Change."
- If you're sheltering alone, try a social drawing app or website like Aggie, Drawesome, or Drawize.
[Edit]Maintaining Regular Routines - Stock up on supplies if you have time to prepare ahead. It's not always possible to plan ahead for a shelter in place situation. If you have the opportunity to do so, however, getting supplies in advance can help the experience go more smoothly. Stock up on enough supplies to last you through the time you expect to be sheltering.[20]
- It's hard to know for sure how long a shelter in place situation will last, but as a rule it's a good idea to have about 2 weeks' worth of food, water, hygiene and cleaning supplies, medications, batteries, pet food, and any other supplies you regularly use.
- Don't buy up more supplies than you think you and your family will need. Doing so will only make it harder for other people to deal with the situation.
- Create a daily schedule for yourself and your family. You might be tempted to lie around in your pajamas and watch TV all day while you're stuck at home, but having a sense of stability and routine is important. If you live with family, and especially children, it can be helpful to have a set schedule that everyone can follow. Write out the schedule and post it up someplace where everyone can see it.[21]
- Work together with your family to create a schedule that works for everyone. Discuss everyone's needs, strengths, concerns, and expectations.[22]
- Your schedule might include things like having breakfast and other meals together, doing schoolwork, taking time for family activities, exercising, and doing household chores. Don't forget to schedule in a little "me time" for everyone so you don't drive each other nuts!
- Even if you're alone, writing a schedule for yourself can help you stick to a healthy routine.
- Get up at and go to bed at your usual times. When you're not able to follow your normal routines of going to work or school, it can be easy for your regular sleeping patterns to get thrown off.[23] Don't give in to the allure of sleeping until noon and staying up until the wee hours of the morning. Even though you don't have to be anywhere, make a point of setting your alarm and getting up when you normally would. Establish a regular bedtime routine and try to be in bed by your usual bedtime.[24]
- Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep if you're an adult, and 8-10 if you're a teen.
- Getting plenty of sunlight can help you maintain a normal sleep cycle, so try to step outside for a few minutes or open your curtains first thing in the morning. Start dimming your lights 2-3 hours before you go to bed, and turn off any bright screens within an hour or so of bedtime.[25]
- Maintaining a regular sleep routine will improve your mood and energy levels and make it easier to manage the stress of being in lockdown for a long time.
- Set a regular time to check the news so you can stay informed. When you're sheltering in place, it's crucial to keep yourself informed of the situation so that you can be aware of any major changes or actions you need to take to stay safe. However, looking at the news too much can be stressful and scary. Give yourself a specific amount of time each day to look at updates from a reliable source.[26]
- For example, if you're sheltering in place due to the coronavirus outbreak, you might stick to looking at updates from the CDC, the World Health Organization, or your local Public Health Department.
- If you watch or read the news, you might limit yourself to just 15 minutes a day or only 2-3 stories at a time. You know best how much you can handle before it starts to really stress you out!
- Be conscious of how others in the home are affected, too. For example, avoid exposing children to lots of frightening media coverage. Summarize what's going on for them in a straightforward way, but don't leave the TV on 24/7 so that they hear all the scariest stories about what's happening.[27]
- Take breaks to eat, exercise, and care for your hygiene. Self-care during a shelter in place situation is vital for both your physical and emotional health. When you don't have to go anywhere, it's easy to forget to do simple things like getting dressed, brushing your hair, and even eating! Make a conscious effort to do all the things you would normally do throughout a regular day, such as:[28]
- Eating nutritious meals and snacks at regular times
- Showering, brushing your hair, and cleaning your teeth
- Getting dressed for the day and putting on your pajamas at night
- Getting up and moving around
- Talk to your boss or teachers about doing work from home. While the idea of having time off from school or work might seem fun under other circumstances, it can be a major source of stress when you don't have a choice in the matter. Keep in touch with your employer, teachers, or school administrators about what you can do to keep up with your regular work or study routines while you're sheltering in place.[29]
- For example, you may be able to do work online or by video conference.
- If you have a job that can't accommodate working from home, talk to your boss about what kinds of leave options are available to you.
- If you have kids, their teachers will probably develop e-learning resources and online lessons for them. Reach out to the school if you have any questions about how to help your kids learn at home.
- Maintain any spiritual or religious practices you normally do. If the shelter in place situation is disruptive to your regular spiritual or religious practices, look for ways to keep them up at home. This can be a source of comfort during a scary and stressful situation. You may not be able to go to your church, temple, mosque, or other place of worship, but you can still find ways to practice your faith wherever you happen to be![30]
- For example, even if you can't go to services at your place of worship, you can still pray, study religious texts, meditate, or make offerings as you normally would.
- Some places of worship may offer videos or live streams of their regular religious services.
- Reach out to your doctor about remote checkups if you have health issues. If you have any conditions that require regular checkups or medical treatment, call your doctor to discuss what to do. They may be able to continue your checkups over the phone or by video chat. They can also advise you on what to do if it's necessary to seek medical attention in person.[31]
- If you're sheltering in place due to an infectious disease outbreak, such as the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, call your doctor right away if you start to experience symptoms. Don't show up at your doctor's office or the emergency room without calling ahead first, since they may need to take special precautions to protect other patients, themselves, and you.[32]
- If you take medications, call your pharmacy to ask about home delivery options.
[Edit]Coping with Negative Emotions - Remind yourself that it's normal to feel complicated emotions. Being stuck in lockdown is stressful. While everyone reacts to these kinds of situations differently, it's not unusual to feel a wide variety of different emotions. Try not to judge your own reactions or those of others, and remember that it's completely natural to feel things such as:[33]
- Anxiety or fear for yourself or others
- Confusion or uncertainty
- Frustration
- Boredom
- Irritability or anger
- Loneliness
- Sadness
- Guilt, particularly if sheltering in place makes it hard for you to take care of your regular responsibilities or obligations
- Take frequent breaks between stressful activities. If you start to feel overwhelmed while you're cleaning, gathering supplies, doing remote work, or caring for family members, stop and take a brief break. Pace yourself so that you don't get too stressed and start to burn out.[34]
- Get up and walk around for a bit, have a healthy snack, or do a few minutes of meditating or deep breathing.
- After completing a difficult task, like sanitizing your bathroom, take a break and do something fun. For example, you might read for half an hour or watch a little TV.
- Meditate or do other stress-relieving activities. If you feel stressed or anxious, look for things you can do to relax. This will help you feel calmer and more focused. A few options include:[35]
- Meditating
- Doing deep breathing exercises
- Listening to peaceful music
- Stretching or doing yoga
- Taking a warm shower or bath
- Drawing, coloring, or playing music
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Getting exercise can boost your mood, raise your energy levels, and lower your risk of developing health problems.[36] Try to work out for at least 30 minutes a day, even if you're just doing jumping jacks in your living room or running laps around your back yard.[37]
- You can also get exercise by doing household chores, like vacuuming your home or mowing the lawn.
- If you're staying with your family or other people, you can make physical activity more fun by doing it together. For example, you could have a dance party with your kids or follow a workout routine on YouTube with your roommate.
- Write about your feelings in a journal. Writing down how you feel can help your emotions feel more manageable. Jot down your thoughts and fears in a diary, notebook, or computer document. You can also write down things that you feel grateful for to help you feel more positive about the situation.[38]
- If you want, you can even write a blog chronicling your feelings and experiences as you shelter in place. This is a good way to create a sense of connection with others while also working through your feelings in a therapeutic way.
- Talk to your friends or loved ones about how you're feeling. If you're feeling scared, upset, or lonely, reach out to someone close to you. Let them know how you're feeling and commiserate with them about their own feelings. Sometimes just talking about how you feel can improve your mood.[39]
- For example, you might call up a friend or family member and say, "Hey, I'm feeling kind of down and just wanted to chat. Is now a good time?"
- Reach out to a counselor or crisis line if you feel overwhelmed. Sometimes, the stress of coping with a major disaster can be too much to handle on your own, and being stuck in isolation doesn't help. If you can't shake your feelings of anxiety or sadness, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself or others, call your doctor, a counselor, a crisis hotline, or your local emergency number right away.[40]
- If you live in the U.S., you can get help by calling the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
- You can also text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 if you live in the U.S., 686868 if you live in Canada, or 85258 if you live in the U.K.
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