Social Distancing MCM-Style - Page 2

Of course, many more of the former are working from home than ever before, which presents mental health challenges of its own. On a list she distributed to her staff of counselors and coaches, Johnston-Tyler included reminding working clients to schedule periodic breaks, including lunch, during their home/work day.

"All of those should be taken away from their computer," the therapist says regarding workday breaks, particularly warning not to take lunches at the keyboard. Furthermore, she adds, there may be other unexpected circumstances.

"You may find you've done a full day's work in six or seven hours because there's less distraction," she warns. "If you feel ‘done' at 3 or 4, be done! Then, once you log off, stay logged off."

In addition to being careful not to overwork, Johnston-Tyler warns that the stress of the pandemic has unanticipated, stressful impact on all our lives. There are, however, antidotes in our homes as well as our gardens. Planting something new, with news of death and disease all around, can be very therapeutic.

"If the world comes to an end, I'll have carrots!" the South Bay therapist says with a laugh. Even repotting houseplants can be a soothing activity to pass the housebound hours, days, and weeks.

And when nightfall comes and makes gardening and strolls outside more impractical, choose your diversions to keep spirits buoyant.

"Everybody needs to engage in and watch comedy," the therapist proscribes, admitting, "Slapstick doesn't do it for me—I find it annoying—but some people really like it."

And there it is, the light at the end of the social-distancing tunnel. It includes gardening, clean windows, long walks outside, fresh carrots—and ‘The Three Stooges.'