The Omicron variant has not yet reached its peak in North America, and already it has taken hold of our psyche. It’s a tremendously stressful time.

Some epidemiologists think that at some point soon, almost everyone will be infected with it. While case counts have lost their accuracy due to significantly reduced testing capacity, hospitalizations, staffing shortages, and anecdotal evidence indicate that might be the case.

Worry and fear are natural reactions, and during a pandemic and national emergency, it can almost feel like the world is standing still. In many respects, this seems like déjà vu and 2020 all over again.

It's not. There are more tools to keep you protected, and you don’t have to feel paralyzed.

But what are you to do if you're in self-isolation?

Of course, if you're officially under quarantine or in isolation after possible contact with someone with Coronavirus or following travel, or if you’re experiencing symptoms of Omicron or tested positive on a rapid test, you should follow the advice of your local public health or federal agency.

You could be doing a good deed by staying out of the public and slowing down the spread of this highly contagious and serious disease, or you're a complete germaphobe who wants to hibernate to avoid catching the virus at all costs. Either way, if you’re not working from home during your isolation period or attempting to support kids with virtual school, you are going to be looking for ways to pass the time and effectively cope with the stress of your situation without losing your sanity.

And, it doesn't matter if you're confining yourself to a room or an entire house, being cooped up can be a mentally daunting prospect for anyone. Additionally, being alone when you're worried has the potential to make you feel worse.

What can isolation do to a person?

Isolation can be isolating. It can cause loneliness, a sense of disconnection, and separateness. It has a profound impact on your mental and physical health.

To ward off the possible adverse effects of staying home and without physical contact with others, you need to consciously create a plan for your time. Don't allow yourself to get sucked into a panic, imagining ghastly symptoms or morbid outcomes. Sure, stay in the loop on the latest breaking news, but watching an all-day news channel won't help you maintain your positivity – something everyone needs if they want to fight this outbreak – literally and figuratively.

Instead, stay pragmatic, compassionate, and grateful – and find ways to be happy, healthy, and productive.

Here are 13 things to do while you're in self-isolation so that you can cope with the stress, and take care of yourself as well as your life:

1.   Get your financials in order.

Take advantage of your seclusion by getting a jump start on your income taxes or revisiting your household budget. Either way, you'll feel like you're in control of something – even if it's bad news on that front also – and something arduous will be out of the way.

2.   Do the chores you never get around to doing.

There are things in your busy life that you simply never get to – or want to do. That includes sorting through expired, freezer-burned food and chipping away at the ice. Imagine making room for the groceries you've just ordered online and containers of virus-fighting chicken soup you're going to make over the next few weeks!

Other ideas include caulking your shower, putting on a new coat of paint, cleaning the windows, or wiping the boards. Even if you’re confined to one room, take a look around and see what needs tackling!

3.   Indulge in some self-care activities.

Who says you must stay in your PJs looking like you haven't left the house in weeks? (You can if you want to, no judgement) Still, you deserve to look and feel your best while you're housebound. Take a luxurious bath, fix your hair, sport a classy shade of red nail polish and lipstick, and arrange a video chat with some friends for an instant pick-me-up!

4.   Attack your inbox.

If you're looking for something constructive to do, you can brave up and face your mailbox. You can start by deleting the thousands of downer messages about the virus, then take a serious look at your subscriptions. If you're no longer getting value from being on a mailing list, it's time to unsubscribe. Keep the emails that lift you up or serve an essential purpose.

Set up folders, rules, and whatever else to get ahead of the curve when you're back in the world, consumed by your busy life.

5.   Sing.

Singing quite simply makes you happier.

Sing in the shower. Sing while you're doing the dishes. Sing while you’re washing your hands for the 20th time today. Masks are optional, unless you’re sharing air, in which case, don an N95 and keep singing.

6.   Do video chats with your family.

You can get sucked up into social media or news apps and fall into a negative spiral, or you can use your technology for good. Telephone your family or go further to create a sense of connectedness by video chatting. Seeing someone is almost like being there. This is especially important for seniors in your life or those more likely to experience social isolation along with you. Kids love video chats, too, and so will your sweetie if you're going to be apart for the entire isolation period.

7.   Tidy up.

Just like Marie Kondo says, there is magic in tidying up; it is life-changing. So, while you're getting rid of the psychic vampires in your closet, create a pile for donations, and freshen up some other items to make some cash on sites like Poshmark or Mercari.

8.   Dive into a new book.

It's time to slip under the covers and get lost in one of the many novels on your bedside table. This is your time – so don't feel guilty about wanting to feel inspired or a century away in someone else's life. Spend an entire day reading – just like you did when you had fewer cares on your mind.

9.   Laugh at a comedy.

If you're stuck inside all day, be grateful for your TV and your wi-fi! ­­You may even have hundreds of channels to select from­­ or millions of options on YouTube or simply Google. You can opt for a comedy. You can choose to laugh, like conferences, school, special events, and parties, that hasn't been cancelled.

So, dial back on the news that's likely to invoke more stress, and check out the Comedy Network, funny videos on Facebook, or watching goofy, gut-splitting comedies from the good old days.

10.   Create a new habit.

It takes about 3 weeks to create a new habit. If you're isolating yourself and shaking up your routine a couple of weeks, you have an opportunity to make it worthwhile by jumpstarting lasting changes in your life.

Start a gratitude practice in the morning when you wake up, drink water throughout the day, or reduce your dependence on coffee, smoking, or social media (yes, you can become addicted to it). The best way to start a new habit is to latch it onto a current one, so try it out and prove to yourself that you can be the change you need in this world.

11.   Contemplate your life’s direction.

A temporary period away from the world provides an opportunity to look in the mirror, see where you are at in your life, and assess whether you're where you want to be. Think deeply without any outside pressures. All you have are your thoughts, your inner wisdom, and your reality.

Now is a great time to think about that career change you've meant to make, ways to get your business back on track, or what more you can do to live a purposeful, authentic life.

12.   Update your resume.

I tell my clients that it's always beneficial to keep their resumes current. When you're in the throes of work, you sometimes forget everything you've accomplished and the impact you've had on organizations and their people.

Now that you have some time to focus, consider what role you'd like next and how to position your talents. If you haven't been impressed with how your company has been handling this pandemic, you might want to upgrade your resume sooner rather than later. Find a workplace that values the health and wellbeing of its employees.

13.   Simply be.

As the great mindfulness guru, Jon Kabat-Zin writes, Wherever You Go, There You Are. Take this opportunity to be with yourself.

Sit for a few minutes during the day, connecting with your breath, letting your thoughts come and go without judgment, and giving yourself the compassion you deserve. Whatever will be, will be. All you have is this moment right now.

The Coronavirus can feel like it’s taking away your control, but it doesn't take away your ability to decide how to spend your days or how to feel. Experiment with some of these tactics to gain productivity and experience less stress and greater joy as you move through this challenging yet temporary period in your life.

Lisa Petsinis is a certified life and career transition coach (ACC) who helps you beat overwhelm, find your voice, and create more joy and meaning in your life. Contact her for a free call so you can jumpstart the changes you want in your life, starting today.