All across San Francisco and the Bay Area, people are spending their days inside waiting for the end of the COVID-19 crisis. At Cypress Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, we are doing our best to serve our community during this time of uncertainty. We know that many of you are separated from family, friends, and neighbors. You may be home from work or school, struggling to know how to fill this sudden onslaught of free time.

While some may see this as an opportunity to slow down, nurture relationships, and invest in favorite hobbies, others are struggling with feelings of purposeless and loneliness. If you or a loved one can relate, please know many others are feeling the same way! After all, who among us thought we would wake up one morning to so many changes in our country?

While we all realize these days won’t last forever, it can certainly feel that way at times. If you are anxious or stressed, consider these ideas to relieve feelings of loneliness.

Use the technology you have to build connections. Even if you’ve never used a chat feature online, now is the time to try. You might be surprised how fun it is to connect face-to-face in this way. If you’re not sure how to set up a video call, contact a friend or family member for help.

Go outside. While it’s tempting to soak up the 24-hour newsfeed, it’s never been more important to manage your information intake. After all, the need to “keep up” can quickly overwhelm and cause even more stress. Set down your phone, turn off the television, and go outside for a walk. If you have mobility issues, sit outside and observe the sights, smells, and sounds around you. This not only boosts your well-being but is also a reminder of the beauty in the world.

Create a daily routine. Waking up and immediately thinking of the many unstructured hours you have to fill can create stress of its own. During a time when so much is unpredictable, setting a schedule introduces a measure of predictability. Try starting with mealtimes and building from there.

Think of how you can serve others. Many people are surprised by how helpful it is to focus on others during a difficult time. What can you do to build up those around you? Write and send a note of encouragement? Call a friend who may need to connect? Even smiling at a passerby when you’re on a walk or sitting outside can bring a moment of happiness to another.

Call the Friendship Line. Did you know there’s a toll-free number you can call if you’re in need of connection, comfort, and even counseling? The Friendship Line is available 24/7 at 1-800-971-0016.

Our Cypress Lawn staff has been there for people during times of difficulty for many years – and we continue to offer a helping hand in any way we can. If you have questions about how our services have changed due to COVID-19, don’t hesitate to contact us or check our website. Also, if you’re interested in putting your own funeral arrangements in place, our online form makes the process easier than ever. We are here to walk alongside Bay Area families, ready to do whatever we can to make a difficult time a little easier.