My gosh, what a time to be alive! Truly a moment in history that is going to be reflected on and looked back at for years to come. However, times like these can also trigger a lot of uncertainty, anxiety, depression and fear. I’m not one to give medical advice, however, if you’re feeling the social distancing blues, here are some ideas to use up your time:
Related: Things I Stopped Doing That Helped my Depression and Anxiety
Related: 9 Tips To Stay Positive – COVID-19 Edition
1. Marie Kondo your home
Choose one small area at a time and start organizing. Don’t try to start with something big because that can get overwhelming very easily. Instead, try simple and manageable areas like your underwear drawer or perhaps your pantry.
2. Clean something that you haven’t cleaned in a while
Those make-up brushes and that Beautyblender … they need to be cleaned at least once a week. But lets be real, most of us don’t do that so get on it! Clean out your purses. Go through your phone and delete anything you don’t need. Go through your inbox and delete e-mails. Go through the pages you follow on Instagram and ask yourself if they’re really adding to your life. If not, press that unfollow button!
3. Find a new podcast to listen to
With endless options to choose from, podcasts are one of the best ways to dig deep into any topic. Think of a topic you love that you’d want to learn about and do a quick Google search!
P.s. Please let me know if you guys have any recommendations!
4. Change the decor
Give your room a brand new look by moving furniture around to new positions!
5. Catch up on your favourite shows
Or better yet, start a new one! Because Netflix and chill doesn’t necessarily need to be with a date. You can hoard all the snacks, and laugh or cry as much as you want!
6. Read a book
You know that book you’ve been putting off for a while? Now’s your time to finish it!
7. Play Board Games
Ah! I totally wish I was socially distancing myself at my brother’s place right now because his board game collection is boy oh boy! But hey, even a game of monopoly, resistance or taboo can be a fun time!
8. Move your body
Roll out your yoga mat at home, and do some stretches or download a meditation app and practice some deep breathing exercises. Get in tune with your body, heart and mind to bring some peace and calm into your day!
9. Pamper yourself
Take care of you! Light up those aromatherapy candles. Put on some music and take a nice relaxing bath! Don’t forget to throw in a bath bomb, some essential oils and a face mask.
10. Paint your nails
For a quick pick-me-up, grab your favourite nail colour and give yourself a mani/pedi! I don’t know about you but having my nails painted always feels so good and nurturing! Come to think of it, it’s self-care shown to your hands and feet.
11. Experiment with your hair.
That hairstyle you have always wanted to do – learn it! Practice it! Perfect it! Or experiment with different hair tools! Personally, I don’t know how to curl my hair with a hair straightener, so that’s something I’m planning on learning. Oh! Or you could always try that new colour you’ve been eyeing!
12. Make your personalized Bitmoji
Make your personalized emoji and send fun texts the next time you’re chatting with your friends.
13. Start a DIY project
Pinterest is full of all kinds of DIY projects. Pick the one that speaks to you the most and get on with it!
14. Make a vision board
Envision where you want to be a year from now. Gather images that represents that vision and stick them on a board.
15. Do something you’ve been putting off for months
Been wanting to give away clothes you no longer wear? Learn a new language or program? Or experiment with baking? Now is the perfect time to do it!
16. Look through old photographs and videos
Nostalgia – one of my favourite feelings! Feel that warmth while you look back at some fond memories of your past.
17. Check in with each other
Lastly, help someone in need. Check in with your friends and family. Message them, call them, FaceTime them. Take advantage of technology! Maybe catch up with an old friend! I had a 3-way video call with a couple of my friends last night and it was so uplifting.
At difficult times like these, it’s important to find ways to have fun and laugh while staying sane. Remember, these simple ideas are little love notes and hugs to yourself because practicing self-care and focusing on your mental health is crucial AF right now.
In addition, here’s a big shout out to all the front-line workers that are constantly putting themselves at risk without any hesitation! You are the real heroes.
Now I turn this over to you – how have you been keeping yourself busy? Share with me in the comments below!
Love and spoons,
Sara
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