What a world we live in, eh? While there is SO much to talk about in regards to coronavirus and how it is effecting so many people around the world, both in terrible and minute ways, that is not what this post is about. (Read what the CDC has to say on how to cope.) No one knows what the next few days, weeks or months are going to look like, but it’s fair to say that working from home (if there’s any work left to do), quarantining and staying relatively isolated is inevitable.
Mental health is just as important as physical health and I have a feeling a lot of people are going to go stir crazy and not know what to do with themselves. Here are some ideas, both fun and productive, to keep your spirits up while dealing with the unknown:
- Take an online class! If you’ve been meaning to pick up a new language, hone your writing skills, make a tasty cake or learn how to knit, now is the perfect time! Online classes pose no threat of exposure and there’s so many great things to do. Masterclass has amazing options from celebrities, scientists and business leaders.
- Get cooking! Now that your pantry is stocked, it’s time to experiment with some new and fun recipes. You won’t be strapped for time so you can finally try making that coq au vin you’ve been dying to try.
- Have a movie and a picnic night! Change things up a bit and set up a picnic on your living room floor for the night. Queue up a movie and voila!
- Organize, clean and decorate your home! You can still be productive within the confines of your home. Take this time to clean up, reorganize, and maybe even redecorate! It’s a great way to change up your living space.
- Binge on movies, TV shows and books! There’s no time like the present to make a dent in your library – whether it’s your reading library, or your Netflix queue. You can even start a virtual book club!
- Color! I do this on the regular, but if you’re looking for a way to zen out, I highly recommend investing in an adult coloring book. Here’s a few of our favorites:
- Exercise! Just because you aren’t heading out to the gym doesn’t mean you can’t work up a sweat. Stream online fitness classes, do a mat workout, practice yoga, or dance it out. It’s important to keep your body as busy as your mind.
- Keep a journal! Whether or not you regularly keep a journal, while you are stuck at home is a great time for some self reflection. Especially during these difficult times I am loving the 3-Minute Morning Journal (from $11.99 on Amazon), which is quick, easy, and allows you to reflect on everything you are grateful for with daily prompts.
- Have a spa day! Or night! Self care is super important, especially right now when no one knows what’s going on or how long this will last. Take a breather and pamper yourself. Draw a bubble bath, light a candle, put on a face mask, diffuse some essential oils and pretend you’re at the spa.
Remember, things could be worse. Everyone is struggling right now, but some are struggling a lot more than others. Go online and see what you can do to help small businesses, those who are at high risk, those who can’t work, or don’t have a lot of money. There are plenty of ways to help, you just have to know how. Vox has a great article on ways to help.
