I can’t recall, as someone who lives in western society, a time where we had a pandemic or any situation that was affecting our whole country or continent. Therefore, for many of us, the thought of something holding us back and putting us on pause without knowing what tomorrow will bring is a very new feeling (and one that I understand as a privilege and a blessing).
With this comes the need to keep small habits that will keep our mental health balanced and give us some sense of normalcy.
1- Give an hour a day to catch up with news about COVID19.
Two weeks ago I had a trip planned and this made follow every article of news for hours a day to help me make my decision of going or staying, I realized that following the news like this, was creating too much anxiety and all my energy was being put towards it in a not very healthy way.
Ever since I went into social isolation, I have decided to give myself one hour a day to read the news and inform myself – usually in the morning after breakfast.
2- Make your bed.
It’s amazing the difference this step can make. A tidy bed gives the mind some sense of normalcy and organization.
3- Do your usual morning routine.
Try waking up at your usual hour, have your regular breakfast (if possible), brush your teeth, get out of your PJs and dress something nice, do your makeup and brush your hair. Even when going nowhere or being seen by someone, doing these steps keeps you going and keeps you from slacking.
4- Set your meal times.
Having meal times is very important when staying home, this allows to not go overboard with snacking and overeating.
5- Catch the sun when you can.
If you are in a home without a backyard or balcony, watch where and when the sun hits your windows and stand there for a bit to catch some sunshine. Use that time to relax, have tea, meditate, read a book, etc.
6- Brush your hair and/or do your makeup.
Taking care of yourself during this time will give you that extra confidence boost and what a time to catch up with self-pampering.
7- Have a dance party… even if by yourself.
Put the music on loud and dance to it… no one is watching. Play music and dance while cleaning, while cooking, etc. It gives that extra stamina boost.
8- Catch up with people you haven’t in a while.
Everyone is likely bored during this time, therefore no one is lost on a busy life to not have time for calls, videochats, etc. This is a great moment to catch up with friends you haven’t seen in awhile, call that family member you only see on Christmas, etc.
9- Meditate.
Meditation helps a lot when it comes to being able to focus on the moment and be calm. Focus on your breathing, let go of tension and just watch the time go by without you even realizing.
10- Do things you haven’t had time to do before.
Time to catch up with a closet cleaning, a declutter, catch up with DIYs you have been wanting to make but never felt like you had time to.
11- Try to keep healthy habits.
It’s tough right now with empty shelves at supermarkets, to keep up with normal and healthy habits when it comes to food. But whenever possible, try to consume fresh, healthy food and if cooked at home even better, as cooking can be an amazing way to relax and kill time.
These aren’t normal times and COVID19 isn’t an issue to take lightly, though keeping a healthy mind and body will help people get through it in a better manner and come out of it ready to try to build back communities, their work life, their friend circle and hug and be near their loved ones.
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