Monday, March 30, 2020
We are all on the same boat! Stuck at home either alone, with our pets or with family AND the only outing we get is the trip to the pharmacy or supermarket, which we at this point have also started to question. I have put together a list of things that you can do to keep busy and get through this upcoming month of April.
Let me just say, that for a lot of us this won't be easy, but we are stronger than we think. I know fear and anxiety are real, and I have friends going though these emotions as I type this article up. It is for them and for the rest of you out there that I am sharing these ideas to try and get your minds off of all the negative that feeds those common reactions to a situation like this.
Before I start, know that you can attempt to control your emotions by acknowledging what's happening and that it is stressful. If you are successful at this, I promise you'll have a bit more control over the things you DO have control over: spending more time with your family, taking care of things at home, pampering yourself, planning for the future, and so much more that during our regular busy lives we seem to have no time for. Now, on to the fun part!
REST, RELAX & LET GO
As boring as it may sound, before this distancing ordeal started, when was the last time that you had a chance to take a breather? How often do we go about our days wishing that we had more hours to just CHILL!!! Can I sit down for a second?! I can't wait to go home! For some of you getting home just means MORE WORK until you go to sleep, wakeup, and do it all over again.
So what I'm trying to say is, try to look at this time as a break. A break to give your mind and body the opportunity to revitalize. Think of it as a time to prepare and recharge to come back stronger and kicking more butt than ever once we are in the clear to dive back into our regular daily life routines.
Photo by Isabela Kronemberger on Unsplash
WAKE UP AND GET DONE UP
I'm not saying to spend hours applying makeup on, but lets face it, beauty has a huge impact on our brains. In fact, there have been studies that prove that makeup can affect people dealing with anxiety and depression. This goes for men too! Just because you're stuck at home, doesn't mean you have to look like Tom Hanks in Castaway.
Ladies wakeup, freshen up, put some mascara on, your favorite powder, blush, lip gloss, heck, spritz on your favorite scent and sit on that couch! I'm kidding! I promise that you will feel happier throughout the day- plus it's something you already do before going into work right? Keep the routine going! Take a peek into that mirror every time you walk by it, and tell yourself, "Damn girl you look good!". Guys, put away the comfy shorts, that favorite shirt full of holes, and sweatpants that your girlfriend, wife, and dog hate so much and get cute too! We all like to look good! Don't deny it!
Photo by Freestocks on Unsplash
MEAL PREP BREAKFAST, FUN SNACKS, DINNER
Wait! Don't scroll through this one! I'm not going to tell you to start dieting and eating boring food. Meal prepping can be super fun and a way to kill time especially if you have kids! Besides, you'll see how instantly gratifying it feels NOT to have to wait and prepare something to eat when you or your family get hungry- just Grab"n"Go!
Get you some mason jars with lids, or regular small food containers with lids and prep away! Your favorite cereal with fruit and nuts in it- when you're hungry just add milk!
Oatmeal, chia seed pudding, quick salads, your favorite dessert, the choices are endless!
And the best part is you can grab your meal and munch away on the couch watching TV! This is fun for kids to allow them to prep their own meals, choose what they like and want to eat. Make it fun, but always remember to keep meals balanced and as healthy as you can for your own health benefit.
Photo by Ella Olsson on Unsplash
TAKE OUT THOSE PLANNERS & PLAN AHEAD
I know this feels like a heck of a slowdown, but the world is still turning! That means that time is still passing and we have to plan, plan, plan. Now is the time to think ahead for the future. Make plans for your job, your time, your home, your business, your kids. Think of growth strategies to use to your advantage once this is over. Maybe you can even brainstorm ideas on how to make extra cash while at home.
Innovate! It's during times like these when most innovators flourish. If you have kids, have them plan too, how do they plan on keeping their grades up? What sports, activities would they like to get into? Have them invent little gadgets etc. Nothing feels better than being prepared. So brainstorm away on how you will rock the rest of 2020!
Photo by Plush Design Studio on Unsplash
GET ACTIVE!
I guess I can't workout if the gyms are closed...WRONG! Let me put it this way, we live in a gigantic gym. You can literally use any space and any object to workout. Movement is necessary for our bodies. It's important for blood circulation, for joint mobility, brain activity, flexibility- it's good for our overall health. I know that exercise is not for everyone, however, this is the time to get into it whether you're a marathon runner or have never put sneakers on in your life- get up and move.
No matter where we live we have have backyards, front yards, sidewalks, stairs, and living rooms large enough to walk back and forth enough times to elevate our heart rates. Squat, run, jog, walk- find something to do for at least 20 minutes to start, but stay active. If you remain idle, it will only be harder to get back in the game when this is all over and we get back to normal.
Photo by Bruno Nascimiento on Unsplash
TURN THE MUSIC UP!
Music is an integral part of the human experience! Music has been around for centuries telling stories of our ancestors, war, life, grief, happiness. Music has such an influence that there have been studies that prove that music has therapeutic and mood boosting benefits on us. Just like sad music can cause negative feelings, happy music does quite the opposite. The Journal of Positive Psychology conducted a study back in 2013 where they found that people who listened to upbeat music could improve their moods and happiness in as little as 2 weeks.
A happier mood brings more benefits than just being happy, it leads to better performance, success, greater relationships, higher incomes, and so much more. So in these times of stillness, depression, anxiety, and worrying, turn off the negative Media for a second, and turn up some happy music. Put on that song you and your love danced to when you met years ago, your favorite song that you can't help yourself from singing along to, the hits from your favorite concert, any melody that makes you smile when you listen. The goal in life is to be happy, so help yourself and turn it up! Just turn it back down if a cop knocks on your door.
Photo by Mohammad Metri on Unsplash
Getting through this social distancing seems really tough, but remember that we are all in this together. Step away from the negativity. You know what to do to remain safe and keep your family safe already-we hear it everyday. So turn off the Media and focus on the positives I mentioned earlier. There is always two sides to every situation: a good and a bad. You can't control the bad, but you can control what good you get out of it. Time flies and in no time we will be back to normal.
In the meantime, do stay informed, but try to seek out positivity. Reach out to positive people, search the internet for good news, good deeds, and things that will help you get through this, not burry you under even more. Use Social Media to reach out to loved ones, connect with new people, make friends. Remember that together we are all stronger, and together we will make it. God bless.