Although I would consider myself an introvert and one who needs time alone to "recharge", I've always struggled with my mental health when I found myself alone for too long. And while I was scared my mental health was going to suffer a lot from staying home during this difficult time with COVID-19, I think I've been doing better than I expected. So, I just wanted to share my "Quarantine Routine" and some tips that have helped me manage my mental health and stay more positive.
So just to describe my lockdown situation, I am currently at home with all 6 other members of my family. My dad is the only one that has left the house to do grocery errands in the past 3 weeks. My parents have been working from home, my younger siblings have online school meetings and assignments, and my sister, grandma, and I have just been trying to stay occupied and entertained. Since I am currently unemployed (I'm working on sending out those job applications, I swear!), here are some of the activities I've been doing to keep me busy (in no particular order).
1. Physical activity- home workouts, playing Just Dance on our old WII console, getting some sunshine in the backyard with the kids, cleaning my living space, or just having a solo dance party in my room, I usually try to get in a physical activity when I wake up in the morning and in the mid-afternoon. I try and stay moving, even if it is just moving from the bed to the couch or desk or floor. Point is to change up your work & chill spaces if you can
2. Social Media/Entertainment- staying updated and informed with news, looking at funny memes, watching tv or Netflix, staying connected with family and friends especially with those that live alone and/or abroad
3. Productivity and Housekeeping Tasks- checking my emails and mail, working on my website & blog, sending out job applications, doing my taxes and finances, and other "adulting" tasks
4. Creative Activities- browsing on Pinterest for photoshoot inspo and ideas, arts & crafts with my siblings, working on puzzles, trying on and planning different outfits (to wear when we are released from lockdown), discovering new music, rereading old books, looking at old photos and memories, working on creating social media content
5. Interacting with family or friends- actually talking and sharing stories with family, watching movies/tv together, sharing jokes and riddles at the dinner table, helping out in the kitchen or with chores, FaceTiming or texting friends
And while it is tough, I've also found that keeping a healthy diet (not giving in to too many quarantine snacks) and sticking to a sleep schedule has helped. And also changing from pajamas to lounge wear and putting in my contact lenses after waking up. While these are such small things, they have helped give me a sense of separation from my bed, and it gives me that "getting ready for the work day" feeling. As much as possible, try to build a routine, even if it is a simple one. Having a concrete schedule can help keep you grounded in times of uncertainty.
These are just some of the things that have helped me stay sane while staying home. Remember, your mindset and reaction to the situation can greatly impact your feelings and overall mood, so take care and be mindful. Show more patience and compassion, now more than ever, to others.
A special thank you to the healthcare workers, custodial workers, grocery and food production workers, and all of the other front-line workers out there who are making sacrifices, and who may not have the privilege of being home and/or with loved ones during this difficult and scary time.
Please stay safe & stay home (if you can).
Love Always
Bella
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