This post may contain affiliate links. See https://theresamariedaily.com/about/ - affiliate disclosure policy for more info.
This is a very sensitive and crazy time we’re living in. The entire world is impacted by COVID-19. The media heightens my anxiety so I’ve been trying to limit the amount of time I spend watching it: only watch in the morning while having coffee to hear the latest updates then I turn it off. I think during this time, the media should also be reporting the good things occurring and the % amount of people who have recovered.
Seeing businesses close is scary and I pray that they will be okay financially, but I think it’s a good thing. I believe social distancing will help stop the spread of this virus. All viruses die when there is no humans to catch onto. It’s important to research facts during this time, and not just rely on the media for information. Look up the number of recovered people, read up on why social distancing will work. It doesn’t have to be as scary as the media makes it. Check the CDC website for updated information and also your states department of health, here’s the one for New York.
In lieu of all this, I wanted to share a few things you can do while social distancing at home. These are things I’m doing to help pass time and I think you’ll enjoy them as well.
1) Read
Open your mind to books you’ve been neglecting. I know most book stores may be closed currently, but you can still shop for books online. Check your local book store to see if they’re still open too, it’s important to shop local during this time to support small businesses. I have plenty of books I’ve been wanting to read and in-between school work, I am definitely going to be reading them!
2) Clean
Time to Marie Kondo your home! Take advantage of this time to reorganize, re-arrange and sanitize your home. Clean out your closet and create donation bags to help those who need it during this time. If you need some good organization bins/storage you can check local stores again to support small businesses, or you can shop online! You can also reuse any boxes from online shopping by cutting them into the size you may need for storage. Reduce, reuse, recycle! On Monday, I deep cleaned my kitchen and even got on a ladder outside to wash all the windows… not saying you have to go all out like that, but this is a great opportunity to clean the things that are often neglected.
3) Self Care
Don’t neglect your self care! Meditate, journal, wash your face and put on a face mask, take hot baths, and catch up on sleep. Your mental and physical health are super important during this time. Gyms may be closed, but you can still find workouts online even if you don’t have any equipment. I haven’t gone to an actual gym since August 2019. Every workout I do is in the comfort of my room, with or without equipment. My personal favorite workouts to do are from Tone It Up. They have everything from yoga, dance, to strength training and most can be done with 5lb dumbbells or no equipment at all (to substitute dumbbells if you have anything heavy like gallon water jugs or laundry detergent you can use that). Right now, their app is free for a month to offer those at home with easy workouts during this time!
4) Don’t limit yourself to the inside world
You’re allowed to go for walks and get fresh air. If you have a backyard sit outside with a book, or lay in the sun. Go for a walk around your neighborhood. This will not only help you stay sane, but the fresh air and sunlight will boost your mood and lower any anxiety caused by this time.
5) Stay in touch
Just because you can’t see friends & maybe some family, it doesn’t mean you can’t talk on the phone or FaceTime with them. FaceTime and other video chat platforms were created so we could stay connected in a way we could see the person instead of just talking. Seeing someone’s face when you physically can’t be with them is way more comforting than just hearing their voice. If you don’t have access to a video chat platform, pick up the phone. Call your grandparents, parents, friends, cousins, anyone whose important to you. Check in once a week and ask them how they are. We’re all going through the same thing currently, and talking with someone will help lessen stress and anxiety.
6) Cook
Head to Pinterest for recipe ideas and whip up something new! Use this opportunity to try new foods and get creative with your meals! Just because you’re at home, doesn’t mean you have to eat boring or unhealthy foods.
Some face masks and organization bins/storage to shop!
