How many times during the past couple of weeks were you trying to figure out what comes next and what should you do now? Here is a couple of ideas that you could do to help you stay calm and in the present, during these unpredictable events
1. Read
Reading can be a way of helping us escape for a moment from the current events we can not control, and can also boost our knowledge and experience. Reading has been shown to improve our social, mental, emotional, and psychological well-being. It helps us gain confidence, be self-aware, enhance concentration, and understand different perspectives people can have in different situations. (LivHIR). So take a break from current events, relax with a cup of tea or coffee, and pick up a book from your favorite genre.
2. Listen to music
In our daily life, we often hear music at least once during a day. Whether we are cleaning, driving, studying, exercising, cooking, or even singing in the shower. I would encourage you to implement more music during these days so that puts you back on track and gives you the peace and energy you need. A study has shown that listening to music after stressful events can reduce anxiety, lower anger, booster mood, and will help in relaxation. So whenever you feel like you need that extra push, play one of your favorite jams and sing along!
3. Exercise
We all struggle sometimes to start exercising, but with the many benefits it has, we should try and add it in, even when we do not feel like it. There are many types of physical activities for people of all abilities. When you have to stay at home you have many choices: stretching to start off your day, yoga, any type of home workout, fitness dance class, or even improvised table tennis. The most important benefits felt during these difficult times are that it boosts our mood, controls our weight, and improves our sleep. (MedLine Plus, 2020)
4. Reorganize space
We have all been in situations where everything seems overwhelming and unachievable but as soon as we clean up a little bit around us, we seem to get some sense of clarity and better energy. You can use the time you have stuck at home to reorganize and clean the space you are in so that you have a clearer perspective and feel accomplished. Most importantly you will feel less stressed, and once you have peace inside of your home, the chaos on the outside will not affect you as much as if that outside mess stays within you. So play that cleaning playlist and create a healthy environment.
5. Learn something new
During these times it is hard to stay focused and on top of everything. But if you find the time, learn something new. It can be as simple as making an origami, DIY home project, different meal or dessert, some dance moves, new exercise, or even basics of a different language. Try anything that fulfills you or interests you, that will stimulate you and make you proud of yourself, and amused during these hard times.
6. Stay Connected
The hard times are the times when we should help our friends and those in need. Connection during a pandemic can be hard, but there are still ways to stay connected. Some of the things you could do are online movie night or a TV show, exercise on facetime to keep each other going, create private concerts, and sing your hearts out. With connections, we will all make it out of this crisis stronger, and reaching out has never been more important.
7. Spend time with family
These may be unprecedented times, but we should make the best out of it. You are with your family all day, and although that sometimes can be consuming, find ways to bring joy and good energy back when it goes away. You can choose from many social games to play, card games, home trivia quizzes, talents show, and more. Remember those in your home can be your closest people who will support you no matter what, so stay safe at home and spread the love.
8. Take self-care days
The future of the current situation is unpredictable and that makes it even more stressful. So if you feel down make sure to take some time for yourself as well. Try to meditate for some time, because it is proven that meditation helps you to have a clear mind, better clarity, and relaxation of your mind and body. (Art of Living, 2020). Other ideas include to take a long bath with calming music, light some candles, write down your thoughts, and focus on what are you grateful for.
I hope that these ideas will help you to get through these days, but also can be implemented whenever you are feeling down or sad. Rember, do what you love, and it is okay to feel down at times, just keep in mind everything is temporary and this too shall pass. ♥
– Marija Borcic
Fresh Start 