January 2020 has brought in not only a new year, but a new decade. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been quite the start we were looking for with Covid-19 as the biggest story thus far. With the forth bringing of a wide-spread disease, many of us have had to take extra measures against sickness, the government is trying to play keep up with EI claims, businesses have suffered, the stock market is a crap-shoot , and for those who weren’t as affected financially, one thing that has had an effect nearly everyone during this time: self-isolation.
Now for some, this has meant more time connecting with their families, eating dinner together, and catching up– however, for those who weren’t in company living with family or friends, this has taken a massive impact on their mental health and feeling of freedom and wellness overall.
Especially for the millions who suffer from stress, anxiety, and depression, not being able to socialize, go to the gym and exercise, or attend their favorite hobby get-together, has made difficult times even tougher. To help make things a little more manageable, here are 9 ways to not only keep busy, but possibly even walk out of a crisis feeling stronger, healthier, and more grateful than ever.
Get writing
This can be a blog, journal, list of things you are grateful for, writing 10 letters to mail out to friends and mentors you appreciate in your life, or making a diary that documents all the moments in your life worth remembering (when you’re gone, your family will appreciate this), or write out your favorite moments worth remembering from your last vacation or outting
Get active
Schedule 30 minutes in your day to go for a walk in a trail in your neighborhood, garden, do a workout from home, an online youtube video for yoga, or do something else in the field of health & wellness: meditate. For the last one I personally recommend the 10 minute smile meditation video by Tara Brach on youtube–excellent for beginners to advanced)
Learn
Whether it’s going online checking out resources like coursera or udemy, reading a book from home, playing an instrument, there are tons of online courses, coaches, videos, and resources to learn a skill or start something fun. You could be singing, dancing, designing, or knitting your way out of crisis. Along with regular workouts and writing, I’m enjoying myself by also learning a new skill in learning how to day-trade and invest
Read
Whether it’s reading to develop new skills, or better yet, read for pure enjoyment or reflection. Read a book from your childhood (something Dr. Seuss would be my go-to), a magazine on your balcony, a book around your house, or a blog online on a topic your interested in. Reading and exercise are two of the best time investments you can make for yourself and those around you
Watch
Although I purposely try to separate from too much TV and screen time, this can be a great way to relax, learn, laugh, ponder, or purely be entertained. Maybe a ted-talk or inspiring story, a stand-up comedian on netflix or go back to your childhood and watch a Disney movie or show you loved as a kid (I don’t need a crisis for this one). Deon Cole, Kevin Hart, Adam Sandler, Dave Chappelle — all hilarious specials I’ve recently enjoyed on Netflix
Socialize
Yes, this one is tricky in crisis and self isolation–but still doable. Use facebook or Whatsapp to catch up on a video call, or have a glass of wine and chat with your friends live on Zoom. If you’re looking to step away from your computer, go enjoy a social distance walk with a friend or a driveway catch up. Take a quick scroll through your contact list and reach out to 3 close friends where distance, work, or kids may have gotten the best of how often you now connect…
Clean
Declutter and organize your garage or a specific room, put aside clothes to throw out or donate, clean out your fridge, patio, book shelf, or organize all the photos lying around into a proper album. What about the untouched side of the closet? This could be a perfect project to stay busy and feel productive
Go viral
You’re at home in isolation, why not have some fun? Do something educational, something funny, something ridiculous; create a funny song, a ludicrous workout, or show-off a random talent that you have that no one knows about. If you have a funny pet – make them into a gif for others to enjoy
Find ways to be grateful
Even in crisis or the worst times of our lives, there are plenty of things and people to be grateful for. Whether it’s focusing on how much stronger you will be after the time passes, enjoying the time and extra conversations with family, getting in closer connection with nature, your spiritual beliefs, or developing a deeper understanding of yourself through reflection and journaling– there are always things to be grateful for. It is our decision whether to see them or not…