From watching our local communities unravel to feeling the effects of the pandemic on a personal level, it's safe to say that the past few weeks have been long and emotionally overwhelming. Our normal lives have come to a standstill as many of us are under "Shelter In Place/Stay at Home" orders and others are choosing to be at home to flatten the curve.
If you're starting to feel mentally exhausted from the chaos and being cooped up inside the house, here are a few tips to keep your mind busy and help you "stay sane".
Take a break from social media and the news
Social media can be a breeding ground for anxious thoughts and there can be a lot of misinformation spread around creating more mental anguish than we need. Identify certain news platforms you trust and set aside certain times to check their site for updates. Be sure to update your phone notifications to reduce the number of alerts you are receiving and if you are an iPhone user, use features like Screen Time to limit the amount of time you're spending on social media.
Get Fresh Air
Open up a window, sit in your backyard/on your balcony and spend some time getting fresh air. Grab your journal, yoga mat or make a chill playlist to listen to while relaxing for a bit. Don't be afraid to switch up your workspace or lounge space to an area in your home where you can feel the breeze.
Play Games/Activities
If you need something mentally stimulating to serve as a distraction, playing games can be a great way to decompress, pass time and give you some social interaction. Some of my favorite apps/classic games to play are Words with Friends, Heads Up, Uno, Jenga, and Taboo!
Take an Online Class
Whether you want to learn more about digital content creation, photography or whatever your passion might be, several online classes are currently being offered for FREE right now. Yale's most popular class, The Science of Well-Being is available online through Coursera where you can learn how to increase your personal happiness and create more productive habits for your lifestyle! I registered for this class and a few classes on Brit + Co, an inspirational site and resource for women who love to create. (All classes are free with code: SELFCARE until March 3st.)
Get Some Excercise
Gyms may be closed but that doesn't mean you have to neglect your health and fitness. Doing a quick 20-30 minute workout can help you keep your mind and body in an optimal state of wellness. If you don't have weights at home, look up body resistance moves or use canned goods/ other household items as substitutes. If you are looking for a routine to follow, my trainer Jordan of Controlled Fitness is giving away a free at-home workout (donations to the trainer are appreciated) to help people stay active. I highly recommend as I have always seen quick, effective and lasting results when following his routines.
Most of all remember, we are going to get through this and we are going to be okay.