With the whole COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are confined to our homes and can only go out for groceries and medication at the pharmacy, myself included. This isolation and social distancing can be particularly difficult and even damaging for those with anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses, as it has been for me and I’m sure for many others as well. However, there are always tasks to keep busy and I’ve found that there are a few key activities that have helped me through this difficult time. So, I thought that I would list a few options that’ll keep your heart happy and your mind occupied in these precarious times.
1. Exercise! Though you may feel unmotivated or lazy, it’s important to keep your body working and healthy. I especially enjoy taking a walk around the neighborhood or taking a hike in nature. You can even work out in the comfort of your own home. I personally enjoy following along Blogilates workouts on YouTube to tone specific parts of my body.
2. Reading! One recommendation that I have is downloading the Audible app and buying a few good books to listen to. On that note, you may also like to listen to some podcasts that interest you. For example, I really enjoy the podcast Swindled and another called Crime Junkie on Spotify.
3. Arts and Crafts! Even if you’re not the most gifted artist, it can be an incredible tool for stress relief to simply color, draw, or paint. Perhaps you can buy an adult coloring book online or even a few canvases to paint at home. It also gives you a sense of accomplishment, as you’re able to actually put your energy and creativity into something worthwhile that you can keep and cherish.
4. Take a drive! Although you may not be able to go shopping or go out to eat like you used to, you can still take a drive around town or even beyond that to clear your mind, go sightseeing, listen to music and sing along, whatever you like. I especially enjoy this because it’s a way to get out of the house without exposing yourself to germs and really going anywhere specific.
5. Clean the House! Yes, I know, this suggestion might seem a bit dull, but I promise you that it’s worthwhile. Even if you just organize your room, it can be an excellent tool for stress relief and happiness. I recently cleaned my room and organized my shelves and it gave me a great boost of self confidence and contentedness.
6. Videochat with Friends! You may not be able to spend time with friends in person, but it’s always good to connect with them in other ways, even if it’s just through text. Otherwise, though, I would suggest setting up a videochat, whether it be through social media like Snapchat or Instagram, FaceTime, Google Hangout, Zoom, Skype, etc. And, if all else fails, you can simply call friends on the phone. It’s important to stay in touch with friends and family in these difficult times, as isolation can severely impact mental health in the worst way possible. I know from personal experience that making contact with friends virtually, even for a few minutes, means the world and will greatly improve the mood of everyone involved.
7. Journal! If you feel like you can’t talk to anybody else about your struggles, you can always jot down your thoughts and feelings on paper or even type it out in the Notes section of your phone. It’s not healthy to keep all your emotions bottled up, especially during stressful events like this. Remember your worth and that you’re not alone.
8. Find a New Show to Watch! If you love Netflix like me, you’ll go through show series in the blink of the eye. If you’re in the mood for a lazy day or just want to chill, some Netflix series I suggest are: Élite, Queen of the South, Criminal Minds, Forensic Files, You, Cable Girls, Money Heist, Ingobernable, Sin Senos Sí Hay Paraíso, and Narcos. As you can see, I have a penchant for many shows in Spanish haha.
9. Take a Nap! If you’re feeling a bit drained by all the commotion in the world right now, it’s okay. I feel the same way. You can always rest your body and soul by taking a nap, but careful – not too long, as it can disrupt your sleep at night and mess up your day. A 30 minute or hour nap, though, can be very refreshing and I encourage it.
10. Learn a New Skill! With school out of session thanks to the virus, I have much more time on my hands than before. If you’re bored out of your mind and need an activity to keep you happy and active, you can always develop a new talent. This may include learning to do your makeup or perfecting your makeup skills, learning a new language (which is what I’m planning on doing), learning to knit or sew, learning to cook, writing poetry or a short novel, learning to do yoga and stretch, do breathing techniques, etc. There’s a world of skills to learn and these are just a few suggestions, but hopefully it helps!
Hopefully this list helps! Remember to stay warm, eat well, keep in touch with loved ones, and play with pets if you have them! If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, addiction, whatever it may be – try to remain positive in these trying times and remember that you are worth so much. Love you all! Never be afraid to reach out if you need help.
xoxo,
Madison
Healing and Hope 