I think that we can all agree that 2020 has been a complete whirlwind since the start. The COVID-19 worldwide pandemic has completely rocked our world, and everyone has been impacted by it in one way or another. I am very fortunate to be able to work from home and spend time with my fiance and sweet dog during this uncertain time, but my extroverted nature has definitely had a hard time with the isolation. So, today I’m listing out 5 things that helped me stay sane in quarantine.
Spend some time outside
Washington is such a beautiful place and the weather is getting nice, and honestly there are some days where all I want to do is spend some time outside with friends and loved ones. A FaceTime with my family and texts with my friends will have to do for now, but I have really enjoyed going for walks with my dog outside. She gets very excited about going outside, so it’s a good experience for the both of us. Plus, the weather has been gorgeous so I generally just need a light jacket. Most parks are closed at this time, but I have found that even a 10 minute walk around the complex that I live in makes me feel a hundred times better. Beyond our regular walks, we have also been spending a lot of time out on our balcony for an extra dose of sunshine.
Learn a new skill
This is something that I am passionate about since I completely changed the trajectory of my life by spending a summer learning how to code. Due to the virus, many companies and universities are offering coding classes for free. It’s incredibly rewarding, and I would recommend that everyone give it a shot! I never thought that I would be good at it, and I totally blew myself away. Learning technical skills is a big task, but it’s incredibly rewarding and pays off in the end. (If you’re interested, here is a list of free online courses from accredited universities!)
There are also plenty of non-technical skills to learn, if you’re not interested in coding. Some things that I have picked up during periods of “downtime” in my past are hand-lettering, crocheting, make-up, styling my hair, and baking. With the amount of time that we are all spending at home, there’s no time like the present to take charge and learn a skill that you have been putting off for a rainy day!
Catch up on some reading
I absolutely love to read, but since I entered the workforce I have found that I don’t get to read for pleasure as much as I would like. This is a perfect activity for days where the weather is crappy or in the evening before bed. If you’re looking for a good book to read (and especially if you’re someone who is frustrated with the challenges associated with working from home), I would recommend the book pictured above!
Treat yourself to a spa day
This is something that I really don’t do enough. Prior to quarantine, I would spend all day at the office, go for a run while it was still light out, eat dinner, spend an hour relaxing, and then get ready to do it all again the next day. I never felt like I had time to relax, and really didn’t have the energy to do anything but go to bed after a long day. Since I am working from home, I no longer have a commute and my evenings are totally free. I have found that quiet evenings are a perfect time to grab my fuzziest robe, some of my favorite self care-products, light a candle, and settle into a hot, relaxing bath. I’m terrible at slowing down and taking time for myself, but I’m always incredibly happy when I do.
Work towards your fitness goals
Instead of gaining the “quarantine fifteen”, spend some time outlining your fitness goals, researching diet plans, and planning out workouts to reach those goals. I feel my best when I work out every day, whether it be a long run outside, yoga, or a cardio circuit in my living room. There are all kinds of online fitness programs running right now due to the pandemic, and many of them are free. Working out helps me to reduce anxiety, and the endorphin release associated with working out makes me feel like a superstar. Sometimes it’s hard to gather the motivation to get off the couch and get moving, but I’m always glad that I did it!
I hope that these five ideas help you to stave off boredom and help you to stay same during your quarantine experience. We'll all get through this, together, and I really think that we will be stronger as a society because of it. Stay well!
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