This will be the first of a few posts this month. I’ve finally finished up a hectic semester amidst new, distracting circumstances. I wasn’t planning on doing a post dedicated entirely to the COVID-19 pandemic; I think you probably see quite enough of it in your news feed as it already is. However, as time has gone on, I’ve noticed how my own mental health has been impacted by social distancing. I thought this post might be good for me, too.

I mentioned in my last post that we had to self-quarantine due to COVID exposure. I’m happy to report we’re all healthy now. But, you’d think with a couple chronic illnesses that I’d be used to being stuck at home when I sometimes don’t want to be. You’d be wrong. Even though I’m definitely a homebody, that was after classes, or work, or family gatherings, or shopping, or…well, you get the picture.

I’ve had to get creative with ways to keep my sanity intact while stuck in the house; all this on top of transitioning to work and classes from home. It’s been a learning curve trying to balance these new hats with old ones, all while trying to keep an eye on current news and events. 

That being said, I am going to list some of my favorite resources for COVID information and guidelines at the bottom of this post – for now, let’s dive into what I’m doing to keep busy during quarantine.

First – be easy on yourself.

There’s no right or wrong way to live through this. Our response to a situation like this has to be as unique as our current circumstances. That being said – NONE of the following ideas may be right for you, or you may find something right for you in each one of them. Take what works and leave the rest.

Before you get stuff done – check in on YOU.

These are unprecedented times. We’re living through something we’ve only encountered in history books. It is perfectly normal to not be at 100% all the time. Taking a couple moments everyday to just check in on how you’re feeling can help set the right tone for the rest of the day.

Try not to freak out.

Empty grocery store shelves are not exactly security inducing views; nor is the steep unemployment rate sweeping the globe. Like a lot of us, I’ve been trying to figure out how to replace some of the products I’ve come to rely on. (I’ll be listing the recipes I’ve been using later on this week)

I know it’s easy to get swept up in panic right now… But, if you react to stress like I do, it’s better to save that worry for something you can control, if possible. 

I’ve got all types of tips on how I manage different types of stress on other posts. You can find a couple of those here and here.

To that end – start meditating, journaling, or some sort of stress reduction routine.

As I mentioned, unprecedented times, right? That means emotions can be all over the place; old traumatic experiences can rear their ugly heads in our memories. No better way to deal with that, in my experience, than meditation. If it’s too much to just empty my mind, sometimes I find literally emptying it onto paper can help, too.

Self care can be simple.

If you’ve got a fancy face mask, go for it. But self care could be not setting an alarm if you don’t have to. It could be taking the time to stretch every morning. Reading a new book (here + here are some reviews) or listening to a favorite podcast are some other ways I’ve stayed occupied lately. Find a new way to be a little kinder to yourself.

Get some alone time.

This may seem counterproductive right now, but hear me out. If you live alone, this obviously doesn’t pertain to you. If you, like me, are isolating with others, that constant interaction could take a toll on your relationship.

Even if it’s just the idea of distance, try to get some space between you. I go into my office each day to work or do homework; closing the door gives me some semblance of being “back in the office.” 

Find a new walking route.

Taking a walk around your neighborhood can be a great way to get over the stir-crazies. We’ve been waiting until the suns almost set, and going to our local park. It’s nearly empty as it’s about to close, and we walk to a secluded section with our pups to enjoy the last bit of sunshine.

Speaking of sunshine – if you have a yard, utilize it.

We’re lucky enough to have a little yard we can get out in during the day, weather permitting. It’s been nice to get some weeding and landscaping done we’ve had planned for a while. 

Get old projects out of the way.

It can be a great time to do all those projects you’ve had on your to do list forever. I’ve been minimizing our kitchen gadgets + pantry, doing some deep cleaning, and organizing old paperwork. To that end, I decided to finally check making a medical binder off my list. You can find my post here with templates to get started.

Call (insert random loved one you’ve been meaning to talk to for ages here)

If there’s anyone in your life that you have been meaning to catch up with but just haven’t been able to find the time to do so, well, consider it found. Chances are, they’re as isolated as you are and would love to hear from you.   

Try a new hobby.

We’ve tie dyed some wall hangings, painted a Pinterest inspired couples painting, and finished painted some cheap wooden craft items from Joanns. The next few days it’s going to be very stormy here, so I’ll be finding a new project to start once the work day if over.

Stick with some kind of routine.

I do not thrive on chaos. I like plans, and this has thrown all of them for a loop. In my personal experience, some routine in my day is great for me, so long as I don’t obsess over it. It helps that I work from home some days, and have assignments due on others – this helps structure my time, and I plan my meals around those times. I feel better when I can rely on some routine to sort of ‘anchor’ myself to.

Now, with all of that being said, believe this above all else –

There is no right or wrong way to quarantine.

You’re not a failure if you don’t turn this time into something super productive or creative. This is not going to be a sunshine and rainbows picnic for most of us. 

Some days it’s not just okay to lay around and binge Netflix, but it’s the right thing to do. If your body tells you that you need a break, take one. 

Now, for some trusted sources I’ve found useful. I’ve had to take a break from the news several times throughout all of this. When I did, I immediately noticed a lift in my mental health. Sometimes, you need some space.

When I need info, I don’t just Google and trust the results. Make sure your facts are coming from reliable sources. The World Health Organization has some great info, as does the CDC. In addition to general news, I like this one from the MS society about MS and COVID, as well as resources and support.

I hope you can find something on these lists to help pass the time, but most of all, I hope you’re being kind to yourself right now. Everything is going to be okay – we just have to hang in there until it is. 

If you have any suggestions to add, or ideas for new content, drop them below!

Until next time,