6 Small Ways to Have a Better Quarantine
Folks, these are some weird times. Covid-19 has taken us for QUITE a ride this year, and it’s only March. 2020 is basically canceled. Postponed are the events, shut down are the stores. But it’s for our own good. Social distancing can’t be taken as a mere suggestion at this point, but rather a necessity if we’re going to get through this. And y’know what? We WILL get through this.
My heart hurts for the suffering this global event has caused around the world. For the lives lost to this disease, for the shameful xenophobia and hate crimes that have spread as quickly as the virus, for those who’ve been laid off, for the students, the small business owners, the artists. The list goes on. There’s a lot of uncertainty out there. Being able to quarantine and/or work from home is an absolute privilege, and I’m beyond grateful to be able to stay home without issue (acknowledging that many people simply cannot). In being holed up at home with no definite end date, here are 6 things I’m suggesting (because I’m doing them myself) to have a more bearable quarantine:
Rest & let the feelings come.
This experience is a lot, so stress, anxiety, and a sense of loss are feelings that are bound to come. Protect your mental health and well-being by getting much-needed rest. (Stress can wreak havoc on the immune system!) Maybe that’s sleep, meditation, or a solid Netflix binge. Find what feels good to you. Acknowledge that things simply aren’t normal, you don’t have to pretend that they are, and that your feelings are valid.
Move your body in your favorite way.
Introduce some movement each day, even if it’s just a few minutes. For me, this means daily yoga. For you, it could mean a dance party every few hours, or bodyweight exercises, or maybe light seated stretching. Moving helps avoid the pull of the couch’s black hole, and a little exercise can go a long way in helping to manage negative feelings. Not sure where to start? I love Yoga with Adriene, taking quick (socially distant!) walks outside, and there are a ton of easy at-home exercises you can find online, no equipment needed.
Create rituals for yourself.
Sure, staying in each day can feel mundane, but it certainly doesn’t have to. Creating simple rituals like making your bed each morning, spending a few moments on mindful breathing throughout your day, or taking up a journaling practice can provide a healthy routine that positively impacts your mood and productivity. This world event that’s forcing us to stay home is far from a wellness retreat, but know that even the simplest self-care rituals can go a long way in bettering this experience.
Weave community care into your self-care.
Self-care is a beautiful and important thing. Community, too, is a beautiful and important thing. Throughout this intense and difficult time, we ought to not only mindfully take care of ourselves, but also help one another and check in on each other as much as possible. We’re all in this together, after all. Send virtual love to friends, thank healthcare/grocery/essential-industry workers, support small businesses when you can, or see how you can lend a distant hand to someone that needs it. Also, there are a ton of free live events, collective meditations, and the like that I’m living for right now to feel connected. Remember that no one is an island, and we will get to the other side of this.
Learn something new (about yourself).
This forced isolation is already proving to be a revealing time for many. Who are you, really, when the world shuts down? Are you picking up new practices or returning to old hobbies? By no means should you feel obliged to create the next best thing or devote mental space to picking up a new skill, but this is an interesting time for introspection and getting to know oneself better than ever before. I’m personally focusing more on herbal study, working on a couple of online business courses, and realizing even more what I value.
Disconnect for a better mood.
It’s useful and necessary to be informed, yes. But the endless scroll through negative news is a surefire way for anxious feels to surface. Be selective with the media you consume, or better yet, moderate or outright disconnect from social media for a spell. I personally set boundaries for myself by keeping my phone charging far away from bed to avoid the temptation to scroll as the last thing before sleeping or first thing in the morning. I’ve definitely felt more rested because of it. Disconnecting helps quiet the mind, gives you time back in your day, and could help you focus on positive habits.
So, there you have it. Maybe you’re doing these things already. Maybe just adding in one of them could make a positive difference in your day. We may not know when this will end, but again, we WILL get through this. Stay safe, friends.