If you too have had days where you’ve felt low, unmotivated or in a funk, you’re definitely not alone. I’ve come up with a list of ways to try and stay in a positive mindset during quarantine.
Remember That This is a Pandemic
We’re all going through something that we’ve never gone through before. These are strange times and there are a lot of unknowns among us. It’s okay to not be your most productive self during a quarantine. It’s okay to be worried, unmotivated, tired, and to struggle to find creativity. These are 17 things that are totally normal to be feeling right now, according to a therapist.
Don’t Force a Positive Mindset on Yourself
A common misconception we have is that we shouldn’t feel sad because others may have it much worse, and because this is a time that can be used for good. These things don’t take away from the fact that some days are tougher than others, and feeling down is part of this experience, too. Feeling unmotivated doesn’t mean you’re not grateful for what you have, it just means you’re simply feeling the effects of this pandemic. Don’t be so quick to try and adapt a positive mindset. Ride out whatever you’re feeling and let yourself feel it.
Once you feel a bit more motivated or are looking to stay in a good head space, try some of these tips below.
Work on Your Creativity
Right now there are a lot of free tutorials and courses available to fill your time with. I’ve been spending my days working on my photography and editing skills with free video and blog tutorials. Adobe has a lengthy list of photography & editing tutorials as well as digital art & design tutorials for you to work through. This is a great time to work on your photography, whether it’s at home or outside (while social distancing).
Learn Something New
Now is the perfect time to learn something new. Yale is offering a free Science of Well-Being course online which has gained great appraisals and reviews. Harvard also offers a variety of free courses online too. If you want to learn a new language before a future trip, Duolingo is my favourite language learning app out there.
If you’re into cooking and baking (and manage to find yourself some flour), try out a new recipe. Cooking and baking can be a relaxing and soothing way to stay busy while upping your culinary skills.
Join a Book Club
If you’re a book lover, there are plenty of book clubs happening online during the lock down. Beth’s Book Club is a popular online book club that’s currently opening it’s doors on May 18 to join. Human Kind Book Club is also currently doing an online book club, as well as the infamous Reese’s Book Club.
We also have our very own book club here, our current read being The Wives by Tarryn Fisher.
Try a Workout Challenge
I’ve never done a workout challenge before so I decided to try one during the lock down to keep myself active each day. I’m currently doing Chloe Ting’s 2 week ab challenge which I have absolutely loved! Doing a work out challenge is a great way to make sure you get your daily exercise in while setting an end goal. It’s also something you can do with others online who you can share you experience with. Whether it’s a yoga challenge or an ab challenge, there are plenty of workout challenges on YouTube to choose from.
Go Into Nature
This last tip is the one which has helped me the most. Going into nature may mean something different for each of us right now as you should only do so if you can do it safely. Even if this means going into your backyard, or onto your balcony, time spent outside can benefit you health greatly. For me, going for walks and runs outside while social distancing help me clear my head. I feel refreshed, energized and happy when I get out of the house and spend time in nature.
How have you been holding up during quarantine? What helps you stay in a positive mindset?