During this crazy time of social distancing and self-quarantining and basically being an involuntary hermit, it can often feel isolating and lonely. As someone who proudly wears the title of an ambivert, I wanted to put some thought to paper (virtual paper) on what you can do during this time to make each day feel a little more fun, normal and connected to humanity!
WAKE ME UP AND GO GO
Wake up each day and try to get “ready” as normal (maybe not put the extra effort into hair or makeup, because let’s face it that can be tiresome and having a break is nice) but take a shower, change clothes, try and be a semi-functioning human, you know like you would any other work day.
It’s starting to get nice outside take some time to soak up vitamin D and fresh air, extra points if you take a walk or play outside, yes you can play outside there is no age limit restricted by the government, yet. You may get weird looks, but your neighbors will probably just think you’ve lost your mind during self-isolation, no biggie.
I LIKE TO MOVE IT MOVE IT, YOU LIKE TO....MOVE IT!
E-X-E-R-C-I-SE (*sung to the tune of RESPECT*) I know I know easy to say coming from a trainer, but science doesn’t lie. Moving your body each day has many health benefits, physical and mental. DO IT! Don’t make me lecture you, it’ll be long and boring, and you’ll beg me to stop, so let’s avoid all that and just agree you will do it anyway. If you would like some at home exercises let me know I got tons!
YOU ARE AWESOME, YOU CAN BE EVEN AWESOME-ER
Take this time for some self-improvement. Teach yourself something new; how to cook, a language, how to meditate, draw or paint or I don't know change the oil in your car. You know when you’re in a conversation with someone and a subject comes up and you say, “I’ve always wanted to do that.” Now you can! Do that thing!
I JUST CALLED TO SAY...
Now is the opportunity to catch up with friends. We are all probably feeling a bit isolated why not reach out, see how your pals are doing? Chances are they will be happy to talk to another human and may even be needing a break from the family they have been stuck in a house with for days on end. You can make it even more fun by having a video conference. Skype happy hour anyone?
Learn something new about the people you love. We often take for granted the lifelong relationships we have, now is the time you can ask some thought provoking questions and learn more about those people. Ask fun questions like what is your favorite pasta dish? If you could vacation anywhere where would it be? Have you ever contemplated murder? If so who? Was it me!?
Check on your elderly family members. This should go without saying. We don’t do it enough. We should. Especially now. Give them a call, like now, I’ll wait.
Don’t feel like talking? Send a GIF or a funny meme. We could use a dose of funny with a side note of I’m thinking of you.
I SANK YOUR BATTLESHIP
Personally, I am what some may called “obsessed” with games, those people are probably just sore losers, but I do love me some games. I like fun competition. The smack talk, the jesting. If you are stuck at home with one or more person(s) challenge them to some lighthearted competition. Take the opportunity to hone your board game skills so once we are back to a functioning society you can show-off your newly refined skills at your next game night.
LASTLY, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, LOVE YOURSELF
It’s going to be easy to feel blah and a bit down during this time, we are human we feed off interactions. But try your best to practice some self-love. Journal, take tubs, stretch or practice yoga, read a good book, paint your toes, whatever it is that makes you feel special and peaceful (I hope it’s not paint your toes, because feet. GAG!) but whatever it is take the chance to relish in a little of that time now.
Stay healthy. Stay happy. Stay Safe!