We are in truly trying times people. If you’re anything like me, you’ve completely lost count of how many days you’ve been social distancing and self-isolating. And although I’m happy to be safe and sound working and living out of my apartment, it’s still tricky to stay happy, healthy, and semi-productive. As tough as it may be to get on the right track after so many days of working from home, or spending most of your time talking to your friends and family at a 6-foot distance, we owe it to ourselves to find ways to deal with this new life in a better way! So, here are just a few tips to help you stay happy, stay healthy, and get your motivation ball rolling.
Greeting Each Day With Vigor
Sure, some days you’re going to wake up not remembering if it’s Tuesday or Friday, but don’t let yourself get too off-track while you’re working from home. Greet each day—no matter how hard it may seem—with a relative amount of vigor. Get up, get ready, and even if it’s just for a moment, realize that even your days at home hold potential.
If I’m being completely honest, lately I’ve been feeling like greeting the day with a plan and some gumption on occasion just means making myself a healthy breakfast or no forgetting to brush my hair. I mean, who am I trying to impress with my well-balanced “at-home”? No one, really. But putting your pants on, brushing your teeth, or make yourself a great cup of coffee are all things you can do for you. Sometimes, no matter how small the act, “showing up” for yourself can make a blah day at home turn into a great one.
Remember to Take Everything in Stride
Staying healthy, happy, and productive, sometimes means admitting that you’re just…not doing any of these things. This is a new normal for each and every one of us. Try not to base how you’re doing against someone else handling it differently.
This is even more important to those who’ve dealt with major stress or trauma in the past. Staying home and self-isolating can bring back painful memories, can bring about depression, and can just be plain lonely. Be sure to check in with yourself every day. Be kind to yourself, your situation, and your mental state. No one should feel burdened to go through this time without a single hiccup.
That being said. If you haven’t before, now’s the time to find ways to help yourself cope with stress and trauma. If you’re fortunate enough to see a therapist or are looking for ways to talk to a professional while staying safe and socially distant, there are apps available (my favorite being TalkTherapy) that allow you to seek out professional help directly from your phone. Because let’s face it, when we’re told to be socially distant, it’s often the time when we need to speak with someone the most. Greatest part? Most of these apps have a payment option for those of us who are financially struggling during this time. Because having a great therapist shouldn’t depend on if you can afford it or not. I’d say that again louder for the people in the back, but I think you all catch my drift.
Listen to Your Body!
I’ve had a desk job for a little over 4 years now. I can easily tell the difference in my body’s energy and physicality levels from now compared to when I was on my feet most of the day. Now, more than ever before, I can feel the aches and pains that simply come with moving far less than my body needs. My suggestion? Try to find ways to be physically active around your home. Whether it’s a yoga session in your living room or a quick jaunt (safely) around your neighborhood. Most importantly, listen to your body. All this sitting around, unhealthy snacking, and lessened physical activity mean not only your mind is taking a hit. Make sure than when you’re feeling sluggish or anxious to get up and go. When you’re perusing the kitchen for a snack, try to find ones that aid in heart, joint, and gut health.