How have you been keeping busy during this pandemic?
If you’re not an essential worker or looking after someone, the answer probably varies:
Figuring out how to work from home and use different technologies.
Wondering how you’re going to survive without a job.
Trying out new bread recipes.
Crying about your newfound loneliness and anxiety into a pillow as to muffle the noise and not awake your neighbor.
This pandemic means changes for all of us and change isn’t always easy. But we can make it a little (or a lot) easier by going easy on ourselves. That means realizing we don’t need to be productive and perfect all of the time. This is new for all of us. Let’s cut ourselves some slack.
9 Ways to Go Easy on Yourself During Tough Times
Here’s 9 ways we can be gentle on ourselves during COVID-19.
#1 Surrounding Yourself with Gentle Environments
When we’re supposed to stay at home, we can’t really choose our environment. But we can switch it up a little. Whether you have an entire apartment or house to yourself or just a small room, here’s some things you can do to make the environment more pleasant:
Open a window
Open the blinds
Add some plants
De-clutter, reorganize and clean
Diffuse essential oils
Burn a candle
#2 Connect with Nature
Although we shouldn’t be wandering too far from our home or joining others, in most places, it’s still ok to go outside for a walk. Instead of spending your time walking or jogging on a busy street, try a lesser crowded park, somewhere by the lake or ocean, in the forest, a hike, etc. Being in naturally serene environments is a good way to bring gentle energy into our life for a small part of the day.
#3 Listening to Gentle Music
If you live in an apartment building and everyone else is home too, you may have noticed yourself becoming very sensitive to noise. If there’s thin walls, you may seemingly hear every movement in the apartment above or beside you. Or you may hear other people’s conversations. Usually, this doesn’t seem like a big deal. But when everyone is home all of the time, it can start to make you feel a little weird.
A good way to offset this is by playing gentle music in the background. Although your favorite music is another option, there’s something about slow, instrumental tunes that just make you feel calmer sometimes.
#4 Don’t Engage in Battles
In this political climate, there is no shortage of battles to engage in. But with COVID-19 becoming another thing to argue about, there’s even more opportunities. It can be tempting to correct every friend, stranger or fake Facebook post you see. But it can also lead to burnout and frustration without (honestly) having that much impact.
If becoming the “pandemic police” has evolved into a 24/7 job for you, take off the badge for a bit and call it a night. When you see something annoying, take a deep breath, blow out the frustration, and try to move on. Retreating from conflict right now can be the difference between a sane mind and a rageful, fearful one.
#5 “Surround” Yourself with Gentle People
During COVID-19, we’re limited in who we can see, but not who we can interact with. Now is a good time to do a friend inventory. We don’t have to lie to cancel plans or avoid seeing people out of awkwardness because everyone is (or at least should be) at home.
Consider the people in your life who may be a source of anxiety or panic. In the mix of everything that’s going on with the world, if your mental health doesn’t allow you to take on someone else’s problems or mean comments, that’s okay. If these people are your family or house members, it can be hard to avoid them. But if these people are friends, now is a good time to slowly start experimenting with cutting off contact.
#6 Delay Decision Making If You Can
If someone is pressuring you to make a decision or give an answer about something you’re unsure of, delay decision making if you can. Most of us are already stressed out about COVID-19, meaning that our minds may not be clear enough to make the best decisions right now. Apart from that, we really may not know the answer because we don’t know when “normal” will resume. For example, if your child is asking about if they’ll be able to have a birthday party, tell them the truth: that it’s difficult right now, but you aren’t sure yet. Sometimes, there’s no point in pressuring ourselves into making concrete dates or decisions if they may not reflect the reality we’ll be living in.
#7 Set Gentle Expectations for the Day
COVID-19 has changed daily life for most people. If you’re laid off and are at home, you may want to be productive with your time, squeezing in as many courses, business ideas, work, workouts or creations as you can. It’s good to keep yourself busy and try to keep a somewhat normal schedule. However, it’s also important to adjust your expectations based on what’s happening in the world.
For example, if you’re working from home, you may get less done than usual, even if you sometimes worked from home before. I don’t think I’m alone when I admit that I’ve been really distracted by this pandemic. I’m trying to limit my media intake, but balancing the need to be informed and with information popping up everywhere, it can be difficult. If you live with other people or children, the distractions multiply. Despite our best efforts, we may get less done than usual. And I think that’s okay. This is a historic event and that translates into uncertainty for many of us. It’s alright to admit that and to accept that it may mean less output some or most days. We aren’t machines coded to do <job> every day <9am> to </5pm>. We are human beings…
#8 Letting in Space and Silence
Keeping busy is good to an extent, but after that extent, we have to feel our feelings and think our thoughts. If we constantly try to mask them with ultra-productive projects, it could lead to a burnout, breakdown or overwhelm. I think each of us needs to take some space and silence to figure out what this pandemic means to us. Maybe it means an added workload or being unemployed. It’s okay to sit in that for a bit and mourn what the normal was before this. Sometimes, we need to fully go through that before we can move past it. Instead of jamming your at-home schedule, leave room to just breathe and relax—whatever that means to you.
#9 Have Self Compassion
If you have self-compassion, you realize that you’re only human and you tried your best, even if it wasn’t the best ever. Instead of beating yourself up, you can see things from a more balanced perspective. Going easy on yourself in this way can help you recover from a situation, experience or setback quicker.
Most of us could use some self-compassion right now because it’s our first time going through a pandemic, and that can mean a lot of mistakes. Maybe living in close quarters with a family member makes you get more heated during an argument. Maybe you were unsure of where the new line was in a store and you looked like an idiot (me). Maybe you tried a new recipe and it turned out like crap (also me). In any case, acknowledging it and being nicer to yourself is going to make you feel better and lead to better future outcomes. Here’s 8 Exercises by a Leading Self-Compassion Researcher.
Whether you’re the heartbreaker or heartbreaking, ending a relationship is rarely easy.
Even if we love the person, leaving can be the best thing.
But that doesn’t mean we don’t grieve and miss them (or sometimes, the person we thought they were).
One way to take something positive out of the relationship is to consider what lessons you’ve learned (even if the lesson is never to be with someone so terrible again).
Losing someone can also mean gaining something else and moving onto a better life.
There’s many different ways to look at heartbreak. We hope these breakup quotes help give you perspective and validate how you feel
“Stars Can’t Shine Without Darkness.”
-Kris Menace
“There are Far, Far Better Things Ahead Than Any We Leave Behind.”
-C.S. Lewis
“I’d Rather Have a Broken Arm than a Broken Heart.”
-Christie Brinkley
“Moving on is Easy. It’s Staying Moved on That’s Trickier.”
-Katerina Stoykova Kleme
“Keep Breaking Your Heart Till It Opens.”
-Rumi
“The Most Difficult Aspect of Moving on is Accepting that the Other Person Already Did.”
-Faraaz Kazi
“In Order to Truly Value Loyalty, You Must First Endure the Affliction of Betrayal.”
-Thomas Merritt
“When Someone Leaves, It’s Because Someone Else is About to Arrive.”
-Paulo Coelho
“Some of Us Will Never Know We’d Owned Someone’s Heart for a Season.”
-Joyce Rachelle
“Healing Yourself is Connected with Healing Others.”
-Yoko Ono
“Hearts Live by Being Wounded.”
-Oscar Wilde
“Some Think that Holding On Makes Us Strong, but Sometimes it’s Letting Go.”
-Herman Hesse
“I think it’s Important to Realize that You Can Miss Something, But Not Want it Back.”
-Paulo Coelho
“Life Becomes Easier When You Learn to Accept An Apology You Never Got.”
-Robert Brault
“Remember that Sometimes not Getting What You Want is a Wonderful Stroke of Luck.”
-Dalai Lama
“Sometimes Good Things Fall Apart so Better Things Can Fall Together.”
-Marilyn Monroe
“If Your Heart is Broken, Make Art with the Pieces.”
-Mineko Iwasaki
“I Don’t Think Anyone Can Give You Advice When You’ve Got a Broken Heart.”
-Britney Spears
“Stab the Body and It Heals, but Injure the Heart and the Wound Lasts a Lifetime.”
-Mineko Iwasaki
“Never Allow Someone to Be Your Priority While Allowing Yourself to Be Their Option.”
-Mark Twain
“If You Love Somebody, Let Them Go, For If They Return, They Were Always Yours. I f They Don’t, They Never Were.”
-Kahil Gibran
“Love is Proved the Moment You Let Go of Someone Because They Need You To.”
From family, friendships, relationships, pets and even strangers–we give it away every day.
Love is necessary but it isn’t always easy. These quotes reflect that.
In this post, we’re sharing 14 love quotes that will make you rethink the way you give affection.
“Never Love Anyone Who Treats You Like You’re Ordinary.”
-Oscar Wilde
Because life is too short to love anyone who doesn’t think you’re special
“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”
– Dr. Seuss
Being in love means even being awake is a dream.
“Being Deeply Loved By Someone Gives You Strength, While Loving Someone Deeply Gives You Courage.”
– Lao Tzu
So true, right? Sometimes, being loved by someone gives us the strength to fight adversities. At the same time, loving deeply gives us courage because we never truly know if we’ll be loved back.
“It Is Better To Be Hated For What You Are Than To Be Loved For What You Are Not.”
– Andre Gide
Often attributed to Curt Cobain. Better to be who are are and be rejected than pretend to be someone else for the rest of your life.
“One is Loved Because One Is Loved. No Reason Is Needed For Loving.”
-Paulo Coelho
We can have a lot of reasons for loving someone, but really, it happens without reason sometimes. That’s because love doesn’t need a reason, it just is
“Your Task is Not To Seek for Love, But Merely to Seek And Find All The Barriers Within Yourself That You Have Built Against It.”
-Rumi
Pretty deep. Sometimes, we don’t need to find love. We just need to find our personal barriers to it.
“Keep Breaking Your Heart Till it Opens.”
-Rumi
Another deep Rumi quote. But why would you break your heart until it opens? Because when your heart opens to that extent, you learn compassion and empathy for other people going through tough situations.
“The Giving of Love is an Education in Itself.”
-Albert Ellis
Anybody who’s ever been in a relationship can attest to this! We love different people differently and it isn’t always straightforward.
“Some Love Stories Aren’t Epic Novels. Some are Short Stories. But that Doesn’t Make them any Less Filled with Love.”
-Sex And The City
Heartbroken over a short relationship? Even if it didn’t last long, that doesn’t mean you’re supposed to hurt any less or feel any less love.
“You Never Lose by Loving. You Always Lose by Holding Back.”
-Barbara De Angelis
If we hold back, we never know what could have been and could have regrets. When we love fully, it still may not work out, but at least we gave it our all.
“Grief is the Price We Pay for Love.”
-Queen Elizabeth II
Love is great but it does have consequences, such as grief. But some consequences are worth it.
“The Art of Love is Largely The Art of Persistence.”
-Albert Ellis
Yet another quote most of us can relate to in relationships. It takes patience to learn how someone needs to be loved.
“The Loss of Young First Love is So Painful that it Borders on the Ludicrous.”
-Maya Angelou
Ugh. Do you remember your first breakup? I do. It was terrible.
“The More One Judges, The Less One Loves.”
-Honoré de Balzac
Try to be curious instead of judgemental and you’ll feel more love
Social distancing is a new term and with that, there seems to be some confusion.
Social distancing would be better off
termed “physically distancing.”
Technically, we can still find ways to be
social. It’s being physically close to people outside our homes that we need to
avoid.
Since this is a very weird and new time,
some people have trouble figuring out what physical distancing means in their
daily lives.
Based on many countries’ government guidelines
right now, here’s shortest answer to that: If your work is non-essential, stay
home unless you need necessities. When you go for necessities or a walk, keep 6
feet between you and other people.
This list is a more detailed breakdown of that
definition. It basically states the same thing in 100 different ways. Sorry for
the redundancy, but feel free to send this list to anyone who argues about what
social distancing is. If you have anything to add to this list, email me.
FYI: The Differences & Where You Fit
Confused about what you need to do? If a
healthcare professional hasn’t given you specific instructions, this lays it
out pretty clearly.
#1 Social Distancing
Social distancing is recommended for every
non-sick citizen by the Canadian
Government and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
in the U.S. (state recommendations and laws vary). We’ve detailed exactly what
that means in this post. For starters, it’s a public health practice meant to
control the spread of a disease. Its effectiveness is scientifically-backed.
#2 Self-Isolation
For you if you have no symptoms of COVID-19
and you’ve travelled outside of your country in the last 14 days OR
you’ve come into contact with someone who has COVID-19, or you’ve been
told to by a health authority. Self isolation means to stay at home and
monitor yourself for symptoms for 14 days. You should avoid contact with
others. If you have NO symptoms but you’ve been exposed to someone with
COVID-19, you can still go outside for a walk. If you’re thinking “this sounds
a lot like social distancing,” yeah, it does. That’s because we don’t really
know who has and hasn’t been infected at this point. Since symptoms can take
weeks to show, few of us can be sure.
#3 Isolate/Quarantine
For you if you have COVID-19 symptoms
or if you’ve been diagnosed for COVID-19 or if you’re awaiting
results or if you’ve been advised to do so by a health authority. This
means to stay at home and avoid contact with others, including other family
members. If you know you have COVID-19, make every effort possible to
physically avoid those you live with and to avoid transferring germs. More
severe symptoms may have you quarantined in a hospital. If you live with
someone who is elderly or immune compromised, you may be quarantined outside of
your home.
To be clear, most of us fit into the
social distancing category. Social distancing is an extreme measure. It
does suck. But it is scientifically effective. And it doesn’t last forever, if
we listen.
Social Distancing Is This:
Staying at home if your work is
non-essential
Working from home, if you can
Only leaving your home for essentials
(ex. groceries, medication, doctor’s appointments)
Only using public transit if
you have to
If you do use public transit,
keep space when possible. Don’t sit or stand next to someone if you don’t have
to.
Standing 6 feet between you and
others when you go for walks
Waving instead of hugging
Cancelling, postponing or
rescheduling plans or events
Hanging out with friends… VIA VIDEO
CHAT
Calling to check-in on people,
especially those most vulnerable
Netflix & chill with Netflix Party only (I know, a lot
less exciting, sorry)
Having meetings over Zoom or GoToMeeting
(or any other similar site)
Going for walks with those you
live with (and only those you live with)
Going to the park, realizing
there’s too many people and leaving (sorry)
Especially avoiding older
people (but really, everyone outside of your home)
Keeping 6 feet behind someone
in line
Dropping off groceries/supplies
outside of someone’s home
Washing your hands before and
after leaving your home
Making less grocery store trips
(buy enough for about a week, a
U.S. expert says)
Finding alternatives to
non-essential doctor’s appointments (webcam, call, etc.)
If someone in your home can’t physically
distance, avoiding sharing a toothbrush, kissing, hugging, sexual contact, etc.
(sorry).
Social Distancing Isn’t:
…Isn’t really social
distancing. It’s more like physical distancing.
Inviting friends over (sorry,
it sucks, but your lay off isn’t a vacation)
Going to a friend’s home
Throwing a quarantine party (if
you’re considering it, this
is the definition of quarantine…)
Inviting your ex over because
you’re lonely (good advice even if social distancing wasn’t a thing)
Letting your kids congregate
with other kids in the park
Having playdates with your
kid’s friends
Non-essential travel (again,
this is not a vacation, sorry)
Going for a walk with your 10
closest friends (or anyone outside your home)
Having a picnic with other
families
Playing games with your friend
outside
Hoarding (you can still go
grocery shopping, no need to hoard)
Getting into a fist fight over
the last toilet paper roll (hard to punch someone when you’re supposed to be 6
feet away)
Taking over an entire sidewalk
with your family when going out for walks (this makes 6 feet distancing near
impossible)
Sticking around when you
realize the park is full of people and you can’t distance
Handshaking
Going to the dog park (sorry,
pups!)
Having your hairstylist or nail
technician over to fix you up (really! Who’s going to see you? You
should be at home!)
Standing directly behind
someone in line (or less than 6 feet)
Saying “this doesn’t apply to
me because I’m not sick” (here’s the problem: symptoms may not show for weeks,
meaning that very few actually know they’re actually not sick)
Hanging around public places
(get in, get what you need and get out!)
What is 6 Feet?
2 arms-length (baby arms don’t
count)
2 meters
72 inches
183 cm.
6 standard-size rulers
The width of an average car
6 foot-long Subway sandwiches
How does 6ft. compare to your
height? Use that as a reference. Imagine yourself laying down on the street,
would you touch them? For example, I’m 5’2, so I know me lying down plus a foot
is enough space.
Please. Follow to the Recommendations. This
Won’t Last Forever. But it will Last A Whole Lot Longer If You
Don’t Listen.
Social contact increases well-being. But that’s on pause right now.
Going to work helps ensure our basic needs
are met. But many of us can’t do that right now.
Taking a break from family allows for calm.
But many of us cannot take a physical break right now.
Going to the gym helps release feel-good
endorphins. But gyms are closed right now.
Suddenly, we are stripped of many of the
things that kept us sane.
It may be easy to feel helpless during coronavirus
2019.
But we aren’t.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and anxious
and stressed and akldjaldskjalfskjalsjkasl about this.
It’s okay to feel that way. We are in a
pandemic, after all.
Many of our lives have changed either
temporarily or permanently.
And the vast majority of us are uncertain
about how COVID-19 will fully impact us.
For some of us, our savings haven taken a
dent.
For others, we have no idea how we will eat
tomorrow.
In any case, it’s anxiety-inducing.
But it can be helpful to find ways to
combat your chaotic mental state.
In this post, we’re sharing 39 ideas of how you can keep your mental health in check during COVID-19. If you need immediate help, scroll to the bottom for crisis hotlines and chats in your country.
29 Mental Health Coronavirus 2019 Tips
Is the pandemic getting to your head.
Here’s our suggestions.
#1 Clean
Since social isolation means no friends
over, it can be tempting to not clean your home. After all, who will know? You,
that’s who. I notice that when the dishes are piling up and things are getting
cluttered, my mind unknowingly becomes overwhelmed. And when I clean, there’s a
sudden lift of that emotion. If you’re the same, force yourself to clean up
(tip: listening to podcasts makes chores more fun!).
#2 Stick Close to Your Schedule
If you’re not an essential worker, regardless
of whether you can work from home, try to stick to your schedule. Get up at the
same time, get ready, brush your teeth, walk the dog, eat, etc. Eat lunch around
a similar time and don’t stay up too late, either. Keeping to your
before-COVID-19 schedule can help make things seem more normal. If you have a
big schedule shift along with a big life shift, you can amplify “change
anxiety.”
#3 Limit News
Yes, stay informed and do your part to keep
yourself and others safe. But beyond that, the news doesn’t need to you watch
it 24/7. If you feel like the ever-evolving stories are taking a toll on your
mental health, take a break! Turn it off. Read something more uplifting.
#4 Limit Social Media
You don’t need to know what every celebrity
and all of your friends think about COVID-19 every hour. While social media is
great for keeping in contact, if reading all of the posts, tweets and pictures
are giving you anxiety, stop. Since most of the posts online are about
coronavirus right now, that may mean keeping off the internet for a bit.
#5 Stop Trying to Be Ultra Productive
With all this time off, now’s a great time
to start a new project, business or take a new course, right? Maybe (and we’ve
included some tips for that in this post). But it isn’t great advice for
everyone all the time. While keeping busy can help, you’ll probably have to
eventually feel your feelings. And, for some, the pressure to be
productive can be overwhelming. If this sounds like you, realize that we’re
living in unprecedented times. It is stressful. It’s okay to feel that stress
and take a step back to gain perspective and figure out what this means to you.
#6 Journaling
In a 2010 study, 70
volunteers were asked to write about their emotions in an online journal.
Researchers found that journaling was associated with decreased mental
distress, increased well-being and fewer depressive symptoms and anxiety after
1 month. They also had greater resilience after the first and second month.
Since we could all use a little resiliency after this, now could be a good time
to start journaling. You should simply start by writing what you did today or
how you feel. Still stuck? Here are 50
Journal Prompts For Mental Health From Therapists.
#7 Open Your Blinds
With everyone home and bored, it can be
tempting to pull the blinds so others can’t watch you. But if it’s a sunny day,
open them. Some sunlight to remind us that an outside world still exists can
give you a quick boost.
#8 Open Your Windows
Spring is here and it’s getting warmer,
allowing you to open your windows without getting too cold. The fresh breeze
and scents of summer coming can be a natural pick-me-up.
#9 Make Your Bed
Admiral William H. McRaven wrote a book
titled “Make Your Bed,”
arguing that starting off the day with one accomplishment leads to others. I’ve
been in this habit since I was a teenager and I can say that it’s a quick thing
that makes me feel more adult. It makes the room look cleaner, it makes me feel
like I’m my own parent, and it feels good that I stuck to a habit.
#10 Spend Time on Happy Hobbies
Before COVID-19 you may have only had
limited time to paint, bake or learn the tambourine. But this time at home
gives you extra opportunities to do those things. Pick a hobby that takes your
mind off of stresses and leaves you feeling calmer.
#11 Listen to Podcasts
Take it from someone who lives alone, works
alone and is generally a loner: Podcasters are your friends (even if they don’t
know it). You can choose a podcast about something you’re interested in to kill
time, but during these times, I really recommend something a bit inspirational.
That means different things to everyone. Here’s a few ideas:
Spirituality
Psychology
Business/entrepreneur mindset
Self Help
Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations
or interviews with inspiring people
Personal recommendation: Type
in “Brene Brown” and listen to any interview
#12 Learn a New Skill
Always wanted to try magic? Learn to do the
splits? Bake a pie? Putting your nervous energy into learning something new is
a good way to take your mind off of the world.
#13 Acts of Kindness
Multiple studies have shown that doing good deeds can help increase happiness and well-being while decreasing anxiety. Whether you have money to spare or none at all, there’s many options. Here’s our list of XX Meaningful COVID-19 Acts of Kindness.
#14 Staycation
I’ve written before that COVID-19 isn’t
your vacation. It isn’t. But you’re laid off from work, why not make this into
a staycation for the first week? That means a vacation where you stay at home.
I repeat, at home. Sure, less adventure, but also free. So what exactly do you
do during a staycation? Whatever you damn well please. Sleep it some days.
Catch up on shows. Order take out. Transform your living room into the Bahamas.
Trade your suit for a hula skirt. Insist that family members only speak to you
in your chosen local language. Really, it’s up to you.
#15 Exercise
Even if you never went to the gym in the first place. Multiple studies have shown the positive effect that exercise has on depression and anxiety. For example, one analysis of research concluded that physical activity has shown to be a great promise in alleviating depression symptoms. If you regularly exercise, see if your gym is hosting any Facebook or Instagram lives with at-home workouts. If not, YouTube has plenty of workouts designed to not piss off your apartment neighbors. If you don’t exercise, start small. Go out for a walk or YouTube a beginner yoga or Pilates class. Or, just blast some music and dance around your home.
#16 Foster a Pet
Let’s get this out of the way first: Having
any pet, even a foster pet, is still a big responsibility that you shouldn’t
take lightly and should only do if you’re ready for. With that being said, it’s
a great way to “give back” during COVID-19. Many shelters are reaching full
capacity as some owners are giving up pets during this time. Fostering means
that you temporarily take care of an animal before they find their forever
home. If you live alone, this is an especially great tip. I have no idea where
I would be without my dog. Honestly.
#17 Move Around Your Home
Spending all day on the couch is bound to
feel boring and get depressing. Even if you live in a tiny apartment like me,
find small ways to spice it up. For example, if you’re working from home, move
your laptop to different areas. Move your favorite chair around. Is your desk
easy to move? Sit on different ends of the sofa. Even tiny changes can take
some monotony out of home life.
#18 Dress Normally— Or Don’t
There’s advice from so many people on
Twitter suggesting that you dress and get ready as normal, even if you’re
working from home. This can help some people feel more normal. However, for
others, it can have the opposite effect. If you need to throw on an
“acceptable” shirt for a Zoom meeting but you’re just wearing underwear on the bottom,
that’s ok! (just remember not to stand up during your call). We’re going
through a pandemic. You’re allowed to be comfortable.
#19 Go Outside
So here’s the deal: If you have COVID-19 or have symptoms of it, don’t go outside. Everyone else, you’re okay to go outside, as long as you’re keeping 6 feet between you and other people outside of your home. You can walk, jog, hike or simply stare up at the sky. But remember—if an area or park is crowded, leave. Even if you’re not an outdoorsy person, getting outside can be important while we’re stuck inside our homes. Plan ahead and force yourself to go out, whether it be a sunset walk or an early bird jog.
#20 Watch a Comedy or Stand-Up
I’m getting really into stand-up comedies
lately. That’s because I can do other things while I listen to them and they
make me feel a little better. Even just one moment of me almost spitting out my
coffee helps.
#21 Stay Social
Remember that “social distancing” is more like “physical distancing.” Our mental health needs us to remain social, even though we can’t see each other. We’ve come up with some inventive ways to hang out with technology. Read 43 Ways to Stay Social While Socially Distancing.
#22 Practice Self-Compassion
Self-compassion means acknowledging that
this situation is difficult without downplaying it. Instead of being hard on
yourself, treat yourself like you would a best friend or child. Give yourself
permission to be imperfect and realize that everyone makes mistakes and goes
through setbacks. We can only do the best we can. How does this look in
practice? Here’s an example:
Me:You crossed off 2/8 to-do items but you still have 6 left to do and it’s already 8PM. Literally, what have you done all day? [NOT HELPFUL]
Me with Self-Compassion:I still got 2 things done and my list was pretty big. Despite what I feel “society” expects, it’s normal for me to feel anxious during a worldwide pandemic. Sometimes, that may lessen my productivity. I think that’s normal, even if other people aren’t saying it. I also noticed that I’m wasting a lot of time on Twitter, which I think is increasing my anxiety. I realize this is a way I try to gain control of the uncontrollable, but maybe I can try to curb by tweeting tomorrow. [HELPFUL]
For some more concrete examples on how to
practice self-compassion, check out 8 Exercises by Leading
Self-Compassion Researcher. These practices range from meditations to
journaling to simple contemplations.
#23 Realize the Value in Solidarity
If you’re someone who’s dealt with anxiety,
depression or other mental health issues before COVID-19, see if you can take
comfort in the bigger sense of solidarity now. Because of isolation, many more
people are affected and starting to care about mental health. It shouldn’t take
a crisis for people to care. And we should never wish a crisis upon anyone in
order for them to start caring. But, I think more people are starting to take
mental health seriously because of this. So, maybe one takeaway is that people
are less judgmental right now. You were never alone. But now you’re especially
not alone. My hope is that this realization eventually filters down into
community programs and inspires universal mental healthcare—these outcomes can
long outlive impacts of the virus.
#24 Realize This Will Pass
The spread of COVID-19 won’t last forever.
The measures we’re taking now are to ensure that we can go back to normal life
sooner. Try to keep in mind that this situation is only temporary, even if it
feels like a long time. Of course, the effects of this pandemic will outlast
the actual virus. Even knowing the virus will pass, many are anxious about the
lasting impacts it will have on their finances, career or life. I don’t have
any answers. Except for the next tip.
#25 Try to Have Hope
Sometimes, in our darkest times, we
literally have nothing except our bodies, our seemingly decaying minds—and
hope. Everyone’s situation is different, so I’d could be lying if I said the
financial impacts of this will be non-existent a year from now. The truth is
that no one knows how long this will last for the world, let alone you
specifically. But what I can say is that, if we hold onto hope long enough, it will
eventually pass. Even if it feels like it never will. It will. During
COVID-19, I think we need to hold reality in one hand, perspective in the
other, and hope in both.
It can be helpful to tie hope in with a
practice. For some that could be prayer or meditation. For others that could be
setting up a crystal grid,
sending “good vibes,” or smiling at strangers (from 6 feet away, of course).
#26 FREE Mental Health Chat Rooms
Chatrooms still exist! Here’s some for
mental health. These are typically monitored by peer-to-peer support
moderators.
Healthfulchat.org—
Rooms specific to anxiety, depression, bipolar, eating disorders, etc.
7Cups—
You can join problem-specific mental health rooms, or you can wait to talk to a
peer support person one-on-one.
Please email me any others!
#27 FREE Mental Health Crisis Online
Chats (One-on-One)
If you’re contemplating suicide, you should
talk to someone about that ASAP. Organizations are staffed with non-judgmental
volunteers who can help.
Can we start calling it “physical distancing” already?
Because that’s a more accurate description.
While we can’t be physically close with
those outside our home (unless our job is essential), we can be social.
We can’t go to our friends house. Or go for
pub nights. Or even hug.
But, thanks to technology… there’s actually
quite a few ways to stay social. The challenge comes in trying to replicate the
social experiences we normally had using these devices.
From the ways you probably already know to
more creative ideas, we hope this post helps.
We’re counting 43 ways you can stay social
while social distancing.
43 Social Things to Do While Physically
Distancing During COVID-19
Here’s how we’re hanging out during
coronavirus 2019. Don’t worry, the list starts off boring and gets more
exciting… and strange.
#1 FaceTime
Even if you hate it. I’m an introvert and
could do without, but me and my sister’s dog are in a long distance
relationship, so I kind of have to. FaceTime is only available on Apple
products.
#2 Android “FaceTime”
Android has other app options to video chat,
including Google Duo. Apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp work with every
smartphone.
#3 Webcam
If you’re using a desktop or laptop, you
can use a webcam with an app such as Skype.
#4 Call
Yep, phone calls still work!
#5 Zoom Work Party
Sure, you can use Zoom
for work-from-home meetings. Or you can use it to have a party with your
closest co-workers.
#6 E-Happy Hour
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere and that place is
everywhere, anytime during COVID-19. Just kidding. That’s really bad advice. But
when it does hit 5 in your time zone, why not use Skype, FaceTime or Zoom to invite your friends to happy hour (if you
drink)?
#7 Digital Date
Met someone on Tinder but don’t want to
wait weeks or months only to find out they’re a catfish? Have a webcam date.
Pick a time and bring a drink (or coffee).
#8 Bumble BFF
Dating sounds like an even worse idea
during COVID-19? Bumble BFF is a mode on
the Bumble app that allows you to meet friends.
#9 Arts & Crafts Night
Pick a craft for you and your friend to do,
such as beading. Then, get your individual supplies ready at your sperate homes
and turn on the webcam. Put on some music and get crafting while you chat and
hang out.
#10 Netflix & Chill via Netflix
Party
Okay, it’s less exciting than the
traditional Netflix and Chill. But it’s better than watching something alone,
right? Netflix Party is a new way
that you can watch shows with your friends online. It synchronizes playback and
adds a group chat so you can comment your opinions or thoughts. Also, it’s free
#11 Local Facebook Group
Before a few days ago, I didn’t even know
that my community had a Facebook group. People are meeting and talking, sharing
tips on where to shop, ways to keep busy and ways to stay sane.
#12 Make a Facebook Group
Anyone with a profile can make a Facebook
group. You can make a closed one for all your friends or coworkers to keep in
contact and post updates or funny memes. Or, if your community doesn’t have a
group, you can create one to strengthen bonds and take care of each other while
you’re apart.
#13 Interest-Based Facebook Groups
Maybe your town doesn’t have a Facebook
group or maybe there’s not enough action to stay social. Instead, you can look
for interest-based groups. For example, groups for moms, dog parents,
entrepreneurs, etc. Many people are at home right now, so groups should be more
active and sharing an interest gives you an automatic way to bond.
#14 No Technology Fam Night
Stuck inside with your family? Pick an
activity, such as board games, and make it a technology-free night. Have
everyone turn off their laptops, cellphones and tv and just focus on
connection.
#15 Digital Book Clubs
If you’re reading up a storm but have no
one to chat with about your interesting book, consider joining an online book
club. Different ones operate in different ways, so you’ll have to check out the
details for more information and what types of books are included. Here are 7 online book
clubs to get you started.
#16 Dog Party
Social distancing means that dogs need to
take a break from their pals, too. Why not see if your pup can recognize her
buddies via FaceTime? Does she recognize the voice of her favorite people? My
dog recognized human voices and barks, but not his doggy girlfriend’s face (at
this point, you probably realize my dog has a much better dating life than I
do).
#17 Group Meditation
There’s a few companies and meditation
teachers offering group meditations. These happen at a certain time and date
and everyone can tune in live to join. They can be via Webinar, Facebook live
or Instagram live. Some examples include group meditations by Shel
Hamilton and Mind
Oasis.
#18 Online Games
Now is a great time to bring back Facebook
game request. Just kidding. There is never a good time for that. But
it’s definitely an ideal time to get gaming. Here’s some ideas for 2+ player
games:
There’s online message boards for every
interest, so you’re able to join in on many different conversation threads. Or,
you can join Reddit, which covers all
interests.
#20 Hold a Class
Know how to cook a really good pasta? Make
a special quarantine cocktail? Do an impressive magic trick? Tell your Facebook
friends or Instagram followers to tune in at a certain time to see you teach
it.
#21 Plan a Trip with Friends
Not for anytime soon, of course. But things
will eventually go back to normal. Planning where you’d go, where you’d say and
what you’d do can help you and your friends look on the bright side.
#22 Group Workouts
Tons of local gyms are posting Instagram or
Facebook lives featuring at-home workouts. Get your friend to follow along with
you in your separate homes. Hey, it’s not the same—but you can both still
complain about how difficult it was after (and bonus: there’s no men to
hit on you or tell you how to use that machine).
#23 Make Your Dog an Instagram Account
Dog Instagram accounts love pretending to
be dogs—I would know. And when you pretend you’re just a whole bunch of dogs
talking to each other, it’s like the coronavirus doesn’t even exist
If you usually go to lunch with friends,
you can continue doing it via webcam or FaceTime. To make the experience more
“lifelike,” you can even order from the same take-out place.
#26 Make Quick Small Talk with Cashiers
While you’re checking out, give the cashier
a minute to rant about all his asshole customers. Instead of “how are you?” you
could ask “are people being nice today?” Or, you could simply apologize for the
assholes or thank them for their service. Whatever you say, just remember,
don’t hold up the line! Get in and out as quick as you can.
#27 Dance Party
You can call me a loser, but even before
quarantine, my dog and I would have dance parties alone. To be honest, it’s
better than the club. There’s no random stranger slapping my ass, I don’t need
to be ashamed of my “dance” moves and the best part—my dog is included. Just
blare the music and dance around with whoever you live with. If you live with
no one, get your friends on webcam and dance along with them too!
#28 Playdate Drawings
If your kid is missing their playdates,
think of creative things they can do with their friends via webcam. For example,
you can give the kids a challenge. Say, to watch a YouTube lesson about how to
draw a flower. Then, let each kid try it out and share their works of art with
their friends via FaceTime.
#29 Nailed It! At Home Edition
So you know the Netflix reality show Nailed It!? If not, it’s
a show where very bad home bakers attempt to recreate masterpieces. Even though
they try their best, they usually don’t look anything like goal. While
you don’t need to pick impossible desserts, you can still play it at home with
friends! Pick a recipe and challenge each friend to make it at the same time.
Set a time limit and at the end, everyone has to meet on Zoom and share their
creations. Vote for the best winner. And maybe the winner can win… take-out
paid for by the losers? Grocery drop off? Dinner once quarantine is over?
#30 Keep or Join Support Groups
If you’re a part of any support groups, you
can keep that going from home. If not, now could also be a good, low-pressure
time to join. For example, organizations such as SMART Recovery host online support
groups for substance-dependent people.
#31 Chat Sites
Super bored? There’s sites that randomly
connect you to strangers across the world. Some are text-based, some include
webcam. Either way, this isn’t a good suggestion for kids. Due to
the randomness, you’ll probably have to endure a few nude pics. Here are 12 random chat sites
ordered by popularity.
#32 Family Gardening
If you have a backyard, take advantage of the
fact that spring is here. Teach your kids about gardening and have them do the
annoying parts, like weeding.
#33 Webcam Yahtzee
If you don’t live with anyone to play board
games with, there’s some ways you can play on webcam with others. For example, if
you each have Yahtzee, you can each roll your own dice, show it to the camera
and fill out your score card. Almost the same, right? (Don’t invite cheaters,
they will still find a way to cheat!)
#34 Corona Concerts
Planned on going to a festival this spring?
Tune into one of the people offering free online concerts. Have it playing on
one screen and have your friends on the other. Want to make it more realistic?
Have glowsticks, lighters, party gear or drinks ready for the occasion.
Billboard is keeping an updated
list of the concerts offered.
#35 Connect on LinkedIn
Definitely one of the lesser fun activities
on this list. But if you’re looking to get ahead in your career despite being
laid off, this is a productive way to be social. Look for people in your
industry and send them a quick note or comment.
#36 Go for a Hike
It’s ok to go outside by yourself or with
those you live with, as long as you haven’t tested positive. Just remember to
keep a 6 foot distance between you and others outside of your home. If you’re
in a place where that isn’t possible, leave. Also, don’t use your entire family
to block a sidewalk, making distancing impossible. As long as you’re following
the rules, get out there!
#37 House Item Giveaway
Told you this list gets weirder. Please
keep in mind that I’ve been stuck inside my house for 4 weeks now (I’m an
introverted freelancer, so 2 weeks were just my natural lifestyle). Host a giveaway
on your Facebook profile or Instagram. Post a picture or status saying the requirements—maybe
the 5th comment wins, the best meme, the best comment, the best
joke, etc. Then, pick a super random item to deliver to the winner after
coronavirus is over. It’s your decision whether you want to announce the prize
before or after the winner. This is a great way to pawn off your inherited creepy
clown collection.
#38 Take Your Dog for a Walk
Although it may not exactly be considered
“social,” it will remind you that other human beings still exist. Your dog will
be thankful, too!
#39 Post on Social Media
If social media is overwhelming you with
all the bad news, it’s good to take a break. But, it can also be useful for
keeping in contact. People commenting and replying to your posts can give you a
better sense of community.
#40 Make Future Plans
What will you do once you can finally hang
out again? Or go outside of your home with your family? Although you can’t put
a date on it, brainstorm events or things you could do with friends once this
is all over. If you’re married or in a relationship, plan a really fun
out-of-home date for the future.
#41 Online Talent Show
This is a great idea for children to burn
off some extra energy. You can plan an online talent show on Zoom for your kids
and their friends. You can also invite everyone’s grandparents to watch. Have
everyone clap and cheer after each performance and it’s kind of similar to a
real-life competition. Of course, you can also have a talent show for adults—I
bet many have picked up some pretty interesting new hobbies. Why not show off
your new ukulele skills? Or debut your new version of the hokey-pokey.
#42 Online Dance-Off
If you’re used to spending weekends at the
club—or just like to dance—here’s another idea: Host a Zoom dance off. Each
friend has a turn to showcase their best moves. At the end, everyone can score
or vote for their favorite dancer.
#43 Online Rap Battle
Challenge each of your friends or families
to create a coronavirus-themed rap. Present your rhymes on Zoom and vote for
the next upcoming rapper. You can make this as appropriate or inappropriate as
you want.
What else are you doing? Send me an email and I’ll add it to the list
