how i’m coping.
We are in unprecedented times right now and to be honest with you, it’s been very hard for me to navigate. The uncertainty of what will happen once we start getting back to “normal” life has left me feeling breathless at times.
Here are 8 things that have helped me through.
1. Journal
Journaling has saved me time and time again. Whenever I get too in my head, I grab my journal and write it out. Once it’s on paper I find it’s easier to deal with my thoughts.
If you’re new to journaling or it seems like a daunting task, I suggest starting small. Write a paragraph or two and work your way up from there.
You can also get pre-formatted gratitude journals and five minute journals with writing prompts at pretty much any bookstore to help you get going.
2. Exercise
Exercise is something I never want to do. I constantly have to force myself but I always feel better after. It’s a good way to clear your mind and just focus on the task (read: pain) at hand.
If this sounds like you, I suggest finding something you like doing. Whether that’s yoga, HIIT training, dancing around the house, whatever it is, just get out of your head and into your body. I promise you it helps.
3. Phone a friend
This is something I’ve struggled with. Calling a friend when I was feeling down always felt like I was admitting defeat. That I couldn’t handle whatever I was going through on my own.
But that’s simply not true. Going through it alone isn’t strength, it’s destructive. Your friends are there to support you through good times and bad so lean on them. Plus, having some human interaction, even virtually, will make you feel less alone.
4. Read a book
Ever since I was a kid I’ve been a big reader. My parents were constantly finding me at 2am with my bedroom light still on, fast asleep with a book on my chest.
When the news gets overwhelming, I like to get lost in a book. There’s something about reading that makes it much more immersive than watching a movie or tv show. Therefore, a much better distraction from the daily grind.
5. Meditate
Meditation is something new I’ve incorporated into my life. I’m currently using the Headspace app and it has been a great tool to calm the noise. Before all of this started, I had used it as a way to help me fall asleep but now I’ve also been using it during the day. With a bunch of guided meditations to choose from, you could find anything to fit your mood and it’s a good way to check in with yourself.
I’ve also tried the Calm app but I prefer Headspace. Both are a great place to start!
6. Get creative
I know right now people are feeling the pressure to make the most out of a bad situation. To leave this quarantine better than when you came into it. Trust me, I’m right there with you. And while feeling like you should be Doing Something it completely normal, it’s not constructive.
Focus on a hobby. Whether that’s painting or writing or gardening, try to find a creative outlet. And do it because you enjoy doing it, not because you want to make the next best thing. There will be time for that after all this is over.
7. Cook a healthy meal
This. If there’s one thing you take away from my list please let it be this.
Eating healthy is so important right now. A balanced diet affects your mood and energy levels. Feeling lethargic on top of all this? No thanks. I try to have half my plate be vegetables and the other half split between protein and carbs. For me, it’s an easy way to trick myself into eating better.
8. Learn something new
This is the one I didn’t see coming. I had felt stuck in a rut, living the same day over and over and I didn’t know what to do. The boredom was at it’s peak. And then I came across this online screenwriting class and things just opened up. Focusing on learning something new really showed me the possibilities of this quarantine.
Educating yourself is always a good idea and this is the best time to do it. Places like Skillshare or Udemy are great resources and have a wide range of courses!
And when all else fails.. I grab some wine, get in bed, and eat my favourite snacks. At the end of the day we’re all just trying to survive this thing so if you need to get in bed with Netflix that’s perfectly okay.
