The reality is that this season requires a lifestyle change. Routines and expectations are constantly changing and we’re adapting to them. Everyone has been making it through this season in different ways, so if you have found quarantine wellness tips that work for you, that’s awesome. Keep them up! If you’re like me, you’ve still been trying to find some wellness during quarantine.
Disclaimer:
I am not an expert in quarantine wellness. I can’t sit here and write this post like I know the best way to get through this season. In fact, no one is an expert on this particular time. While there is much wisdom to be gained from people based in their areas of expertise, I think that is important to remember that we’re all navigating this new season together. We’re all learning, struggling, and trying our best. Here are some things I’ve been doing to promote wellness through the quarantine:Wake up and go to sleep at reasonable times
Normal amounts of sleep will help you set a routine with your day. Having a regular sleep cycle will help add productivity to your day.
Open bedroom blinds and make the bed
If you stay in your bedroom during the day, do this. Adding sunshine and cleaning up your space can help make the space feel better to work in.
Put on comfy clothes
Actually get dressed! Don’t stay in your pajamas, but put on actual clothes. There’s something about this that lets your body know you’re shifting from sleep to work mode.
Keep up with daily hygiene
It might seem silly…. but it can honestly be easy to pass some of these practices up if you know you’re not going to see anyone. Take the time to shower, brush teeth, wash face, etc. because it will wake you up and make you feel better.
Open all house blinds and windows
Let the fresh air blow through! This will probably brighten your day and can remind you there’s an outside world, even if you’re stuck inside.
Morning movement
Incorporate some sort of workout whether it be yoga, weight lifting, walking or running, an online video, etc. into your day. Movement gets my blood flowing, wakes me up, and helps me feel strong. It helps me start my day with a positive mindset. I never regret taking the time to do this.
Eat a balanced breakfast
It doesn’t have to be fancy, but start your first meal of the day with protein, healthy fats, and carbs. This will help keep you fueled to conquer the day! My favorite breakfast is protein power oats and multiple cups of coffee.
Stay hydrated
Keep a water bottle of glass of water in your work space. This will help keep you full and focused.
Make a plan
Make a schedule, make a routine, and create a structure. This is probably the number one tip to help me trying to thrive in this time. Having a plan, a schedule, and routine is so important for creating a daily structure. Use a planner or write lists, even if you aren’t a list person! I love my passion planner. I write down priorities for the day, meals, a to do list, and reflect. This helps me focus on each day rather than the long term, because honestly the long-term is a bit overwhelming to think about right now.
Focus more by using an app
Sometimes I join Alan in using an app called Focus Keeper, which is all about focusing your work efforts in timed blocks, with shorter breaks in between. This helps us balance getting work done, but also doing activities we enjoy.
Keep up socially distant social interactions
Call someone on the phone, skype, facetime, zoom, write a letter, or do something that keeps you in contact with supportive people. This can help you stay connected to your community so you can work on quarantine wellness together.
Keep your work space clean
If you have a work space, make it workable! Add light, make space, add a plant — make your space inspiring! By feeling inspired, you’re more likely to actually get some work done.
Light a candle
I don’t know of any science behind lighting a candle, but sometimes it just helps set a calming tone for the room.
Work with natural light
Take the time to open the blinds and sit by a window. The natural light can make the room feel better.
Sit on a porch or deck
If you can work outside for awhile, do it. The extra sunshine and fresh air really helps the fact you can’t really go anywhere.
Take snack breaks
Snacks keep me fueled and motivated! These healthy snacks and energy bites have been my go-to these past few weeks.
Take walk breaks
The movement from walk breaks will keep your mind and body feeling fresh!
Create a quarantine playlist
Mine is called quarantunes and I’ve listened almost every day. Better yet, make a quarantunes for the people! collaborative playlist that your pals can add to to remind each other that you’re all bonded together through music. Feel free to add to mine!
Work on home projects or improvements
Take the extra opportunity at home to work on projects or improvements you normally wouldn’t have time to do. I created and amped up a desk space in our home, cleaned out and organized all of our closets, and made an herb garden. Taking a small amount of time each day to work on these makes them so much more manageable.
Learn new hobbies
Have you always wanted to learn something? Do it. Now’s the time. Look up that “how-to” video and go for it.
REST
I know I’m here preaching about all of the things to do, but also, use the extra time to rest. Resting isn’t only sleeping — resting is setting boundaries, self-care, making time for fun, sleeping, and accepting your limitations. For me, it means incorporating things like reading books, prayer, listening well, sleeping, reflecting, and recovering.
Process this season
This season is insane. In many ways it is difficult and sucks. But it’s okay to feel that. It’s okay to process through this season and feel the emotions it brings.
Eat nutritious meals when you can
It can be easy to mindlessly snack at home, but eat nutritious meals when you can to keep you full! Use the extra time to look up some new recipes on Pinterest, cook them, and actually sit down and enjoy meals. Also, the craziness of this season doesn’t always allow for eating nutritious all the time and that is okay.
Keep an open mind
It’s been helpful for my quarantine wellness to keep an open mind and lower my expectations through this season. Not to be lazy or not try, but to lower my expectations with myself and others. Things are changing EVERY DAY and we’re all figuring this out together, so keeping an open mind is helpful through this season.
Share positivity
This can be done by writing a list of things you’re thankful for, encouraging others, sharing joyful moments, and just small acts that can bring positivity into the life of you and your community.
QUESTIONS
- Have you incorporated any of these practices into your day?
- Do you have any tips you’ve been using to promote wellness through the quarantine
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