It’s about time that I talk about the dreaded C-word: COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus. The virus itself has created a change in our daily routines and our mood. It’s affecting us all. More and more, people are now cooped up in self-isolation, without contact with others. Social distancing is incredibly important to help slow the spread of the virus. However, mental health and mood is also important. Today, I wanted to talk a little about that.
Over the coming weeks, I will be writing more blog posts to try and help you improve your own mental health, your mood and just do some self-care. These ideas might also include what you can do for others to help them, especially if you are worried they are sick or you are worried for them. I hope that these things will help you to self-care whilst also helping others.
Focus on something else
Perhaps you have a hobby that you’ve been meaning to practice, such as drawing. Maybe your life dream has always been to publish a book. You might have lost touch with friends or relatives that you wanted to stay in touch with. Whatever it is, now is a good time to start taking action towards it. Self isolating and social distancing is purely physical. If you want to draw, just grab a pen and paper and do it. You can use your computer to write if you don’t fancy practicing your handwriting. Picking up the phone and giving your loved ones a call – or even messaging them through any of the online services they may have – is a great way to get back in touch. Video calls are pretty simple these days.
Do you have books lying around that you always wanted to read but never finished? Perhaps letters to write? Cleaning to do? Whatever it is, now is a great time to sort your space out and start working on those unfinished tasks. If you are already organised, perhaps you could try something new. Experiment, start a new project, find new ways to bond with your loved ones online or with those you live – maybe you could have a board game night or card game night?
Make your space your own
If you’re working from home, try and make your environment a little more pleasant. This could be trying to find a quiet space, perhaps it’s a clean desk or maybe it’s adding some pictures up. For me, I needed a quiet space to work and would ask the people home at the same time to just not talk to me until I finished work. I also drank a lot of water, and had good lighting in the room – and a comfortable chair. I know not everyone will have all of the facilities but try and make the space a place that’s comfortable for you to stay at for a while and a place where you can concentrate on the task at hand.
That’s all from me today. But I’ll be back with projects, reviews and self-care opportunities for everyone to try and stay positive in these times in the coming weeks. My hope is that self-isolation becomes slightly more enjoyable. For now, I hope you and your loved ones are all safe and healthy.
