We are living through unprecedented and uncertain times right now, and while everything seems so grim it’s easy to become anxious and depressed. I’ve struggled with anxiety my whole life, and the pandemic situation has not made it any easier. It is really important to not only focus on your physical health but your mental health as well. Mental health is so important all the time, but especially now, and if you’re struggling with mental health issues please remember you are not alone and there are so many other people struggling through the same thing. Even though we are social distancing, we are also stronger together and will get through this together. If you need a little distraction or are getting bored with The Office reruns, here are a few activities, albums and movies that you can do to help clear your mind and calm your soul.
- Photography Walks
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Something I have been doing lately is taking long walks with my dog. While on walks I take pictures of houses I love, plants that I think are cool, animals or honestly whatever I want at the moment. It’s easy to forget that it is actually Spring outside and the world is blossoming. Listening to music while walking around town makes me feel like things are somewhat normal and definitely helps with my anxiety.
- Yoga
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I am not at all close to being a legitimate yogi, but yoga releases a lot of stress and anxiety without you even realizing it. The Kent yoga studio, One Love Yoga, is offering online classes, and so are a bunch of others, a simple Google search will give you a lot of options. Yoga is not only a great workout but it’s also all about breathing, which is one of the most important aspects of calming an anxiety attack. Doing 45 minutes of yoga in the morning will make you feel relaxed and ready for the day. And since it’s at home your cat and dog can join you!
- Dance Party
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It’s a known fact that dancing releases more endorphins than just regular exercise and has a direct connection to the emotional centers in our brain. People feel a great release of pent up emotions when dancing, and now is the perfect time to release all those awful feelings. Mark Kanemura (@mkik808 on Instagram) is hosting virtual dance parties, and so many other DJ’s are offering their services as well. There is also nothing wrong with having a few glasses of wine and having a solo dance party, I did that before quarantine and will continue to do it after.
- Kacey Musgraves ‘Golden Hour’
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Kacey Musgraves created a beautiful album full of smooth, calming vocals set to upbeat music. Listening to this album almost transports you to a dry sunny day in the summer while you lay on the grass and stare at the sky. Listening to Golden Hour while cleaning, walking your dog, or showering will put your mind at ease. In “Rainbow” she literally says “it’ll all be alright” which is pretty nice to hear right now.
- Lorde ‘Pure Heroine’
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I love a good pop album, and Pure Heroine is an absolute classic. Lorde’s vocals are soft and comforting while her beats make you want to jump around and dance. You could simultaneously have a dance party to Pure Heroine or sit back and doze off to her voice. In my opinion, there is nothing better than a hot bath, candles and Pure Heroine.
- Anna of The North ‘Dream Girl’
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Anna of the North is a classic cool indie girl. Her album Dream Girl is a really fun album with breathy vocals and cool sounds. It’s a great album to listen to if you need a pick me up. Songs like “Dream Girl” and “Leaning on Myself” are great songs to get up and move to.
- Hairspray
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Okay don’t judge but this movie is lowkey hilarious, and everyone loves a John Waters remake. I’m not a big fan of musicals, but this movie is just as ridiculous and over the top as the original Hairspray. John Waters even makes a cameo as “the flasher” in the opening number. Available on Netflix, this movie is very silly, but also has a really powerful message about racism and is inspired by real events in John Waters’s life.
- RuPaul’s Drag Race
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Luckily, RuPaul’s Drage Race is not one of the many shows that have stopped production due to the virus. Season 12 has already finished filming and is airing every Friday night on VH1 at 8 o’clock and all seasons are available to stream through Hulu or Amazon Prime. There is nothing like 12 screaming drag queens to distract you and get your mind off of everything.
- Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
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All seasons are available to watch on Netflix, and right now there is something very hopeful about watching a show about a girl trying to make it in NYC after she literally thought the world had ended. Kimmy Schmidt has unbreakable optimism, and she doesn’t let her constant troubles get her down, it will definitely make you feel more positive after watching.
