I think it is safe to say that the coronavirus has taken a toll on us all–mentally, physically, and emotionally. It is no question that people around the world have been affected by this illness. Everybody has a different story to share, whether you have a loved one who was infected with the virus, if you lost your job, or if your mental health has simply plummeted. Each experience is unique in its own way, but the one thing we all have in common is that we are experiencing these difficult times together. So, naturally, I had to put together a list of things to do for when you’re really feeling down. Please feel free to interpret this list in your own way as you see fit.
1. Do what gives you a pep in your step.
Put on makeup, wear your favorite outfit, chew on gum, or eat some candy–do just about anything that will give you a little pep in your step and make you feel awake. What I have learned from doing this is that it is truly the little things that give me the energy I need to feel like myself again. For example, Tic Tacs are something I like to have to keep me alert while doing schoolwork at home.
2. Take pictures of yourself looking gooood.
When proofreading this piece, I admitted to myself that, yes, this sounds very basic. However, this is such a simple way to quickly boost your self esteem. Chances are, when you know you look good, you feel good. This doesn’t have to be drastic. In fact, less is more! Even just a nice necklace or some mascara will do the trick. Disclaimer: try to look good for yourself, and not for other people. Other people seeing you is just a bonus, but that’s not what the objective should be.
3. Surround yourself with people who genuinely care about you. (No energy vampires allowed!)
It is super important to invest time in people who truly care about and want the best for you. People who drain you (mentally, physically, emotionally, etc.) are not the kinds of people you should surround yourself with. Especially now with social distancing, focus on and connect with those who make you feel good about your life, no matter what your current situation looks like. Chances are that the people who stay true to you during these times will stick around for a while.
4. Clean your space.
Whether this is your room or your car, cleaning can be very therapeutic and remind you that yes, you can get stuff done. Especially now that we have to stay inside our homes, all we look at is where we live. Use this time to clean out that messy desk drawer or re-decorate a blah-looking room. As a result of cleaning, you’ll feel productive and ready to take on other tasks that need to get done.
5. Eat good food.
Food is fuel–everyone knows that. Sometimes, when we are stressed out about our lives, we forget to eat, or don’t have an appetite at all. None of these situations are good. Remember, it doesn’t have to be a lot of food, just enough to get you feeling energized and ready to get done what needs to get done.
I hope that this short piece has reminded you of the little things that make you feel good about yourself. Even in these difficult times, it is important to try and focus on what can make you happy, or at least what can serve as a distraction from the madness that is the current state of the world. Thank you for reading, and I send good health and positive vibes to you and your families.