As we begin our eighth month of quarantine, it is important to take time and reflect on how much has changed since this whole pandemic started. Whether it be physically or mentally, these past eight months have been a time for us to grow and really learn more about ourselves. As the year 2020 is quickly coming to an end, here are a few things that can help you become a better you.
1. Independence
For me, I truly learned about myself when I was living alone at the start of the pandemic. Both of my roommates had gone home to their own state, and I stayed in College Station to finish out the school year. Living by myself taught me responsibilities such as cooking my own meals, cleaning up the house, and taking out the trash. I learned to be alone and make my own schedule from the time I woke up to the time I went to bed. With all this time alone, I got to realize what makes me happy and learn that it is okay to be alone, for you can have just as much fun with yourself as with others.
2. Exercise
There are so many different ways to stay in shape! I have learned that I love going on walks around the neighborhood and finding trails I haven’t been on before. You do not have to have a gym membership to stay in shape. You can ride a bike, go for a walk, or even look on YouTube. There are so many great videos out there that you can do from the comfort of your own house with no equipment! Some of my personal favorites are those by Chloe Ting and Holly Dolke. However, if you do enjoy going to the gym, try and find a time you like to go and stick to that daily schedule—don’t forget to have a rest day!
3. Make Time for Something you Love
It is important that even with all the homework and deadlines you may have, you still make time to focus on yourself. It is critical for your mental health that you take a break every once in a while to do something you enjoy. Whether it be watching your favorite Netflix show, going to Target, or trying that recipe that you haven’t had the chance to, take time out of your day to reward yourself. This is a weird time in everybody’s life, so it is important to remember that your body matters just as much as all the work you have to do.
4. Learn Something New
The coolest thing today is having access to multiple resources that can help us learn almost anything. I will never forget a conversation I had with a friend back in April. He asked us: “what is one thing you have always wanted to learn?” and I responded that I have always wanted to learn to speak French. My friend then looked at me and said: “why don’t you do it? You have a phone and a computer. That is all you need.” I realized this was true. Whether it is or not a whole other language, you can always make time to acquire a new skill. It could be something as simple as baking or writing a diary, but now is the perfect time to learn what you have always wanted to.
5. Love Yourself!
This sounds so simple, but it can be the hardest for so many people. Each person is special in their own way, and as basic as that might sound, it is true. The thing you may dislike about yourself could very well be someone else’s favorite thing about you. You have to make sure you are taking care of yourself during this time, whether by taking an hour-long shower or getting dressed up and doing your makeup every now and then. Remember what makes you, you! Everyone has their own insecurities, but at the end of the day, we are all human. So, it is important to treat yourself with the same respect you would treat someone else.