Depending on when you’re reading this, the world may still be flipped upside-down by the current global pandemic: the Coronavirus.
As I’m writing, businesses are shut down, schools are online, and everyone is in panic mode. Adjusting to this new temporary state of daily life can be challenging, especially in circumstances such as these that seemed to pop up overnight with little warning or time for preparation. It’s my second week of online school (A.K.A. hanging out with my dog and living in athleisure) and I am already feeling the negative effects of social-distancing. However, I have also been trying to take advantage of this extra downtime to work on some serious personal development and get stuff done, no matter how tempting it is to stay in bed till noon. Whether you’re homebound by choice or per the government’s mandated orders, here are some ways you can keep yourself both physically active and mentally sane.
- Don’t Sleep The Day Away
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Since picking up and diving into “The Morning Miracle” by Hal Elrod, I’ve been trying to make waking up early a daily goal of mine. In this particular book, the author discusses the many benefits of starting your mornings early and adopting a morning routine to help you start the day off on the right foot. You’ll feel energized and more relaxed all day knowing you have enough time to complete everything on your to-do list (it’ll shock you how much you can accomplish in a day!). I also just love using the quiet hours of the morning for self-care and doing some of my favorite things: drinking coffee (and chugging H2O), jotting down thoughts in my journal and taking my dog for a nice walk — which brings us to my second tip!
- Take a Mind-Clearing Walk or Jog
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Unfortunately, my county in PA just issued a stay-at-home order due to the coronavirus, so I won’t be able to go outside much for the next couple of weeks apart from walking my dog. But if you’re able, take advantage of the beautiful nature around you and re energize yourself by putting on your sneaks and heading outside for a walk or jog. Doing this every few hours will help you to get some fresh air, break up the day, clear your head and stretch between hours of schoolwork and essay-writing on your couch. I’m thankful my dog is so needy — she really makes sure I get those steps in!
- Get Back Together With Your Ex-Hobby
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Something I’m looking forward to getting back into while I’m stuck indoors is playing my guitar. For the past couple of years, it’s been leaned up against my living room wall looking cute and collecting dust. I’ve thought of picking it back up so many times, but, for whatever reason, I never did. If you have an old hobby or something that used to stir up passion, what better time than now to give it another go? Who knows, you might just fall back in love!
- Hit Up The Virtual Gym
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As our lives become more and more digital in 2020, it’s getting increasingly easier to find videos and plans designed for at-home workouts. YouTube has always been my go-to when I want a quick HIIT workout or yoga video (I highly recommend Yoga with Adriene), but there are countless apps and social media websites that offer free resources as well. My homegirl, Jillian Michaels, has an app under her name that includes several seven-minute workout videos that you don’t need to pay for (and an awesome fitness podcast if you need some material to listen to while you flex). Some of my favorite YouTube accounts for at-home full-body workout videos include Blogilates, POPSUGAR Fitness, and Fitness Blender.
TIP: No weights? Grab a gallon of milk or finally put some of those piled-up textbooks to use!
Staying home doesn’t have to wreak havoc on your life. Don’t let the temporary situation mess up your routine. Instead, use the opportunity to be resourceful and try something you haven’t before (like waking up early, taking walks every few hours, or turning your living room into a gym). Sometimes inconvenience can end up an incredible blessing and initiate new ideas. I’ll leave you with this: “There are no negatives in life, only challenges to overcome that will make you stronger.” ― Eric Bates