STAYING UP WHILE STAYING IN

Social distancing and shelter-in-place orders are vital for the health of our communities right now AND they are difficult adjustments to make. We are all social beings at our core, despite where we fall on the introversion/extroversion scale, and being isolated can lead to dips in our mood. Try to be proactive and identify some things you can start incorporating into your days to boost your mood! Try to select activities that are enjoyable, meaningful, and/or bring you a sense of accomplishment.

(NOTE: These are all applicable whether you are alone or in a home with others!)

At-home exercise (lots of free and reduced-rate video platforms available)
Download new recipes to cook/bake
Attempt a family recipe
Rearrange a room or two in your home
Read a new book (or re-read an old one!)
Put together a puzzle
Take a virtual museum tour
Write in a journal
Write poetry
Write a blog post
Write a story or begin writing a novel
Write a screenplay
Write new music
Have an at-home dance party
Call or video call friends and family members
Play an instrument
Play video games online with friends
Download a language-learning app and begin learning a new language
Tap into old hobbies
Make greeting cards and send to loved ones or those not able to see others
Engage in mindfulness meditations (YouTube or an app like Calm)
Create a spa-day at home
Learn calligraphy on YouTube
Marie Kondo your closet
Organize the cupboards in your kitchen
Watch films you have been wanting to see but have not had the time
Get crafty/creative (knit, crochet, quick craft videos on YouTube, paint, draw, work on animation, make jewelry, create photo books online, coloring pages/books)
Create your own board game
Go through your closet and create new looks
Experiment with hair and make-up styles
Try out yoga (lots of great YouTube videos)
Take a stab at creating something you put on a Pinterest board 6 months ago
Have a Netflix/Hulu/etc. virtual watch party with friends or family
Read old comic books you have lying around
Read through all of those old greeting cards you have received for birthdays and other holidays
Snuggle and play with your pet(s)
Learn origami on YouTube
Attend therapy and doctor appointments virtually
Listen to a podcast
Read jokes online
Watch a comedy special on Netflix
Listen to old CDs or records
Create new playlists
Listen to virtual shows by one of your favorite artists (lots of live music happening on Facebook and Instagram)
Spend time in your yard/outdoor space (have a meal out there, play with your pet, read a book, listen to music, get in some exercise, plant some flowers, plant a garden, work on art, etc.)
Light scented candles
Make a gift for someone

Written by: Dr. Samantha Myhre