There are a whole range of reasons why you might be staying at home right now (quarantining, working from home, cancelled plans, social distancing, etc).
With heightened anxieties over the ever-evolving coronavirus situation, coupled with a decline in social contact, it’s more important than ever that we be kind to ourselves and each other, tend to our mental health, and make some added exceptions for when things don’t quite go to plan.
Naturally, we at Little Dreamers are feeling a little helpless at the moment. So, we’ve put together a few tips to keeping your brain and body healthy over the coming weeks!
Take a break from technology
Take this opportunity to distance yourself from your screen. When we’re out and about in daily life, we often use technology as a form of relaxing when we get home – be it binge-watching our favourite TV show, tuning into social media, or scrolling through funny memes. When you’re spending increased time at home, it’s important to create a degree of distance from technology, to maintain and sense of balance and keep your mind stimulated!
If you’re working from home, ensure you take regular breaks as you would in the office. Spend your lunch break away from the computer, switch off as soon as your work day is over and create some distance from technology outside of work hours. It’s important to separate work from home life, even when you are ‘working from home’. Be present, whatever task you’re taking on in that moment.
Get active
Moving your body has immeasurable benefits on your overall physical and mental health, and there are plenty of ways you can stay active at home! From purpose-built home workout challenges such as Keep It Cleaner and Sweat, YouTube fitness gurus, virtual dance parties, Wii Fit games, etc. The world of Google will tell you pretty much anything you need to know about undertaking exercise at home. Utilise stairs, substitute dumbbells with full drink bottles, turn an old towel into a yoga mat. The world (your house) is your oyster!
Connect with people
These days, we’re extremely lucky to have the internet and technology that makes it possible to connect with others without ever having to be in the same room. This comes in handy when you, or someone you love, is in isolation. We’ve seen some pretty upsetting stories of families being unable to visit loved ones in aged care facilities, hospitals and quarantine environments. While it’s certainly not the same, use this time to connect via video chat or message.
There’s also never been a better time to connect with friends overseas (who are likely in a similar situation and have some added free time). Try reaching out to someone who you haven’t spoken to in a while!
Focus on the good stuff
Focus on the stuff that makes you happy, the stuff that makes you feel good and the stuff you want to learn. Take this time to reflect on your 2020 goals and take the leap into something new and exciting! Start a new hobby, learn a new language, or practice some yoga – make this time about personal development so that when everything blows over you come out the other side the best you yet!
On the flip side, there are some positives in the world thanks to COVID-19. We are seeing pollution reduce, people helping their neighbours and introverts getting the break they truly deserve without feeling bad about it. Yeah, let’s talk more about that!
