6 Ways to Stay Balanced While Under Isolation

Isolation can be difficult! Being holed up in your home for weeks can leave you feeling nostalgic about the good ole’ days of visiting favorite restaurants, hugging friends, going to the beach and simply having that human interaction. 

So, how can you maintain balance and focus while respecting stay-at-home orders? You’ll want to keep a routine and stay connected, but here are some specific ways we’ve been staying motivated and avoiding cabin fever that we wanted to share!

Declutter and Spring Clean

Right now is the perfect opportunity to do some spring cleaning! We’re in a unique situation where we can either stay in our sweats for days at a time and let the dishes pile up or spruce up our digs to create the space we’ve always wanted.

Start slow and take each room of your home one at a time to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Create a calendar or to-do list that will inspire you to stick to a routine and declutter your space. Channel your inner Marie Kondo, and ask yourself, “does this item spark joy?” and if it doesn’t, it’s time to say goodbye!

Home Improvement

This extended time indoors is your chance to work on the foundation of your house or even redecorate. It can also uplift the energy in your home. It’s a great opportunity to tackle long-avoided projects, and revamp your space and even on a budget! 

Ways to upgrade your home:

• DIY projects 
• Organize bookshelves 
• Put empty frames to use
  • Or try spray painting frames you’re using to add some new color or accents!
• Replace light bulbs
• Rearrange furniture – get that energy in the room moved around!
• Touch up paint
• Unclog drains 

Try New Recipes

It’s an uncertain time for all of us, but you and your loved ones can find comfort in food! Cooking is one solution to bring some order and pleasure into your life. Trying new recipes is a fun way to keep your mind occupied. If you’re home by yourself, invite a friend to cook with you virtually! Here are some healthy and “cheat day” recipes to try! 

• Black Bean Turkey Chili
• Broccoli-Chicken Cheddar Curry Casserole
• Buddha Bowls
• Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs 
• Strawberry Chicken Pinwheel Sandwiches 
• Easy Chicken Adobo
• Five-Minute Pita Pizzas
• Quinoa Fried Rice
  

Read

While we are very fortunate to be on lockdown in a time where technology is available for human connection and entertainment, it can be beneficial to unplug from our devices. Reading is great for your mind as it helps to improve your memory and reduce stress. 

Maintaining your mental health in a time of uncertainty is necessary. Take advantage of the many benefits reading provides – escape reality, disconnect from your electronic devices and the outside world, expand your vocabulary, etc. 

Learn a New Skill 

There are many virtual platforms that can help you refine your existing skills or learn a brand new one. The opportunities are endless! 

Brit + Co. offers a wide variety of creative online courses like water color painting, cake decorating, illustration and photography. If you are looking for more professional development, Coursera offers many college-level courses absolutely free! 

At-Home Spa Day

Just because you can’t go to the salon or spa doesn’t mean you shouldn’t engage in some pampering “self-care.” Set aside some time to treat yourself to an at home mani-pedi, face mask, or ask your quarantine partner for a relaxing massage. This quarantine won’t last forever, so maintaining your grooming habits can make you feel refreshed, confident, and ready to go back out in the world (when we’re allowed to).

People often say, “I wish I could, but I don’t have time.” Now is the time to make your wish a reality. Regular life can be very busy and rushed so use this free time to your advantage. Continue your regular habits and self-care maintenance to help stay sane and feeling good!  

Share this post with someone you know and ask them to be your accountability buddy! If you’re in it together, you’ll be much more likely to cross more items off your to-do lists, indulge in self-care tasks, and help each other grow through this time.