Apr 16

Apr 16 How I'm Staying Sane During COVID-19

Are you hanging in there? I know a lot of us aren’t. And that’s okay. I’m sharing today a few new hobbies and activities I’ve adopted since Missouri instituted the Stay at Home order 5 weeks ago. I feel grounded, a little anxious at times, but overall - okay.

It’s important to note that with working remotely the last 4 years, and working in digital marketing - my work has stayed relatively the same (with a few fires here and there to adapt for the crisis). For this reason, I’m extremely lucky and I know it’s rare to be in this boat.

I let myself sleep. And sleep. And sleep some more. When we’re stressed, we need it. Whenever I’m busy, it’s all I wish for. So, I’m letting this be my time to sleep as much as I want. If you’re having trouble sleeping, I have 30 day guest passes to Calm (check out their bedtime stories!)
I’m eating okay-ish. I’m not trying to do anything majorly different in the meal department. Even though I’m working out drastically less, I’m eating relatively the same, letting myself have dessert, and just dialing it back when I know I’ve gone overboard. When everything returns to “normal”, I know my body will recalibrate and I know I’m not the only one that will be feeling this. But, keeping up with a rigorous fitness routine just doesn’t seem natural right now, so I move as much as I want to each day, and no more. Which brings me to….
I keep moving. Every day, I find some form of movement. I take at least 2-3 walks per day with my dog, or I find release in barre3 online classes. As a fitness instructor, I’ve also led a couple of online classes for our community. Check them out here!
I’m not pressuring myself to “do the most”. This article was so inspiring to me. New hobbies are great, but it’s not necessary to go overboard right now.
I’m sprucing up around the house. I’ve been dreaming up new spots for wall hangings that are stuck in my basement, moving furniture around and taking stock of rooms that are still missing things like curtains, and planning for (sigh, another) office rearrangement. Nesting is soothing!
Puzzles are king. I’ve found so much relaxation in puzzles. Time flies when I get in the zone with them. This is the one I’m working on right now. I’ve also started several games with friends on the Words With Friends app.
I’ve become obsessed with Disney+. Seriously, diving into the 90’s movies and my nightly Boy Meets World marathons have been delightful.
I’ve checked on people. Whether it’s FaceTime, a quick text, or a phone call - I’ve reached out to one person each day that I haven’t heard from in a while just to say hi. Those people you haven’t heard a peep from in a while? Check. on. them.
I bake. Have you tried Knead Love’s bake at home dog treats? It’s such a fun activity and my dog loved them big time! This also makes a cute care package gift for someone you’re thinking about that needs an activity to do. I’ve also made my classic banana bread and dropped it off to friends, and plan to make some of my favorite cheese dip that is freezer friendly.