No one said it would be easy, but Americans across the nation are in some form of lockdown as the number of coronavirus infections continues to soar. Many of us have hoarded toilet paper, food and cleaning supplies for fear of running out, but your mood is also something that can be greatly affected during a quarantine. Psychologists say that self-isolating can be stressful, boring and depressing for people of all ages. Here are some expert tips for boosting your mood during these critical times.
1. Stick To Your Routine
Set your alarm clock, and wake up each morning as you always have. Don’t be tempted to sleep in late, not make your bed, skip the shower or laze around in your pajamas.
Your routine matters during the lockdown and will help you keep a balance. If you are telecommuting, then get ready for work as you normally would.
If you are not working, then create a routine and schedule that has you completing key tasks. Chart out time to do chores, catch up on emails, plan meals, pay bills and the like. Don’t ignore obligations but maintain a structure.
2. Start A New Hobby
When you’re in self-isolation, it can get lonely, frustrating and boring. Keep busy as now is the time to discover new activities.
Maybe you have always wanted to learn to knit, paint or build furniture, etc. There are many how-to videos online to consider and free tutorials on social media like YouTube.com.
If you have open pockets of time, put them to good use for a sense of purpose and fulfillment, say behavioral experts.
3. Breathe Fresh Air
It doesn’t matter if you reside in an apartment building or live in a house, getting outside, moving your body and feeling the sunshine upon you is a terrific mood booster that many of us take for granted.
If you have a backyard or terrace, go there and relax. Read a book outdoors, or head to the garden to do a little spring mop-up. You can also exercise in your yard.
If you’re not strictly confined to your home, then get out in your neighborhood, and go for a jog, walk or bicycle jaunt. Feel the breeze in your hair, and breathe in the fresh air.
4. Focus On Nutrition
During times of crisis, it is easy to fall off our good habits, especially when it comes to food and drinks. We are all told to shop less often, avoid grocery market crowds, and stock up on healthy food.
Nutritional experts recommend adhering to your regular eating habits and watching portion size. Try and cook rather than buying take-out or having food delivered. It’s costly and can mean higher calories.
Look for shelf-stable and frozen foods. Frozen and canned produce, beans and pasta are staples that last a long time and are excellent for creating various dishes.
Another way to focus on nutrition is by taking supplements. If you are feeling overly anxious you can try CBD gummies. They are delicious and a great way to relax and enhance positive energy during your quarantine.
5. Strengthen Your Relationships
During the lockdown, we’re all in this together but at a distance. The advancements of our tech world help keep us connected. Reach out to friends and loved ones via Facebook, Instagram, FaceTime, chat, text or email.
Maintain these relationships, and be supportive of each other.
If you’re in quarantine with your entire family, come up with new ways to deepen those bonds that would otherwise get pushed aside during the business of everyday living.
6. Tune Into Comedy And Laugh
These are very serious and tough times, but finding moments to kick back and roar with laughter are important to a healthy outlook on life. Find someone who makes you laugh whether it’s on television, radio, movies or podcasts.
Even funny people are frustrated and bored with the lockdown, and comedy keeps our hopes and spirits high.
All of us are experiencing some form of quarantine these days, and it’s easy to get swept away in the constant amount of information swirling out there. Getting into a mood of positivity and stability is key, and these tips can help you get there.
