1) Take up a new kind of exercise. Try hiking, rebounding, yoga, Zumba, HIIT…you name it, I know there’s a YouTube video for it. (Don’t try swimming unless you have a pool)
2) Write up meal plans. Meal prep and try some recipes you never have before. It’s a great time to build your healthiest eating strategy.
3) Figure out ways to help that use your unique strengths. Can you sew? Look for the pattern to sew surgical masks and where you can send them. Rally local friends for food pantries and help deliver. Can you provide pet care/walks for someone who has to work?
4) Dig deep and manage your thoughts. Find the silver linings. Refuse to fuel negative spin cycles by googling too much, watching too much news and living on social media. How about meditation? What a perfect time to learn how if you’re not already practicing. Constrain your brain!
5) Relish in spending time with your family that you never expected. Savor it and use it as a way to love each other better. Be patient and kind with yourself and them.
6) READ. Listen to positive podcasts. Enjoy a great series you never knew existed. Fill your mind with knowledge, humor, and all the good stuff.
7) Get outside. Daily. For as long as you can. It’s the best medicine for depression and stir-craziness.
8) Draw, paint, write, sing….create in whatever way makes your heart thrum. Then share it with someone. Post it, mail it, snap it or video. We can still connect in so many powerful ways.
9) Shop online. Now I am not suggesting to overspend but let’s not add to the economic downturn by refusing to spend. (Except toilet paper. Stop buying it all so we can flatten that curve too)
10) Be grateful and figure out a way to express it. From the doctors in ICU to the grocery store checker people are banding together to slow down the spread of COVID-19. Tell them you appreciate them. Send a letter, send an email. If you go to the store, say THANK YOU.