Monella
There’s no denying that 2020 has gotten off to a rocky start. The coronavirus pandemic has forces shutdowns of entertainment, dining, large social gatherings, and tons of other things people used to do for fun. For many, that means that their usual way of cheering themselves up is no longer available. Yikes.
Don’t panic. In this post, we’ll walk you through some alternative ways that you can lift your spirits during these difficult times. All you need is a little creativity and a can-do attitude. Let’s check it out.
Find an engaging new hobby
Hobbies are great for a number of reasons. They take your mind off things, they give you something to look forward to, and they’re a great way to feel productive and meaningful while doing something you love.
Some hobbies, like thrifting for unique clothes or seeing the newest indie movies, are not available during the shutdown. However, there are still plenty of great options out there. Here are some of our favorites:
- Take up knitting. It’s a great way to keep your hands busy while still being able to engage in another relaxing activity, like watching TV.
- Some outdoor activities and park spaces are still open and usable, as long as you’re practicing appropriate social distancing. Find the best trail running shoes for your needs and hit the trails with gusto!
- Try reading – for real this time. Find a new genre of book, or maybe an author you’ve been considering but haven’t got around to, then dive into the pages! You can use an audio book site too, if sitting and staring at the pages is the main thing keeping you from the habit.
Listen to your favorite music
You might not be able to go to a concert these days, but you can still listen to the jams, bangers, bops, and thumps that make your heart soar. If you’re feeling really down in the dumps, grab your phone – or that vinyl player, if you’re the type – and throw on some of the tunes that really help pull you out of the worst of it.
Pro tip? Try really listening to the lyrics and instruments this time. Sure, your favorite sons may be great to listen to while jamming out in the car with your friends, but there’s a deeper layer to music if you just stop and really pay attention. Try tuning into the deeper meaning of each of your favorite song. It’s like a little mystery you get to solve while listening to music you love!
Call up your old friends
The stay-at-home orders have become a great reason to call up your friends, family, and other kin and relations that you otherwise might not speak to very often. You may be worried that they don’t really want to hear from you, or that it would be weird for you to call.
But you know what? They’re probably thinking the exact same thing. It would be such a shame for you not to speak just because both of you are too worried the other doesn’t want to! So, take the chance, be earnest, and reach out to that someone you haven’t spoken to in far too long.
Start journaling
It’s hard to process all of the emotions that come along with a global pandemic and economic shutdown. Journaling can be one of the most effective ways to work through those emotions, leaving you feeling more in control of your thoughts and ready to take on anything, spirits lifted.
If you don’t know where to start, don’t stress. There’s no secret formula or special method. Simply sit down with a notebook and pen (or pencil – we won’t tell!) and write down the first thoughts that come to your mind. Keep going and going and see what comes unearthed from the depths of your psyche! Even if it’s hard work at first, working through the emotions will leave you feeling stronger.
Have a good cry
Sometimes, the only thing for it is to let it all out through tears. That’s totally okay; there’s nothing wrong with being human and having emotions. If you need to let it out, then let it out. Feel your emotions, let them consume you for the moment, then let them go and come out the other side knowing that you’ve honored them.
Lifting your spirits during these troubling times is no easy feat, but with the right approach, anything is possible.
