A healthy lockdown

COVID-19 is causing people to stay indoors for their safety. Dreadful, right?!

If you're reading this article, you're one of the lucky individuals during this pandemic. We are all struggling with depression and boredom (even celebrities in their big mansions #iwish). Jokes aside, celebrities are just like us. It's absolutely normal to be afraid and worried about our health and the health of our loved ones, as well as our economic situation. Not knowing what will happen next is very scary. Extroverts, how are you coping? Even introverts are starting to complain. Anyone else misses cancelling their plans? You would think people would love a break, but most of us miss the routines we often complained about. We should all be thanking key workers and thank YOU for staying at home. I'm hoping this article will help someone out there (and myself) and be a sort of guide to consider in these uncertain times.

Being 2020 we are lucky to have social media and the neverending content we see daily, including memes, videos, live streaming, TikTok's (i had no idea what a TikTok was before this pandemic). From Italians singing and dancing on their balconies to photographers shooting models through FaceTime (yeah, I swear). My less social addicted friends going crazy with uploads and "addicts" like me taking breaks and getting lots of concerned messages asking if I am ok (shoutout to my Instagram followers). People are laughing at the funny reactions to being quarantined which is awesome because we all need a bit of laughter nowadays, nonetheless, I can't help but notice more people are struggling with their mental health.

Unfortunately, this is also beyond our control, and there’s not much we can personally do. The art of surrender is when you stop fighting the universe and the natural flow of things. Of course, knowing that numerous people are getting sick and dying is terrible, but being an empath who cries when tv/movie characters die, I've had to learn to let this go, otherwise I'd be crying daily and causing me no good. Ask yourself what else can you do? Apart from waiting, praying, staying inside? What can you do? It’s about inaction, if you can let go of control, you will start feeling better. Think about it; this is unnecessary stress becausUnfortunately and in all honesty, this situation is beyond our control and there's not much we can personally do. The Art of Surrender is when you stop fighting the universe and the natural flow of things. This is something still quite new to me but I must admit my life has changed for the better. This won't be a guide on the Art of Surrender although I recommend you look into it, but just in case you don't know much about it, the Art of Surrender is when you let go of control. By holding on to this ongoing fear and constant worrying due to the coronavirus situation, you are only hurting yourself. Of course, knowing that numerous people are getting sick and dying is terrible, and being an empath who cries when tv/movie characters die, I've had to learn to let this go, otherwise I'd be crying daily.

Instead of focusing on all the bad aspects of this pandemic because there's plenty, release control on it and ask yourself what can you do? Apart from waiting, praying, staying inside? What can you do? Think about it this way, this is unnecessary stress because with or without you worrying, the same outcome will occur anyway as it's not up to you, so let it go. Focus on what you can do for yourself instead. Take advantage of this opportunity for your own good. e with or without you worrying, the same outcome will occur, so let it go. Focus on what you can do for yourself instead.

Not having a routine or day to day schedule can cause changes in your sleeping or eating patterns. One day I went to bed at 7 pm, slept 13 hours then stayed awake for more than 24 hours right after that. You might feel like you want to consume alcohol, tobacco or other drugs and addictions can come to the surface. Here are some healthy points to consider.

KEEP COMMUNICATING

Maintain communication with friends and family. 2020 guys, we're so lucky we can communicate via text, calls/videocalls etc.

It's ok if you don't want to do it daily, you don't owe anyone anything. I know this might be triggering someone but that's the point. Getting inundated with messages is stressful too. If you don't feel like replying to someone then don't. This doesn't mean you can treat valuable people in your life like they're nothing (i don't think we need to go over this) but just because someone is giving you all their attention, you don't have to do the same. They'll eventually understand and move on. Consider writing a list of individuals you want to check up on, could be a family member or even the guy who's been taking all your classes but you never speak to. Set a time to do this when you're ready. They will be pleased to hear from you and you will feel less anxious and worried if you can talk about this situation with someone, or if you prefer to talk about other stuff then do that instead.

SELF-CARE AND SELF-SOOTHING

Some might feel like there's no point in engaging in your usual health routines. Why get dressed if you're not going out? If you don't want to shave as much as you used to, then you do you. Without a doubt, brushing your teeth is one of those you should definitely be doing (apparently washing your hands was something people didn’t know was important, so maybe you need to be reminded of this too)

I know some of you are lazy so you might need extra motivation so what if the person you've been crushing on asks you out on a date when this is over? Because life's short and who knows what's coming next? Aliens?

If you just want to be in your PJs all day and take a break, there's nothing wrong with that either but remember to take care of yourself! Lying in bed with your blinds and windows closed will just make you even more tired and unmotivated. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals (I'm not going to tell you what to eat, google recipes and ideas or if you want maybe I'll write another article), taking any medications, vitamins and minerals, and exercising (get that summer body!). Seriously, you’ve been complaining about not having enough time to exercise, now you do, so what's your excuse going to be this time? (#thisisme). Oh gyms were closed? You can still exercise at home! Dear friends who I've forced to read this article, if I complain while we're at the beach, just punch me, print this off and shove it in my face, thanks). You may not be able to hit the gym but you can still walk around your home (count the tiles) or follow those exercise videos you've been watching on youtube while eating snacks. Perhaps do it with someone else or challenge them to Just Dance like I do.

Your basic needs should be met, and a routine can help you manage emotional distress. If like me you’ve been living with depression and anxiety, then you might already be doing this already. Yoga, stretching, meditation, listening to calming music (don't you love youtube?), reading your favourite book, watching your favourite movie or show (I know you've got Netflix and Disney+), avoid any fear-mongering news stories or programs, along with people who might get you even more anxious about the situation, let me repeat... IT IS BEYOND YOUR CONTROL. Even if you love these individuals, they can easily bring you down if they're stuck in that mentality. I mean it, don't invest too much of your time on social media or watching the news. Being at home can cause you to overeat. That jar of Nutella is gone already! When you were fighting over toilet paper, I got myself two jars and I'm saving it. If you find yourself with a lot of free time and aren’t sure how to spend it, keep reading for some ideas.

TAKE A BREAK

If some days you don't feel like interacting with anyone and just want to sleep or relax and watch something or listen to music, that's ok too. The other day I binged watched Hannah Montana, and I regret nothing. That's still self-care. Listen to your body and mind.

You're always allowed to take a break when you're overwhelmed, so it's undoubtedly acceptable with what's going on at the moment! You usually need a break when there's too much on your plate and now that we don't have "that much" on our plate because we're not as busy, we're still left with thousands of worries, uncertainties, scary news and facts on a loop.

So what are the benefits of being in lockdown? Apart from staying safe and not allowing the disease to spread (obviously).

Is there something you wanted to try but have been putting off? Now is the time. Try to stick to a schedule to add structure to your day. If you're like me, maybe you need to set thousands of alarms as reminders to keep yourself motivated. As the planet is starting to breathe and pollution is dropping, this is a time for you to look at yourself and perhaps reinvent yourself.

When do you ever get all this time off to think? To reconsider? To work on something new or something you left behind? To appreciate the little things in life and look at how blessed you are? To grow and work through your struggles? To heal?

I wish I could say I'm a strongly goal-oriented person with lots of determination and that I always strive for positive vibes but I'm not and that's fine, it's a work in progress and I keep it real.

I'M BUSY, I CAN'T, NOT ENOUGH TIME, I DON'T CARE, DOESN'T MATTER, WILL I GET MONEY OUT OF THIS?

I bet if you open that wardrobe with all your traumas, you'll explode right? Because one thing leads to the other. But if not now then when? You keep putting it off because you need to think about work and your family and this and that.

You know yourself better than anyone else but I promise your world will feel lighter if you start reflecting on whatever is disturbing you. You might be so used to hiding these emotions that others may not even notice them and you don't want to disturb anyone. This can be anything from least traumatic to most: the kid you used to you bully who you never apologised to because it was so many years ago and you've been hoping they have forgotten, the relationships that broke off unexpectedly but still you wonder if there's anything you can do to fix them or whether they've run their course, the stuff you wanted to say during an argument, the stuff you regret saying. The list goes on and on and they’re all important, it's not a competition, they're all valid. You want to check out the virtual tours, how about you take some time to check yourself too?

That missed opportunity… or is it still? The one you still think about, maybe you can still work on it.

A guide to consider

1. Stop

Stop what you are doing and take a deep breath or more. Get up if you’re slouching. I am, and I'm going to sit at the table. I've got a pen (I'm old style) to write down what I can do while in lockdown and a plan for later. Just sit for a moment and clear your head. Meditation can help. Organise a schedule.

2. Reprioritize

Ask yourself what are you doing. Forget about the virus and ask yourself if you are happy with your daily life? Your living arrangements, your connections, your job/studies, hobbies? Or are you keeping yourself busy to avoid confrontation with stuff you would rather not deal with? Evaluate what you are doing. Be honest with yourself (even if it’s hurtful). You know what is best for you. Are you satisfied? Satisfied financially but not emotionally? Is there anything you can do to improve your situation? Are you tired of your job and want a change? Can you take a course or develop some skills right now? It's common to think the world will come crashing down if we change something, but the world has momentarily crashed down and you've got the time to sort yourself out so use it wisely. You could also prioritize your relationships. We take some of our relationships for granted or perhaps we are manipulated in staying where we’re not truly appreciated. It's harder when it’s family or someone you have history with, but do yourself a favour and reconsider.

We often accept people who put us down, we continue fights that won’t be resolved, agree or stay silent because we don't want to lose someone. It's best to walk away from what poisons your soul. While it can be a painful process, you should always do what is best for you. If you’re feeling it in your gut, then trust it, you know what to do.

3. Let Go Of Irrational Fear

Try to limit your time on social media and watching the news. I understand you want to know what’s happening but mustn't overdo it. Never think you’re a failure, we all make mistakes but you should take them as lessons and an opportunity to grow instead.

4. Rest

Working through the night sounds tempting, I know, I'm a night owl. Over time you'll realise it's an unhealthy habit. Make a list of things you need to do the next day, I know I said we've got plenty of time now but if you've been studying and exercising all day then leave the rest for tomorrow.

5. Take Care Of Your Body

Drink lots of water, don't exaggerate with caffeine, you don't want to be even more irritable.

Stretch, exercise, don’t let your bones stiffen, eat healthily.

more ideas:

go back and read this article and then read this list

do something you did as a kid, it will bring back memories

do something you never have time for

cook or bake something, favourite dish or something brand new, you never know you could open a restaurant when this is over

watch films/tv shows/documentaries, the ones you love, the ones you hate, the ones you keep putting off, do marathons on your favourite actors in chronological order. How about some foreign films too?

learn or practice a language or two… half your family speak Spanish but you can’t? Planning your next holiday to Italy? Want to add something to your cv? Go for it.

recreate your favourite scenes with your household members, share them online or don’t, just have fun, have a premiere night, get dressed, take photos, have popcorn etc.

redecorate your home, do some gardening, spend quality time with your pet

write a book, maybe you have an idea for a book based on your unusual dreams, do a little daily

take an online course/teach online

exercise, yoga, meditation etc.

cut/dye your hair, if it’s bad, the world won’t know, unless you’re like me and you like to laugh it off and share on social media

make a bucket list/reconsider your bucket list

clean your pc and phone, delete all those photos you don't need, save them somewhere

play board games, videogames, cards

organise a spa day at home

plan your next trip or vacation take photos, get artsy, be creative, Instagram them

get ready for the next apocalypse, learn survival skills. (I know you all wanted zombies but now you've got time to get ready for them, not kidding)

make a list of things to do after lockdown

Google “things to do while in quarantine/lockdown”

Thank you Key Workers,

and thank YOU for staying at home.

ps:

If you ask me how I'm doing. I'm good. I get nervous and anxious when I see my family and friends worrying and constantly watching the news which often pushes me to retreat and keep my distance.

But there is good news too, very good news.

This outbreak is forcing everyone to take healing seriously and get back in tune with themselves, nature and overall just being more humble all while the Earth is healing.

We have been living against nature instead of alongside it. It is like nature is taking back the Earth, I believe that we are in transition and we're seeing society being more in tune and loving towards nature and partaking in less exploitation day by day.

Humans are very destructive, the balance is being restored. This pandemic has shown that human activity is the foremost cause of pollution on earth, proving that if we want to, the human race can work together towards a sustainable future.

Videos I'm finding helpful include: (there's plenty, some are guided meditations, some are not, some you can listen while sleeping)