In a time when every one of us is trying to wrap our head around the new ‘normal’, keeping our spirits up is essential. Maybe a virtual happy hour with your friends is doing the job, or a movie marathon with your roommates is keeping you occupied – but there are things beyond this that you can do to feel joyful especially if you’re in isolation all by yourself! While some people may be perfectly content with being by themselves, there are others who are trying their best to prevent anxiety from overstaying. This is where our list of feel-good things comes into the picture! You can let your happy side takeover with a simple set of ideas that are sure to make you feel more alive in this dull phase. So read along if you feel like the roof of your room is caving in; let’s beat the feeling of doom together!
Add some Quarantunes to your playlist!
Music isn’t just something you need on the train ride to your workplace, but it should also be a conscious part of your life now more than ever. Known to calm one’s nerves, increase focus and exhibit healing qualities, the kind of music you listen to can lighten up your mood instantly! With great tracks right at your fingertips, courtesy of Spotify, Apple Music, etc. you don’t have to look beyond tailored playlists to suit your taste. Step aside from the mainstream and give offbeat classics an ear. If you miss hitting the club, RSVP to a party of 1. Your living room, kitchen or the bedroom – all of these can serve as your dancefloor! But whatever you do, just let the music play.
The ’Pawfect’ quarantine.
Your four-legged friends may have let you off the hook when your life revolved around stretched out workdays, but not anymore! They see you vegging out on the couch, phone in hand, earphones plugged in, ignoring their soft purr for attention – and they’re not okay with it! A light petting once a day just doesn’t cut it – give them the much-deserved attention! If this doesn’t make you and your pet grin from ear to ear, we don’t know what will. Don’t treat this as a chore, but a chance to show your furry friends just how much you love ‘em. Trust us, your heart will be full again!
Channel your inner Marie Kondo!
Pictures of Deepika Padukone’s labelling-everything-around-the-house spree have been doing the rounds on social media. That, and the therapeutic nature of an organized shelf or cupboard has prompted us to unleash our inner Marie Kondo. You will breathe better when that huge pile of clothes in your wardrobe is neatly folded and put on hangers, or your several stationary picks are divided and conquered by being stacked into designated sections. Cleanliness is clinically proven to be a major stress reliever. When you have the science to back up the path to your happy hormones, the only other thing you need is a plan of action!
Get back in sync with your body.
Out & about was a way of living for several people around the globe until staying safe by staying in became the new mantra. The upside? We have nothing but time for ourselves and our families, and also for a healthier body. Tune in with what your body really needs – whether it’s a long bubble bath you’re craving or a delicious detox drink! The idea is to hit reset and wave goodbye to all those toxins before the lockdown is lifted. It isn’t just about fulfilling your fitness goals, but also about a good overall cleanse. And we already know how beneficial cleanliness is, more so when it comes from the inside. You don’t have to torture your body but on the contrary, you need to make it happy!
The ‘write’ way to ward off anxiety.
You don’t have to possess A-level writing skills, impeccable grammar or be the next novelist. All you need is a pen & paper to write off your anxiety and process how you’re feeling. As overwhelming as things could possibly get, writing really does help. If all you manage to pen down is a messy thought process or just one taxing sentence, that’s okay too. The future of all your quarantine thoughts can either be a journal or a crumpled page in the trash can. Both of these are just as helpful, so take out all your pretty stationery and give this a real shot!
Breathe.
Productivity should never feel like a compulsion, but if it starts feeling like one then you need to sit back and let yourself be. Social media may make you feel like every hour needs to be seized in a certain way, but if being wrapped up in a blanket with leftover food and a strong will to do nothing is on your agenda for the day then give in to it! You don’t have to be a perfectionist every day of your life; some days all you have to be is alive & grateful. Be proud of yourself even when you are unproductive; you’re simply recharging for a day full of productivity!
