You are allowed to feel stressed
Don’t let others impact your feelings. If you feel unsafe and unsure of the state of things, let yourself feel validated that its okay! Don’t feel embarrassed about taking precautions to ensure the safety of you and others. Allow yourself to feel whatever emotions come your way.
If you find yourself overeating, that’s okay
Many people have been joking about excessive eating being locked inside all day. Don’t feel discouraged or defeated if you find yourself overindulging. Whether its from boredom or stress, you can let yourself have an extra cookie or an extra bag of chips. Try to stick to normalcy on your main meals, but try not to beat yourself up if you haven’t been maintaining a perfect diet.
If you are exercising less that’s okay
This goes hand in hand with diet. Many of us have been eating more and exercising less due to our routines being messed up. Not being able to go to the gym can be a major upset to some people’s lifestyles. Exercise serves as an important outlet for stress and anxiety, as well as being important for overall health. If you are struggling to shift to the at home workout lifestyle, remind yourself that you are not alone and many are also taking it easier. Try some calming yoga routines to loosen up stiff muscles if you don’t feel like doing an intense workout.
Don’t feel guilty about not using your time to accomplish things
For many people stuck at home with no work to do, it can be easy to feel like you are being lazy. If you find yourself feeling guilty about having all this downtime, remember how unique this situation is! Its not often the whole country is staying at home like this. Take it day by day and do whatever releasing stress and makes you happy.
You are allowed to take extra naps
If you are home all day, don’t be afraid to take advantage of the peace and quiet. Its not often you are in a situation that allows for catching up on sleep. Maybe take some time for meditation or resting.
You are allowed to watch television
Don’t feel guilty about all the tv you are watching. Watching your favorite show is a great escape from reality and can help us forget about the state of things. Bundle up with a warm blanket and some tea and get lost in a show!
You are allowed to wear sweatpants all day
If you have nowhere to be, why stress about what you’re wearing! If you are used to putting extra time into looking nice, take advantage of the quarantine to take a break from all the pressures of looking good. No one will judge you for wearing sweatpants and no makeup at home!
During stressful times like these, do what makes you feel safe and comfortable
The most important part of being in isolation is to feel safe. We are distancing ourselves from others to prevent the spread of disease. It can be scary and lonely living in these times, so do whatever you need to do to feel safe. Don’t feel pressured to visit friends if you are uncomfortable with that. If you need to limit social media and news, go ahead and do that.
Bring happiness into your space, whatever that may mean to you
All in all, try to spend each day bringing a little more happiness into your home. Whether that means baking something you love, binge watching a show, or taking a relaxing nap, do it! Being in your own space means there is a lack of societal judgement. Pinterest is a gold mine for inspiring ideas. There are ideas for being lazy, and ideas for when you want to accomplish something. Bring joy into your life and try to be a positive peer to others in your life as well!
