How To Not Go Crazy Whilst Self-Distancing

Is anyone else going a little mad at the moment? I definitely am. 

How do I know this? I've had several conversations with my rabbit. He is no longer enjoying my continual presence and is now just tolerating me. 

Same as my boyfriend really. I joke...hopefully.

Anyway, let's talk about social-distancing. 

I am currently working from and home and annoying my boyfriend on a continual basis. 

Nonetheless, I am still feeling very anxious about the entire situation at the moment. Whilst we are living in a time of uncertainty, anxiety and general madness, it's important to take care of our mental health and to remain focused.

So, without further ado, here are some of my top tips on how NOT to go crazy whilst staying at home.

Get up in the morning, brush your hair and get dressed. It doesn't necessarily have to be into jeans or anything uncomfortable, it can even be glorified pyjamas if you really want, just get out of what you slept in. 

Just because life is lacking routine a little at the moment, it doesn't mean you have to forget about yours. It will make you feel more productive if you put on some clothes and get moving, you will feel less cooped up.

  

Don't spend the time staring at a screen. It can be really tempting, your TV is right there and you finally have plenty of time to finish all those series that you said you would watch. But try to avoid doing it all the time. There are a million things you can achieve from your house!

Talking of screens, try to avoid reading the news too much. When I get up in the morning, the first thing I do is check the news and then for the rest of the day, I try my best to avoid it. Whilst it's important to stay informed, the tabloids can be a scary place right now and you don't need that energy all day, every day. 

We all have that one book, that we can never quite find time to read. Now is the time! Grab that book that's been sitting on your shelf, cosy up and give it a read. 

I'm currently reading Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout, I'll let you know if it's good!

Yes, all the gyms are closed but that doesn't mean exercise is off the table. You are still allowed to go outside, as long as you remain away from other people. Go on a walk, do a home work out, go for a run or put your music on full blast and dance erratically in your living room. 

Don't let this scary time slow you down! Also, get up and stretch every hour. Sitting down for an entire day is awful for your circulation. 

I've been listening to my record collection a lot more  - something I don't usually get to do and you best believe that weird dancing comes with that!

Above everything, stay safe. Listen to what people are saying about washing your hands and not going out unless it is completely essential. Take your meetings over the video, call your family and check they are okay, and look after yourself. 

See you next week.