1. Slow & steady wins the race.

We can all agree life was hectic before COVID-19 in that our schedules were jammed-packed and there was always something planned, something on your mind, and something that had to get crossed off the to-do list. While we still have our responsibilities now and other worries that have unlocked because of the coronavirus, other areas of our lives has slowed down as well. Having slowed down from cancelled activities and more free time, I've had the chance to finally to recharge and reevaluate my goals and dreams. I've had time to pay more attention to myself--my mental and physical health. Time to spend with my sister, parents, neighbor (when it was safe to!). Many of us had time to slow down and do things we wish we had time to, like spend valuable time with our loved ones. Sometimes, we just need to slow down! As Ferris Bueller said:

"Life Moves Pretty Fast. If You Don't Stop And Look Around Once In A While, You Could Miss It."

2. Strike a (Tree) Pose

Some of you have been raving about the new workout routines you've been able to pick up and get into since March. This is amazing! We always feel like we don't have time to workout but I realized we really do. It's about making the time. One thing that has allowed me to get back into yoga, running, and HIIT workouts was setting an alarm to workout, in the evenings (my preference). Beforehand, I would say I need to cross off things of my to-do list and after I'd get around to working out. Yeah, no. I find having a set time of day you workout is also a way to signal your brain that it's time to get your body moving and aids in the consistency we all need to get over that initial hump of forming a healthy habit. I love using the NIKE Run Club App, especially since it's free (college budget!). The app comes with guided runs narrated by a coach, curated trainings for your running events, as well as connecting to your Apple Music or Spotify! I also recommend Australian fitness coach Sarah Day's fitness program (see https://www.sarahsday.com/). I love the variety which is why I approve! Starting your own fitness Instagram, even if it's private and just for you, is a great way to track your progress too. Many people in the online fitness community are supportive and encouraging, and love to do tags to see what you're up to fitness-wise which makes interacting with people who have goals of moving and being active like you is a great way to stay motivated! I started my own fitness instagram (@krista_health), but I've made it a more "lowkey" casual Instagram I use to track my health journey. 10/10 recommend, it doesn't have to be a time-consuming commitment, but rather an encouraging accountability tool. Lastly, I highly encourage you spend time outdoors at least 4 times a week (we can forget this during the pandemic) and wear sunscreen (your mask), and get Vitamin D. You'll thank me later!

3. Hair, check. Nails, check. Makeup, check. Skincare?

Before quarantine, the extent of my skincare routine besides essential face washing was a face mask every so often or when I was having a stressful day. After jumping on the Skincare With Hyram train (famous skincare enthusiast on Youtube!) and also my own research. Regardless of your skin type, I highly recommend Physician's Formula, Neutrogena, Charcoal Peel Mask, and Pacifica's Rose Kombucha face wash. Taking care of my skin and making skincare a self-care ritual has made not only my skin clearer and brighter, but it has relaxed me and given me much needed me-time at the start and end of my day. I use Burt's Bees grapefruit makeup wipes and Garnier's Rose Micellar water for clearing makeup off after face-washing. Up your skin care game and trust me, you'll never look back just like me!

4. Artsy Fartsy (had to)

After channeling Bob Ross vibes, I have redone my room at home (doing online school in my hometown) from the collage and art pieces I've made. I am obsessed with the protective evil eye and recreated a piece I saw on Pinterest using paint and a canvas my boyfriend bought me as a way to entertain myself (or for me to stop talking to him 24/7? JK! Thanks boyfriend) and I am so happy with the results. Painting and art is a way to stress relief and an excellent break from a long day staring at the computer screen for online school. It's also a great way to express yourself and hone in on your Picasso skills! I also have loved making jewelry and making collages, or really mood boards, to express my favorite colors/quotes/travels and basically represent myself through art. If you feel like you aren't good at art, trust me you actually are great! Everyone starts somewhere, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and art is freedom of expression we should all enjoy from! I haven't gotten into it, but I hear the rave is also adult coloring books! Maybe I'll stick to my canvas paintings, but that's also a great stress-reliever!

5. Old Flames

Although the pandemic keeps us physically apart, you and I are always one call, text, snap, tweet, DM and Facetime away. This has made me realize the importance of my friendships and relationships overall even more than I did before. A positive of this coronavirus craziness is I have been able to reconnect with friends that grew apart because, you know, life happens. Being able to chat and reconnect, and lately make (safe/mask-wearing/social distant/group smaller than 10) plans like chilling in the backyard or going to the park, has been great. Of course relationships work both ways and it takes two to tango, but picking up the phone and reconnecting with an old friend is something you won't regret nine times out of ten. (I say nine because sometimes some relationships are meant to be moved on from, which I've learned the hard way by draining my energy where it wasn't reciprocated). Also, during this time where connection in person is dangerous, I've realized more and more the need to really check in on friends, as they should check on you. If you feel the inner dialogue and tug to catch up with someone you miss, do it.