These are weird times. Times I thought I would never encounter, but we have. Many lessons have been learned since March 2020 when America was greatly impacted by COVID-19. The countless hours of isolation I have endured have allowed me to recognize things you can do in your own home to keep you sane. Your mental health can be improved by activities you didn't even know they could.
1. Begin your day with something you love.
For me, it's iced coffee. Nothing beats the feeling of making an iced coffee just the way you like it in the comfort of your own home.
2. Create a "have always" to-do list.
Think of all the thinks you have always wanted to do. Whether thats tackling a DIY you have been scared to do, updating your resume, clear out your computer, etc. Little things that you need to do, but never take the time to execute them.
3. Spice up your space.
Your house is an area you should love, but seeing the same thing everyday is simply not exciting. One way you can easily make your area feel fresh is to give it a new layout. The layout of a room can change the whole way it is seen. Decorating for every season is a fun way to give your space a face lift.
4. Re-vamp your outdoor area if you have any.
I know not everybody has the opportunity to have a backyard, but even a balcony can make all the difference during isolation. If you spend a lot of time at home, spending some of that time outside is crucial. The fresh air and the vitamin D can do you some good, especially in the time of a pandemic.
5. Write for Odyssey.
Odyssey is a platform where you can speak your mind and be your own boss. Signing up as an independent writer has it's benefits, as-well as signing up for a community. Beginning a hobby of writing for odyssey has given me consistency and a platform to be creative.
6. Open your blinds and curtains.
Your space should be light and airy, not dark and scary. Opening the blinds and curtains in the mornings really give you that natural motivation and serotonin.
7. Listen to a podcast when doing chores.
Folding laundry, mopping, cooking, cleaning, and whatever else you may do that doesn't require a lot of thought process can be made a lot more enjoyable by listening to a podcasts. Today, there are so many podcast for whatever your interest might be. Warning: I don't recommend listening to a murder podcast at night alone- it does not boost natural serotonin and will scare the shit out of you.