6 Ideas to Have a More Mindful Day in Quarantine

Why We Need to be Focusing on our Mental Health in These Times:

Much of the country is waking up to multiple pandemics. One is the physiological issue all around the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. With cases on a steady incline in the usa, masks, hand sanitizers, and 6 feet apart have grown to be chants at the back of everyone's mind. Something that many Americans have experienced to reckon within yesteryear several months is the plight of BIPOC (black, indigenous, and individuals of color) within this country. In other words something my pal said, racial issues within this country happen to be endemic for decades and also the death of George Floyd and COVID-19 set the stage for exposure.

While involve closely understanding and fighting both of these crises are essential, I can not help but think of the next imminent issue: mental health crises following quarantine, protests, food insecurity, unemployment, and health scares. When I open social networking, I'm often inundated with companies posting about better days ahead, with what seems like a superficial attempt to throw a Band-Aid on the festering issue.

In my time in self-imposed quarantine, I've had way too much time for you to think, and one of the things I needed to nail down are a few healthy habits that will help make the future easier and less stressful for me personally. Regardless of the troublesome times we live through, I have found these pointers to be a proactive measure to safeguard my mental energy against an uncertain future.

1. Drink a Cup of Ice-cold Water in the Morning

If you're anything like me, you've been going to bed late at 3 AM after which waking up five hours later for no explainable reason. Of course, the first instinct is to reach for coffee, but don't get it done! Instead, get yourself a tall cup of water, plunk some ice cubes in there, and drink it. Wait Half an hour, and then drink your coffee. Trust me, the body and your brain will thank you later.

2. Journal a webpage a Day

I know, I understand. So cheesy. But, hey! This really is among those outdoor recreation that you need very little equipment. A pen, a piece of paper, as well as your thoughts, and you are off! I have been doing one page a day in my little 7″x 9″ notebook, and it's just enough to pen down my surface feelings without having to be obliged to create a thesis about the stuff that are worrying me. I do this first thing in the morning, with nothing cluttering my thoughts. I have found it sets the tone for any focused, deliberate day, even when I'm just journaling about how stressed I am.

3. Take a Walk

I hated this having a passion. When I first started, I despised the sensation of cars zipping by me, and my walking felt meaningless. But I forced myself to leave every day, and slowly, I began to understand a lot more than walking simply to reach any destination. I actually do it how to nourish my body, hear the crickets chirping, and accrue my mile count! I've even roped my sister into walks with me, and it is been wonderful having conversation and laughter on the way.

4. Curate a Playlist

Music might help our mental health in multiple ways and having all of your favorite songs in one location is such a great tool. My Spotify playlists encapsulate themes from my emotions, the elements, as well as the era of the week. Whether I'm happy or down within the slumps, my music is a type of escape, and achieving everything in one location is a thing I never have to worry about. Believe me, having a “Monday” playlist will change your life.

5. Limit Social Media

We hold this truth so dear to the hearts that does not all social media apps are mental health-friendly. You know what I mean. I have found that there are ways to be engaged mindfully, and then there is a utilization of social media that entraps me right into a scrolling, repetitive circle for hours at a time. What helps me probably the most is deleting the apps off my phone. Throughout the day, I keep your apps deleted off my phone. At night, when I'm winding down, I allow myself to re-download and study for a short period. I've found the longer I've done this, the fewer nights I have wanted to re-download the app to scroll meaninglessly. Do the things that work for you, but keep moderation in mind! Individuals will continually be putting their endures the web – take whatever time you need to be contained in yours.

6. Shop Mindfully

Whether it's food, clothing, or Amazon knick-knacks, track how you are expending money. In quarantine, my family managed to get an objective to cook what we should needed and planned our meals accordingly and tailored a grocery list. And far of my shopping online continues to be condensed to people a few things i can justify. For example, instead of buying clothes that I don't have any spot to wear in the foreseeable future, I spent money into the garden supplies I want. Sometimes when we go shopping, we're not mentally aware of the reason why a product is utile. Do your research, help make your needs and wants lists, and spend money wisely, in order to reduce waste and mindless consumption.

A lot of these pointers might seem straightforward, but it is actually the habit making procedure that makes them so important. Knowing these pointers and implementing them daily is a challenge only one that's so worth it. I have found that sticking by them, even if it's difficult, has made me more conscientious about my day and the state of my mind. I really hope trying them out helps you to perform the same!