It’s safe to say that we’ve all been experiencing some sort of pandemic fatigue lately. As the weeks and months roll on, it’s become increasingly important to find ways to battle the boredom of monotonous routines, find things that spark joy (thank you, Marie Kondo), and just plain ole’ do things that make us feel good!
We’ve been through all the trends over these past 11 months, from baking banana bread to binge watching Tiger King, but nothing quite satiates these feelings of stagnation like the three things mentioned below. The best part is, you can fit them in everyday, it’s free, and including these as a part of your daily rituals moving forward will benefit your health and well-being long after the pandemic is behind us.
1. Get outside every day! I prefer to do this first thing in the morning before I start my day. That morning light and air just hits differently and puts me in a good mood. Plus, having a 2 and a half year old can be hectic, so this guarantees that the day won’t slip away from me. *It’s good for the whole family when mama has this time to herself. 😉 Just make it a point to get outside daily, no matter when it is.
- Go for a walk
- Ride a bike
- Get your bare feet in the grass
- Sunbathe – no need for a bikini, just sit outside and let the warmth of the sun wash over you, even if its for 10 minutes
- Go for a swim
- Play a sport – tennis, anyone?
- Go to the park
- Tend to your garden
- You can even just stand outside and breathe. Seriously. No phone, no distractions. Just focus on your breath and let your thoughts wander.
2. Meditate. I’m not always traditional when it comes to mediation & you don’t need to be either! I can find the inner solace I’m looking for or connection to my higher power when I’m cooking, going for a walk, listening to my favorite music, showering, or even driving.💡 Sometimes that’s where my best ideas come from or how I can zone out completely in what I’ll refer to as my “mind jacuzzi”. Other times, only more traditional styles of meditation will do. Find what works for you and get it in where you can, that’s my motto.
Don’t be afraid to switch things up and use different meditation techniques and styles. Headspace lists a number of styles that you can try to see which appeals to you most. Here are a few examples, but check out their app for more detailed descriptions and helpful guided meditations to get your started.
- Sound Bath Meditation
- Zen Meditation
- Mantra Meditation
- Yoga Meditation
- Chakra Meditation
- Qigong Meditation
- Vipassana Meditation
- Transcendental Meditation
3. Create. Journal your thoughts, goals, or what you did that day. Getting it onto paper is like clearing your mental cache and it feels GOOD! Try making a new recipe, doodle (go ahead and color, no one is judging you for those adult coloring books you bought on Amazon last year), build something, create a photo album (remember those?), or pick up an instrument and improvise a song (yes, Garageband counts!). It’s not about how well you do it, it’s about having fun and stimulating those neurons! 🧠
What has kept you sane during the pandemic?
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