Well, here we are! Wow. Weird. Interesting. Scary? Take deep breaths and stay luminous, you beautiful human! Let’s stay realistic here and make sure we’re up-to-date, but not drive ourselves mad by falling prey to the delusions of media overload. Like so many of the wonderful friends and spiritual gurus I follow on social media, I want to recommend using this time as a chance to reconnect with some aspects of our life that we either completely ignore or put on the back-burner.

a forced retreat from the “go-go-go”

These quarantines (whether mandatory or recommended) mean we are in a forced retreat! HOW COOL IS THAT? We’re being ASKED to stay home and take care of ourselves. In a society that’s usually asking us to “DO DO DO” and “GIVE GIVE GIVE” and “BUY BUY BUY,” we’re being asked to reduce our social interactions, work from home, and keep ourselves healthy. Some more “me” time, and also a lesson in compassion, because we’re not doing this only for ourselves. The young and healthy have a responsibility to stop the spread of the virus by being mindful of their actions, so that we don’t spread it to those that are immunocompromised. This is a lesson in solidarity and compassion.

Okay, yes, it makes sense, but let’s talk mental health and logistics. If we’re going to be spending more time inside and at home, what can we do to pass the time productively without going crazy? Netflix and Hulu are calling to us, yeah…but what about some meaningful activities that will actually allow us to use this time for personal growth? Can we get rid of the word “stir-crazy” and “antsy” and try to fill our home with a sense of calm and clarity? I’m asking this for myself as much as for anyone else! I find this time so challenging. I feel like I’ve spent the last two-ish months in self-quarantine anyway, spending hours at home on my computer, looking for work and trying to better understand my life goals. And right when I was ready to take the leap, move somewhere new, and look for a new job…COVID-19 jumped on us in full force.

So I’m writing these suggestions as much for myself as for you. Let’s see the sweet, sweet lemonade in this barrage of lemons. The silver lining around this ominous gray cloud. The beautiful latte art on top of this burned coffee. TIME FOR LOVE, time for good.

Also, let’s not drink burnt coffee. Thanks to all the baristas around the world that don’t burn coffee. Love you.

1) Call a family member you haven’t talked to in a while

It might be nice to catch up with someone you haven’t chatted with in a while. Finally, free time. Maybe it’s an aunt whose birthday is coming up. A cousin that you haven’t talked to in three years. Or just your sister, going through a particularly rough time. Chat them up. Send some love over the wireless.

2) Kindle them books, baby

To avoid going to the library, why not whip out that Kindle of yours and download a couple of killer books you’ve been meaning to read? Looking for ideas? I can’t NOT recommend You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero if you’re interested in the realm of self-help. Want something a little more ocean conservation-y? Try Ocean Country by Liz Cunningham. Or if you want a captivating memoir, my girl Liz Clark writes just Swell.

3) Bake something healthy

I am personally the biggest fan in the world of vegan banana bread. Or, at least, that’s a label I’ve awarded myself. Oh She Glows has one of my favorite recipes. Slather some vegan butter on a nice warm slice, or do as I do and have a side of banana bread with your peanut butter. Plus, it really is more nutritious than the sugary crud you can buy from the supermarket. Treat yourself to quality food, and spend some time in your kitchen. It helps calm anxiety and gives you something productive to do.

4) Pick up that instrument you haven’t played in a while (or ever) - let’s make music!

This is something that I’m really excited about! I’ve been admiring my pretty Breedlove guitar that I’ve had since I was 18, and it’s just begging to be played. Same with the grand piano sitting in my parent’s living room. There’s never been a more perfect time to plink away at those keys, strung those strings, bang those drums, flitter that flute…you know, whatever you do to your instrument. Make some music, baby! COVID-19 anxiety be gone.

5) Start (or spend time with) a journal

Writing is theraputic, no doubt. It’s always been my go-to activity when I’m down, because for some reason, words make more sense to me when they’re tumbling out in writing instead of tumbling out of my mouth. If you’re not a writer (or don’t consider yourself one) that’s all the more reason to give journaling a try! You’d be surprised what you can create from your thoughts, and how could it feels to let them out. Any old notebook will do if you don’t have one already. Just let the words fall out and express how you’re feeling. There’s nobody judging you.

6) Sweat via the internet (or zen out)

So many workout facilities/yoga studios are starting to livestream their classes to make up for that fact that people can’t come in. Responsible social distancing! Or, you can try one of the classic online workout video sites, like Yoga With Adriene or Five Parks Yoga. Want something more strenuous? Fitness Blender is great for high intensity! Try their kickboxing classes to really release that angst. Quarantine is no longer an excuse not to keep up with your exercise routine. Plus, if working out isn’t a stress reliever, I dunno what is.

7) Do some yard work or plant a garden

You can still socially distance yourself when you’re out in your yard. It’s good to be outside, and maybe there’s some sort of project you’ve been wanting to do for a while. Fix up those flower beds! Start planning out your new garden. Get creative - it’s the perfect time to make something you’ve always wanted a reality.

8) Practice smart nature excursions

If you’re in a place where you’re not in a “shelter-in-place” type of quarantine, get outside to a natural area, practice social distancing if others are also there, and enjoy some nature. This is the ultimate relaxer. Breathe in fresh air, feel mud and dirt under your feet, bathe yourself in forest-y or beach-y or mountain-y goodness.

9) Create a vision board

I love a good vision board. Regardless of where your at on your journey, it can only benefit you to look at your dreams, desires, and goals and get some clarity on what steps you can take to start making these a reality. Snip photos out of magazines that inspire you, write your favorite quotes, print photos of things you love. Paste them on a big piece of paper or all over your walls. If you can dream it, babe, you can do it. That You Are a Badass book I mentioned above is really good at helping you with this, too!

10) Go through old photos and update the frames around your house

I always love getting lost in old photos. Take yourself down memory lane and find some goodies of you and your fam/friends/partner and refresh the frames around your home. It might perk you up to look at all the fun things you’ve done, and remind you of all the fun adventures yet to come!

So are you ready to maximize your self-quarantine time for self-care? Remember your compassion, do this for others, keep yourself healthy, and know that this too shall pass. You get more time to spend with your family, your cat, your dog, yourself. It’s a gift if you just reframe your thoughts.

I love you all, and if you ever want to chat, just shoot me an email and I’m here to support in whatever way I can!

Love,

Lozza

P.S. To my best friend and baby puma, I love you. Rest in peace, Boomer.

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