03 May 2020

I don't know about you, but this global pandemic brought on the five stages of grief:

1. Denial: "COVID-19 will be over in a few days. Just you watch."

2. Anger: "Are you actually kidding me? We've already had bushfires and floods this year. Now, this?? You've got to be joking..."

3. Bargaining: "What am I going to do now? What about my job? Paying rent? Uni? My social life? What now?"

4. Depression: "Aghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... This SUCKS!!"

5. Acceptance: "Well, it is what it is. How can I make the most of it?"

No matter what stage you're in, acceptance will inevitably come. And then you can stop always dwelling on how bleak the world is rn and start to, instead, capitalise on your free time and glow up inside and out!

 

1. Let's get physical, physical

A lot of the time, life is pretty full throttle and fitting in exercise between intense schedules seems hopeless. But now, we have nothing but time on our hands, so it's time to get into the habit of exercising.

To create the habit of exercise and maintain motivation, try exercising at the same time each day. That way, it'll be drilled in your daily routine and won't be such a big deal.

2. H20: Just Add Water

H20 Just Add Water is not only a critically acclaimed masterpiece but also a motto you should live by. Now is the time to keep that water bottle of yours with you 24/7. 

There are tonnes of benefits from drinking a lot of water. For example, it's good for your digestive system and it boosts skin health and beauty. So get drinking! 

3. Catch enough Z's

If you're not getting eight hours sleep a night, it's time to reevaluate your sleep choices.

Now is your chance to create a sleep pattern that will also stick with you after iso because, like water and exercise, sleep is very important. Duh. 

Your body craves routine and structure, so start hitting the hay at a consistent time every night, and set an alarm for the same time every morning. I use the 'Bedtime' feature on my iPhone to consistently go to bed at 10:20 pm and wake up at 6:20 am.  

4. Become a red hot book worm

As Dr Seuss said so perfectly: “the more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

Reading is good for your soul. I've set myself a goal to read 70 pages a day so that I can learn as much as possible during isolation. Then, when everything is back to normal, I'll be the next Einstein or Plato. Vibes.

5. Give your hobbies some <3

A lot of the time, hobbies are pushed aside in the whirlwind of life. But now is the perfect time to give them the love they deserve!

Watch some YouTube tutorials, read some articles, practice and experiment to get those creative juices flowing and grow your skills. When I'm bored, I've been making it a habit to play some violin or paint rather than scroll down my Facebook feed.

6. Become the next Gandhi

It's time to get that third eye of yours pumping... or whatever the hippies say. 

Meditation is a perfect method to get those frazzled thoughts of yours to evaporate. Making meditation a habit of your daily routine is so damn beneficial for your wellbeing. Then get funky with it. Research essential oils and crystals, learn about chakras and auras. 

Become mindful of how you treat yourself and how you talk to yourself. Be mindful of how you can be a more positive, selfless person, just like Gandhi.

7. Structure

Having to study and work from home makes you realise the importance of structure. Without it, a lot of us end up in procrastination station.

Find a morning routine. Work out if you prefer to exercise in the morning or night. Figure out a sleep schedule. Have a list of priorities for each day. Having a structure that will soon be subconscious to you is such a good habit to have, especially when isolation is over, so that you can, with ease, transition into the daily grind again.

Now go be your best self!