Hey guys!
It’s been a while since I dropped a blog post! I hope you’re all holding up okay. It’s definitely been a crazy time for all of us, but I’m hoping that you’re finding ways to get used to our ‘new normal,’ and are learning to appreciate this temporary ‘pause.’
Although there have been a few tough days, the majority of my time spent in isolation so far has been extremely positive. I wanted to share some of the tools I’ve used that have worked for me in regards to staying in positive spirits, as I’m hoping it may help to bring positivity to you as well.
SETTING A ROUTINE
Remember to make your bed each morning. Then take your shower, or get dressed, or whatever you would normally do next, and so on. Get in the mindset of staying in a routine as best as you can. This will help to add structure to your days.
USE A PLANNER
Get your planner out, and write down your ‘exciting,’ tasks. Exciting tasks could be something as simple as doing the laundry, exercising, FaceTiming a friend, meal prepping, decluttering, or sweeping the entire house. Staying in the habit of recording your ‘events,’ will keep you in the routine of completing tasks, and will continue to give you things to look forward to.
ALLOW YOURSELF TO DO THINGS YOU GENUINELY LOVE
You may or may not remember a time in your childhood where you actually had time. Time to do things that you genuinely enjoyed. Time where you had to ‘look,’ for something to do. Know what I mean? For me, I feel like I’m too young to drive, on a two week Christmas vacation from school. Nowhere to go, and very little responsibilities. This was always the best time to try new crafts, watch exciting movies, and spend quality time with my family.
What are some things that you genuinely love to do? Read a book? Paint a picture? Perfect your baking skills? We all have things that we love, but as much as we love them, they always get put on the back burner due to our everyday tasks. Take this time to relax a bit, pull out an old hobby, and feel absolutely zero guilt enjoying your time.
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS VIA GRATITUDE JOURNALING
When days get hard, and we all know, they definitely do, try and think of three things that you’re thankful for. These could be as big as ‘I’m thankful to be alive,’ or as small as ‘I’m thankful I got to eat peanut butter on my toast today.’ Counting your blessings will help to put things into perspective, and will help show you that there are still so many things to smile about each day.
Hey… now that you’re here reading this, what are YOU thankful for today?
Some great journal prompts for you to expand on during this time include:
- What am I feeling today, and what thoughts are creating that feeling?
- How can I love myself today?
- Who inspires me, & why?
- How can I give myself an honest show at making the best of each day, given our current situation?
- What are my current worries? Are my current worries realistic? Is there anything I can do to add comfort to the way that I am feeling?
- If there was a solution to my current stress/anxiety, what would it look like?
- When was the last time you did something for the first time?
- How do you treat people who can do nothing for you?
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE
There are countless amounts of podcasts, courses, & ebooks that are available free of charge during the pandemic. Take the extra time to broaden your knowledge, whether it be trying a new virtual fitness class, taking a new certification, or simply, learning from people who know more than you. Added knowledge is so valuable, and such a productive way to spend your extra time.
EXERCISE
Exercise has been proven to provide you with happy hormones, ultimately helping to increase our overall mood. Find a way to move each day. Give back to your body, and all that it does for you.
There are tons of free classes and workouts circling the internet right now. Find something that is appealing to you, and use the time to try something new!
*Want to take part in STRETCH THERAPY classes? My ‘Stretch Fam,’ is currently open to absolutely everyone. Join our Facebook group for free 45 minute stretch classes, 2-3x each week. Tons of smiling faces. Link included below.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/655727584993006/?ref=bookmarks
DIET
Try to be kind to your body during this time, by providing yourself with as many ‘whole,’ ‘one ingredient,’ foods as possible. Added nutrients = added energy, = increased mood!
Remember to stay hydrated as well, as water helps oxygenate the body, and repair our tissues.
CONTINUE TO EXIST 💕
There are days where everything else on the list seems completely impossible. I get it, we’ve all experienced those days. If the only thing you could do today was ‘exist,’ I am so proud of you. Smile at the fact that you can try again tomorrow.
Love always,
-Shae
Shaelyn Elliott 'The Stretch Fairy' 