How To Not To Lose Your Mind During The Quarantine

As Spring shows its charm with sunlight and good weather, the quarantine is becoming a big challenge. 

I see more and more people every day from my balcony, leaving their flats and ignoring some social guidelines that get more and more exhausting as time goes by. I understand how difficult it can get to just stay inside, especially for those used to be outside out all day long. Because of that, I have prepared a few pieces of advice to survive this quarantine without losing your mind.

Remote working?

If you work from home, follow the same work schedule you would as if you were in the office. I know this one is pretty obvious, but it’s also extremely difficult to emulate. Also, keep wearing your work uniform. It’s so easy to work on pyjamas, enjoying the comfort of your couch but that might not help you. 

Right now, the organization at home is going to be directly related to your mental health.

If you hate your working clothes, you can have your own “work from home uniform”, which you can use only whilst being operative and productive.

Enjoy the benefit of having a cup of coffee or hot chocolate whilst being productive, and also enjoy not having to commute, but keep the schedule. 

When working from home, being able to concentrate during the first hour can be as hard as being able to disconnect after your last one. 

What do we do with our free time?

Think about those things we don’t allow ourselves to do before the quarantine. 

For example, cooking very healthy meals, or trying a vegan diet, or start listening to a few podcasts. Lack of time and energy is often one of the reasons we don’t meet these goals, but now is the best time to fulfil those ideas. 

For example, try to cook all of your meals. Spend some time watching videos online, checking different recipes and select a few ones to prepare at home.

Another option is to start practicing some activity that relaxes you. Painting, writing or sewing are some of the activities you may start enjoying during this quarantine. 

In my case, I treated myself to play Rummikub a lot. I got it online shortly after the quarantine started and haven playing almost every day with my partner. Table games are a great option if you want to give Netflix a break. 

Make 2 changes in your day 

One of them has to be the first time in the morning, the other one is up to you. This is a simple way to press the “update” bottom in our brain. It’s good to feel that you are progressing, even if it happens inside the same four walls where you are 24 hours a day.

Any change is good, from 20 push-ups every morning to change what you are having for breakfast. In my case, I have decided to have a glass of matcha tea every morning. I had read wonderful things about it and the things it does, from slowing the caffeine spike to skin benefits and there wasn’t a better time to introducing it to my daily routine.

Finally, treat yourself a little bit

Staying at home for too many hours can be dangerous for some shopaholics out there. On top of that, many retailers are launching special discounts and temporary sales to compensate for the losses they are currently having. 

Avoid spending time checking online stores. If you want to buy something, treat yourself to something you are going to enjoy during the quarantine, from a soft new pyjama to a 1000-piece puzzle. Get a shaker and prepare healthy smoothies. I have started trying different types of ice coffee recipes at home and, while it’s not ideal as I am already having a powerful drink in the morning and I am a terrible sleeper, it is pretty fun.

I want to know your thoughts. How are you dealing with the quarantine?