1. Treat yo self.
What makes you happy that won’t risk your health? Facials, massages, and restaurant dinners would have been go-to’s in the past but these are strange times, so maybe think about something else. For me it’s flowers, takeaway, and online shopping using the money I would have spent on travel.
2. Take a staycation.
It feels like a shame to take vacation leaves and just spend them at home, so why not book a staycation?
A colleague mentioned a nice beach here so I found a hotel there and booked a room for my birthday.
3. Hold a socially distant movie night with friends.
Pick a movie you and your movie buddies haven’t seen on Netflix and hit play at the same time. Discuss the movie afterwards, or even during.
I did this last night with a movie buddy in the Philippines. We picked the musical Hamilton and enjoyed it. Jonathan Groff as King George is so hilarious; he’s our fave. The ending also gave me something to think about – what is my legacy?
4. Find someone who needs you.
Not everyone has the same reaction to the pandemic as you. For example, introverts or people in relationships are probably enjoying this more than you and don’t really need you.
So find someone who is also feeling the same way you do, and keep each other company.
I realized that I was reaching out to the wrong people and only got even more depressed when I got ignored and felt abandoned. I can’t blame them for being happy, so I need to find other people who are miserable like me, and maybe together we won’t be so miserable.
I’m also training myself to be happy not talking to people. I’m actually a pretty independent woman, so this shouldn’t be too difficult.
5. Find a new hobby.
Keep yourself busy so you don’t wallow in sadness and self pity. There are plenty of free online courses now; take advantage of those. Or just try something new, like paint by numbers, a home improvement project, or start a podcast.
I’ve done all those. I’ve finished a painting and a “walk-in closet” and the last one is in the brainstorming phase so I have nothing concrete yet, but will definitely post about it once I have more to share!
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