It has been a stressful couple of weeks. The safer at home initiative has changed all of our lives, and while I’m glad that we are taking steps to prevent the spread of Covid-19, I’m not used to spending so much time at home. After a few days of endlessly staring at my phone, I wanted to find ways to distract myself from worrying about the news and looking at social media. I came up with several activities that I can do in order to give myself a positivity boost each day and keep my mental health in check. Here are my tips for keeping yourself occupied during self quarantine. Over the next few weeks, I’m sure I’ll think of even more activities to try while I’m staying inside. Let me know if you have any recommendations in the comments below!

Try an online workout

I used to attend workout classes in person because I felt like I couldn’t get the same experience at home. I wanted to start working out online during this time, so I was pleased to see that the fitness industry has a variety of workout routines already up and running. My goal has been to work out in some capacity every day, which helps a lot with my mental clarity and avoiding social media for an hour. I have been alternating between power yoga classes, weighted workouts and Let It Go Yoga. You don’t have to do it alone – My boyfriend and I have developed a new workout routine in our apartment and I have worked out several times with a group of my friends via Zoom. I have even looked up online workouts from the studios that I went to in Los Angeles. The classes are the same and it’s a great way to support local studios and teachers during this time. If you teach yoga, you can offer a class to your friends virtually!

Take a wellness course

I have been craving some new information, but it’s hard to stay in a positive state when I’m constantly checking the news. I saw online that many universities and accredited institutions have been offering courses for free during this time. Last week, I started a popular course that is offered at Yale, The Science of Well-Being. It is a class on happiness and the first week provided me with a lot of new information on what actually makes us happy. It was very interesting data to examine and discuss, (There is a virtual chatroom for the course or you can talk about it with someone you live with, like I did!) I’m looking forward to continuing this 10 week course and I strongly encourage you to do some research on a subject that you might be interested in learning about. If you would like to learn how to do yoga, the Let It Go Yoga Intro course is available online. There are so many educational options and now is the perfect time to absorb some information that is exciting and new.

Try a new activity

My boyfriend Nate has always been a fan of video games, and before the self quarantine orders, I never really knew how they worked or tried to play a game. In an attempt to pass the time while staying inside, he suggested that I try the new version of Animal Crossing. Animal Crossing New Horizons is a video game that focuses on creating your own island paradise. It has been a new experience to learn how to use a game controller and gain points while fishing and catching butterflies. The game lets you go at your own pace, with small tasks and goals to do on your island adventure. It has been wildly popular since it came out, so it’s been fun to chat with friends on their progress and experience. I have found that immersing myself in the game has helped to keep myself at ease during stressful times. Even if it’s not a video game, I recommend tackling something totally new and out of your element. Ask a family member or friend for ideas – You never know what they might come up with for you to do!

Start an art project

I have been putting together a small art project with the supplies that I have around my house. I have a pile of photo strips and polaroids that I’ve accumulated from parties over the years and I thought I would use them to decorate an extra poster board that I found in my closet. I don’t have all the supplies that I would ideally want, but I have been reusing wrapping paper and digging through my drawers to find sharpies in order to fully realize my vision. It feels great to get creative and work on something that I wouldn’t have thought to do if the stay at home orders weren’t in place. I challenge you to get creative and pull out any old art supplies for a new project. You may even discover a hidden talent for drawing, painting or putting together a collage. Even if it’s not perfect, you can practice your artistry and keep your wellness in check at the same time.

Stay safe and healthy!

Written by Emily Parsons, Certified Let It Go Yoga teacher.

Want to know more about Let It Go Yoga? Start here with our Diaphragmatic Breathing Video!