Here's how to make self-isolation less isolating.
Being alone can be hard, even without a global crisis taking place. But with the onset of COVID-19, people across the world who struggle with their mental health are finding self-isolation to be both challenging and harmful.
What's the key to maintaining our mental health despite the circumstances?
Staying busy.
But we all know that's easier said than done.
So we at NAMI have compiled a list of 50 things to do while staying at home. Enjoy!
Start a bullet journal
Make a list of dream vacations, and if you're really bored, plan out each one
Watch an uplifting show on Netflix (we recommend Interior Design Masters for some fun British humor)
Start meditating (Apps like Calm and Headspace are great starting points)
Exercise! Experts say this is the most potent form of medication out there for boosting mood and improving mental well-being
Find a remote job. There's something for everyone on job sites like Indeed.com, from copy editing to social media management
Hug your dog (or cat!)
Start an Instagram account for your pet
Read a book
Listen to a podcast
Make a new recipe
Start a blog on WIX.com
Draw or paint something
Take quizzes on Buzzfeed.com
Learn how to knit
Watch some TED talks
FaceTime a friend
Download an app you can play with friends, like Words with Friends, so that social distancing feels less distant
Learn a new skill! UVA offers free linkedinlearning.com accounts for students
Write letters to your future self
Learn a new language
Take a bath
Write in a journal
Take a nap
Listen to your favorite music
Virtually travel! Google.com offers street view tours of museums and sites across the globe
Reach out to old friends to catch up over the phone
Play a video game
Clean your apartment
Look at old pictures
Browse resources for mental health
Paint
Think about a business you could start one day
Donate to UVA Mutual Aid
Browse @thesquirrelsofuva 's Instagram account
Make a bucket list
Volunteer online through a site like UN Volunteers
Write a book or short story
Watch cool YouTube videos (we recommend Macro Room and The Slow Mo Guys!)
Light a candle and take a deep breath
Organize your closet
Scroll through Pinterest
Watch a musical online (BroadwayHD is offering a free 7-day trial!)
Watch reruns of your favorite sports team's games
Start a gratitude journal
Write out a list of goals for yourself
Write out a list of ways you can best take care of your mental health
Make a budget and track your spending
Make yourself a cup of tea
Take another deep breath and remind yourself that this time will pass, and that the most important thing is to prioritize your mental and physical health.
Thanks for reading!