Five Things That Have Helped Get Me Through Quarantine

Getting through quarantine has truly felt like a journey. Some day's it feels easy and relaxing and other days it can feel truly overwhelming. The emotional journey is bound to continue throughout the remainder of this unique time but overall I have found that there are a few things that have helped push me through the challenges and help me maintain wellbeing. Here are my five tips to getting through quarantine. 

1. Being flexible and compassionate to my needs. No, I don’t go for a walk or do a fitness class every day. I try to do some fitness multiple times a week but I’m not hard on myself when I need a day off. Listening to my body and being compassionate to myself have been key to eliminating judgement on days where I just don’t have my usual energy or just am not feeling my best. An essential component to self compassion at times like these is letting go of “should-ing and must-ing”, meaning not giving yourself added pressure and guilt to be doing more than you can handle. Instead of telling yourself that you "should be" exercising daily or learning to speak Spanish during this free time honour your personal needs. 
2. Communicating with multiple loved ones daily by phone or video chat. I make a real effort to call family and friends each day. It is good for them and it feels good for me. I mix it up so that I end up calling different people throughout each week. 
3. Taking things day by day. Thinking about the next few months is stressful because there is so much that is unknown. I find it most helpful to my mental state to focus on the present rather than on the long term future. That means limiting my media consumption so that I do not spend hours listening to the news that reminds me of these long term concerns, and rather focus my energy on my personal to do’s each day. 
4. Making little things into big activities. Before I used to do a face mask and cook a meal as adjuncts to a busy day so that I would have nice skin or a nourishing meal. Now these small self care moments have become things that I really enjoy for the process and experience rather than just for the result. 
5. Staying productive. Pushing myself to spend some time doing something creative, or professionally oriented at a desk each day feels good. Even if you don’t have a job right now it can be a great time to take an online course, update your CV, or start researching your interests to build your opportunities for the future. Sometimes the words “productivity" and "passion” can feel too daunting. Instead, I urge you to consider following your “curiosities”, a more gentle word that directs one towards that same path without the pressure. However, be mindful of tip #1 and any unhealthy pressure this may be adding. If just managing your personal well being at this time feels like a lot then honour your personal state and focus your productivity at supporting your wellbeing. 

What has helped you get through quarantine? 
Let us know in the comments below or on our social media channels.
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