5 ideas to try during social distancing

I feel a bit like I’m living in a movie right now. Social distancing is a simple concept to implement but a strange one to live within. It all seems so surreal. I am working from home for the foreseeable future and am basically confined to my house except for necessities and maybe the occasional walk. There are so many frightening news stories out there that my anxiety is pretty high (though I am trying to work on that!).

Although I am still working full-time (for now), without my commute I have an extra 1-2 hours in my day. Being home so much, I am definitely feeling restless. So, I brainstormed a handful of things I want to try, all of which I can do at home during this period of social distancing.

Learn New Makeup Techniques Through Online Tutorials
I only recently got back into doing makeup on a regular basis. For me, makeup is helping me build my self-confidence and accepting my beauty. I’ve never been all that great at doing my makeup – to be honest, I felt like a clown a lot of the times! – so there are definitely techniques I want to learn more about. Some tutorials I’m interested in is using my new highlight palette, different ways of applying eyeliner, and blending eye shadow. There are so many tutorials on YouTube and other platforms that I know it’ll keep me busy!
Start Journaling
One of the reasons I started this blog was a way to express my creativity through writing. I LOVE writing but since I finished school, I haven’t really had much chance to write. This blog is my own journal in a way as it’s a chance to write about whatever I’m thinking about. You don’t have to write a blog though. There are so many different ways to journal, including templates online. Writing out your feelings is a helpful way to lessen your anxiety about these uncertain times and to reflect back on how you’ve been feeling.
Go Through Your Wardrobe and Donate Pieces You No Longer Wear
I’ve recently added some new pieces to my wardrobe and I am in need of some room in my closet/drawers! I love to go through my clothes and identify pieces that I don’t wear. Usually it’s because it’s a style or color that wasn’t as flattering as I’d hoped when purchasing. You can donate them in so many ways – to nearby shelters, non-profits and even the bins that they have at a lot of churches and schools.
Practice Yoga
Yoga is a great way to get movement in while giving a chance for your brain to unwind. Although going to a yoga class is a great treat, it can be just as effective at home. Even if you don’t have a yoga mat, you can use a towel or thin blanket instead. YouTube and Instagram have so many great yogis to follow. Keep in mind – it may take a few tries to find someone whose style works well for you! My personal favorite is Yoga with Kassandra. She offers a wide range of styles, difficulty levels and practice lengths.
Give Mindfulness Meditation a Try
OK, I’ll admit it. I was a HUGE skeptic of meditation. But a lot of that stemmed from a misunderstanding of what this practice is really all about. I thought it was about completely clearing your brain and not letting any thoughts come in, which seemed impossible! Well, because that pretty much is. I’m no expert, but mindfulness meditation is about being present in the current moment and accepting what is for what it is. There are all kinds of sources to practice mindfulness meditation, from YouTube to podcasts to apps like Headspace or my personal favorite, Calm.