6 Ways to Stay Sane in Chaos
The world is demented right now—no question about it. A global pandemic combined with isolation can cause even the calmest person to stress out and feel stir-crazy. Below are six easy ideas to help you stay sane during this crazy time.
1. Dress-up
There's a lot of truth behind the saying, "look good, feel good."
According to Carolyn Mair, a behavioral psychologist and the author of "The Psychology of Fashion," mood and clothing are interconnected.
It's time to change out of those pajamas and sweatpants and put on something fun. What is a better time than on 'stay-at-home- orders than to try new looks that you've been curious about without judgment? It's also a great time to get creative- how about designing custom t-shirts, trying new bold makeup, hairstyles, and kitchen skincare?! A lemon or strawberry sugar scrub works miracles, turning dry, dull skin into luminous and smooth skin. Home is a non-judgmental space.
2. Leave the house
There is immense value in getting outdoors
11 Scientific Benefits of Being Outdoors
FIND NATURE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Favorite trail closed? Not sure where to go? Think of your front door your personal trailhead, and let your feet do the rest.
- 5 tips to turn your neighborhood stroll into an adventure
- See if you can spot trees or plants in your neighborhood you might typically find on trail. Just looking at trees may help relieve stress.
- If you have a yard or deck, spend some time in it or consider running a marathon. On your balcony.
- Bring the outdoors inside with these webcams. It's not the same thing, but it's nice to know what's happening on Mount Rainier, even if you can't visit.
- 9 more ways to bring outdoor joy into your life
- Soak in these soundtracks or listen to some birdsong recordings
3. Schedule Solitude
Sometimes you need to be alone to give yourself room to think. Try taking turns with a family member to watch the kids and do something by yourself. You could go for a hike, sit out in the garden with a book, or run errands that have been on your to-do list for the last month.
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4. Order out
On overwhelming days, don’t even bother with cooking. Order a meal out for you and your family and leave the guilt behind. The occasional pizza or burger order will give you one less thing to do around the house, and the tasty food will be a comfort.
5. Start a journal and Self Reflect
Writing is an incredibly cathartic activity. Use a daily self-reflection journal to record all your thoughts and feelings while also reflecting on everything you’re grateful for. When we know who we are, the good, bad, pretty, and ugly, it is harder for our emotions to get the best of us. Writing down your frustrations will relieve anxiety and self-guilt. Journaling taps into the subconscious and reminds us of all the good things about life. “ In 2002, Pennebaker and Joshua Smyth of Syracuse University reported that writing about emotions and stress boosted the immune systems of patients with chronic disease. Journaling is associated with drops in depression, anxiety, and increases in a positive mood, social engagement, and quality of close relationships.”
6. Stop borrowing trouble and Pray
Stop borrowing trouble is a reminder not to worry needlessly about things you can't control. During times of uncertainty, it's easy to imagine the worst. Instead, go within, meditate and pray. Now is a wonderful time to get closer to your creator. I can't stress this enough. ACTIVELY Seek, and you will get answers.
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