Do you need quick ways to refresh yourself?
Do you need a break? Something you can do without leaving home (obviously) that can help refresh you and reset the trajectory of your day. As we shelter in place, it’s important to focus on what you can do, rather than what you can’t. The good news is that there is plenty to do.
As a special needs parent, one of the features I’ve noticed in our new now is that there are almost no transitions. This has actually translated into fewer meltdowns – an unexpected silver lining. But this has also led to a state of blurry monotony and a near constant state of asking “what day is it?”
As a special needs family, we are used to living a version of Groundhog Day. We spend a lot of time in this state (though, admittedly, the current quarantine has pushed the needle a little too close to the movie in some ways!)
Here are some quick ways to refresh yourself and reset during your day to help break up the monotony and allow you to refocus on what is next.
Listen
All the episodes are great – but Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos (instructor of the now-fames Coursera class, Psychology and the Good Life), has really nailed it with her Coronavirus Bonus episodes. Each episode is better than the last.
Staying in with Emily and Kumail
Just what the title says. Practical, real, and hysterically funny – just what we all need. There is a little colorful language so wear earbuds or listen away from your littles. Your teens may listen along with you.
The Piece of Mind Retreat Playlist
No one can travel right now, but you can travel in your mind with our playlist. And when the world can travel again, The Piece of Mind Retreat will be waiting.
Breathe
Even if you have never considered meditation, it’s worth giving it a try. It is a simple, free way to calm, center and refocus yourself.
This one is from a favorite author, health scientist and fitness instructor. (It’s just over 15 minutes- but Kelly is great!)
Read
This is a great time to think about what is in our self-care challenge over at the Piece of Mind Retreat. Almost everything in it can be applied while in quarantine.
Our self-care survival guide is a great source for simple ideas to refresh your day, your week and your month. Just what’s needed when hardly anyone knows what month or day it is.
Play
Gaming can make a better world
Game scientist Jane McGonigal proves this in her Ted Talk. So play a game – play charades with your family, a round of cards, or even a mobile app – any of this can help you reset.
Play a game like Drawful 2 on a platform like Jackbox. Or many of the other online social games that are quickly emerging.
Here are ten of our favorites. Or print your own Cards Against Humanity and play with your roommates (or older kids!).
Watch
Really. There is some good news out there now. If you haven’t checked out this YouTube, home broadcast from The Office’s Jon Krasinski, then it’s time. Each episode is better than the last.
How to Make Stress Your Friend
A great resource for everyone – but especially prescient right now. Kelly McGonigal is an author, educator and psychologist – and one of my favorite fitness instructors. She is the real deal – and so is this talk. I’ve watched it countless times and highly recommend it.
Do
Quarantine is a great time to shake up your fitness routine – like with this option that merges Bollywood music and style with cardio dance. On Zoom classes, just turn your camera off and dance like nobody’s watching – because they aren’t. Or watch on YouTube or Instagram like this 10 minute BollyX video – (and plenty more fun, free options on their YouTube channel).
A quick craft – like a Chalk Couture project can activate your creative mind – and freshen up your space.
An at-home manicure from Color Street – beautiful, long-lasting nails in the comfort of your home. Dozens of color and design options that ship right to your door.
What are your favorite quick ways to refresh yourself? Comment below with your ideas.
Need some more self-care? Click here to grab your free Self-Care Survival Guide – and receive weekly email updates.
Related Posts:
Refresh: Self-Care Survival Guide
Self-Care Challenge via the Piece of Mind Retreat
