Being cooped up in your apartment definitely takes a toll on your mental health.
We aren’t used to this new “norm” and to be honest, I don’t think we ever will be. This is all just weird. Being at home 24/7, not seeing friends/family, not being able to run errands for the sake of running errands, not being able to go out to eat, not being able to get drinks with friends, not be able to go to a workout class, you get it. There is a lot that we just can’t do right now. All those things that I listed make me the happiest and without those things I really find my mental health taking a back seat and I’m not the Elle that I know and everyone else knows. I’m well aware that this isn’t good and I know that. I am trying each and every day to work on my mental health and I continue to remind myself this is only temporary and I won’t be like this forever. I can’t be. We will all get through this TOGETHER and I truly believe we will all come out of it better. I wanted to put together a list of things that I am doing to work on my mental health and I encourage you all to add this to your routine if you can.
Move your working space close to a window. Natural light instantly makes me happier and puts me in a better mood. When it is gloomy, forget it. You have to turn on as many lights as possible for it to feel bright but it just isn’t the same.
Play relaxing music in the morning. I’ve been listening to Coffeehouse Corner or whatever that playlist is called on Spotify in the morning when I open up my computer and take sips of my coffee. It relaxes me and it helps me start my day in a relaxing way.
Shower and put on clean clothes every day. These clothes don’t need to be jeans and heck you don’t need to even put on a bra but make sure you are showering to “wake you up” and then immediately put on clean clothes. It will feel more refreshing and you will feel like you have your life together.
Call at least one friend or relative a day. You need human interaction. Instead of calling, make sure you FaceTime them. It is so easy and a great way to make you “feel” connected with the individual.
Get outside at least once a day. Even if it is cloudy. You need fresh air. I made that mistake when I was in my tight NYC apartment. I didn’t leave for 6 days just because I was terrified of going into the elevator. Did you know if you don’t get fresh air you can actually get sick? Make sure you social distance but still get out there and get your legs moving!
Stick to a work schedule and don’t overdo it. I am not one to speak because I definitely do not take my own advise on this topic. But please, stick to your normal 8-6 work schedule with at least a 30 min break for lunch. The past 4 weeks, really since December I have been working from 7am-7pm and then again from 8pm-10pm Monday – Friday and at least 4 hours on Saturday and 4 hours on Sunday. It is so unhealthy, I know, and especially now I really need to stop. It isn’t making me happy and I know others are picking up on that as well.
What are you doing to keep your mental health game strong?
Thanks for reading Elle’s Edit. If you have any topics that you would like for me to discuss, feel free to email me at elizabeth.lane.dooley@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you! xo
