Many people have asked me lately…. How do you stay productive and active during this pandemic? Here are some fun ways that we at District Home Magazine stay happy, healthy and accomplished - even when things seem a bit slower!
1. Exercise
One large recommendation that I have is to try to exercise. Exercising helps your body create more endorphins, dopamine and adrenaline - all of which are linked to relieving stress and anxiety. Physical activity also releases chemicals associated with happiness and confidence, which we could all use in quarantine!
Whether it’s going on a walk with your family, hiking or swimming, any form of physical activity can help remove you from reality for a moment to help you focus on the rest of your day. I personally like to exercise in the morning before work to get a fresh start on the day, but having a set time - no matter when it is - helps to ensure that you follow through on the goals that you set for yourself!
Not into strenuous activity? Try yoga! There are a number on online yoga classes taught by instructors at different levels. Just remember that if you’re trying out a new exercise for the first time, take it easy and slow to build up. You want the experience to be fun and feel good, not painful and forced!
2. Listen to a new podcast
Listening to new information and staying an active learner is a great way to pass time. I recommend listening to a podcast that you’ve never heard before. This could be on a topic you’ve always have a small fascination or interest with, or something that you’ve just never heard of. Topics range from comedy to deep and enlightening conversations - so there’s something for everyone!
Some great podcasts are:
Bodies - A podcast about mysteries and phenomena in an intimate documentary-style podcast. More can be found at https://www.kcrw.com/culture/shows/bodies
Chris Gethard’s Beautifully Anonymous - A podcast that invites anonymous people to share some fascinating stories. They range from zen to chaotic and are always great to pass time! More can be found at https://www.earwolf.com/show/beautiful-anonymous/
The Daily - If you only want to listen to one quick podcast, I suggest this one. It gives you your daily dose of news so that you can stay informed through quarantine! More can be found at https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-new-york-times/the-daily-10
3. Read that book (series) you’ve been putting off
Have a book you’ve been dying to read but no time? Here’s your chance! Make a point to read for an allotted period of time each day and you’ll be done in no time. Books can help exercise your brain, build vocabulary and help transport you to another place for a little bit. Whether you prefer non-fiction or make believe stories, there’s always a great book that can fit your mood. If you prefer audio books instead, that’s also a great alternative option. Find it for free online and get started!
4. Keep a journal or a blog
Do the days feel as if they’re blurring together? Keep a written remembrance of what you’re doing every day! This is helpful to check into emotions as well as set realistic goals for yourself. You might look back on this period of time and wonder what you were up to - and now you’ll know! You can keep an online journal or written where it’s more private, or even create a blog to share your experiences with the world. Consider making weekly or monthly public blog posts aside from your personal journal entries. Either way, writing for 15-minutes a day about your experiences could be really great to look back on your experiences later.
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