Staying "Relatively" Sane During These Wild Times

We’ve made it to a new year full of potential! What 2021 has in store for us is yet to be determined, but our intentions hold a lot more power than we often notice. Though 2020 seems to have been challenging for most, I feel it has created a resilience in all of us that can help us to be a better version of ourselves. I am not talking about comparing your journey to that flashy friend on Facebook who always seems to be vacationing to a tropical island and never catch a sunburn- you know there’s a background on Zoom that looks like a tropical beach that you can use too. I am also not encouraging you to keep up with the Adam’s. The entire point is to challenge yourself and only yourself.

 

During these challenges, I have looked inwardly as most human connection was harder to come by during a global pandemic as you might imagine. These are a few of my favorite activities that have helped during the rough bouts of life. I hope they can help you too! And if not, at least you read something today.

 

I don’t care what you do outside; just go outside. Feel the sunshine on your skin. Even small 15-20-minute increments of sunshine a day can help your vitamin D reserves, which effect your overall mood. If you feel so inclined, multitask and workout outside in the sunshine. Go for a walk with a friend (safely distanced, of course) or garden to beautify your space. Get a little tan while you build those muscles.

 

Show those you care about that you’re thinking of them with a random call, planned zoom, an unexpected card, or small gesture they’d appreciate (i.e. I like to drop off extra servings of food I prepare to my neighbors that also live alone here and there. I phone first and let them know I will be dropping off my dish with my mask on and to grab it from their doorstep when it’s convenient. Easy peasy!) The meaning behind the practice is to form a connection in some way that still keeps you and others safe.

 

You don’t have to train for a triathlon to get healthier, you just need to move. Even a walk around your neighborhood can do wonders for your general wellbeing and mood. Plus, smelling the fresh rain on the trees is refreshing and seeing new flowers blossoming on trees is inspiring. I’ve recently been using an app on my phone to randomly deal out different strength training exercises that don’t require anything, but my own body weight for resistance- I believe the app is simply titled “Workout” on apple apps.

 

It’s fun to be weird. And it’s even better to be able to laugh at yourself. Life can get serious and there will always be things to worry about, but when times get tough- try to reset that mentality and laugh. I like to listen comedians on the radio to cheer me up- there are plenty on Sirius XM Radio, YouTube, and Netflix. Don’t tell anyone, ok? But sometimes. I play Alvin and the Chipmunks holiday music because it’s silly and reminds me of my childhood annoying my big brother with this awful tape.

 

I have found that volunteering has been helpful to others, but selfishly myself as well. There are plenty of opportunities to safely volunteer out there. You need to put in a little effort to find what feels comfortable for you right now. This website has some options listed for Marin County https://www.volunteermatch.org with various nonprofits that desperately need the help right now. Personally, I have worked with the SF Marin Food Bank and Novato’s CleanUp when I get away from my work.

 

I blast music and dance in my living room to pop music! I should probably invest in dual pane windows along with more opaque curtain panels in order to avoid strange looks when I walk London around the neighborhood, but maybe you already have that handled and should start your dance routines straight away. The point is- do anything that makes you happy whenever you can!

 

Now, I am not a licensed therapist, but I am a real estate agent which is basically the same thing! These are a few of my tricks to making it through unordinary uncertainty for long stretches of time. I will constantly need to fine tune my activities, but I hope this encourages your happiness and wellbeing in the meantime.