Lately it feels like everyone around me has been saying that the last few weeks have been the hardest part of the never-ending Covid year. I guess it’s because the vaccine is here, but not a lot of people have been able to get it, and it’s winter, and it’s been almost an entire year of this. I actually don’t feel the worst I’ve felt since March 2020 - don’t get me wrong, it’s rough, but there have been lower points. I can completely empathize with the sinking feeling of quasi-quarantine going on and on… but lately I’ve actually felt pretty optimistic. And I attribute that in large part to small steps I’ve been taking at home to make life happier :)
Here are a few of them that I hope help! These are not a cure-all, and if you’re really feeling down, I sincerely hope you will reach out to someone you can talk to. But if you just need a little boost on what feels like day 23908347 of Covid, here are my best tips!
Waking Up Early/Waking Up Before Everyone In Your Household
Don’t hate me, I know not everyone is a morning person. But I can almost guarantee that if you wake up an hour earlier than you’re used to for a week, and devote that time in the morning to drinking a nice morning beverage (whether it be lemon water, matcha, coffee, whatever your favorite thing is), journaling/making your one-sheet for the day (more on that below), tidying up and getting ready for the day, you will feel SO good. I recently fell into a rut during quarantine of sleeping later than I intended almost every day. From that point on, I would feel like I was playing catch-up to deal with my inbox, the dogs, a messy kitchen, and on and on. Waking up before Grace and the dogs and getting some time to myself has been HUGE for a mental reset and just feeling more productive and happy lately.
Listen to Ambient Sounds While Working
I am not someone who can listen to music or a podcast while I work. Most of my work involves writing, so I just get too distracted trying to listen to words while I type words. But sometimes there are noises in the house that are distracting - Grace will be on a call that I can hear the muffled sounds of behind her office door. Or the dogs are playing with a squeaker toy. Lately I’ve been listening to YouTube videos of nature/ambient sounds, and they really help me block out distracting noises and just create a cozy vibe for working. Here in LA, we hardly ever get any weather, so these put me in the mindset of being in a library when it’s raining outside. Here are a few favorites:
Not really related to this post, but this is the sheet pan Korean chicken bowl from the Half Baked Harvest blog. It’s been Grace’s absolute favorite meal I’ve made in the past year - highly highly recommend!
Make a Daily One-Sheet
This is something I’ve done in one variation or another for years, but I feel like I’ve particularly hit my stride with it lately. Every day, I open my notebook and write the date at the top of a fresh sheet of paper. Then I organize the priorities for my day (this is usually while I’m drinking my morning coffee). I’ll write my top three priorities that must get done, and then from there I’ll add the rest of the things I’ll ideally get done that day. I also write out any specific times when I have something on my calendar like a call or deadline. I’ll cross-reference against my planner and write down if it’s anyone’s birthday or important milestones that day, that way I remember to text them or shout them out on social media at some point during the day. And that’s it! I reference this all day long to keep myself on track. It’s been a huge productivity help.
Taking A Break from Alcohol (if you drink)
So I’m on an alcohol break right now. I haven’t drank since 2020! And I’ve kind of never felt better. I am not at all speaking as an expert on sober living and wouldn’t even call myself “sober” since I plan on enjoying a glass of wine again eventually. But that being said I think this is the longest intentional drinking break I’ve taken in like a decade. I want to go at least 100 days (I’m a little more than halfway into that right now), but to tell you the truth I feel so clear-headed and healthy that I don’t know exactly when I’m ending my break.
Hot/Cold Showers
Hear me out. I saved the best for last. The last couple of weeks I’ve gotten very into this routine of taking a hot shower every morning and then turning it super cold for the last minute or so. I’ve been hearing for a long time how great this is and I’m 100% converted. When the water turns freezing, you have to really intentionally catch your breath because your body naturally starts to hyperventilate. But now that I’m used to it, it feels SO good and refreshing. I truly look forward to it every morning. It really helps me de-puff from sleep and is better than a cup of coffee for feeling alert in the morning. This will change your life, seriously!
Hope these tips make your time at home a little brighter!