We’ve all been through tough times over the last few months- our lives have been turned into something unrecognisable, and it’s hard to get used to a new way of life for the time being. That said, there are lots of things that you can do to improve your mental wellbeing during this hard time, and find some joy instead.
There is still so much happiness to be found in everyday moments- you just have to take the time to create them and look for them.
Talk to your loved ones
If you’re feeling lonely or a little down, giving your friends or family a call can really help. Try and schedule a call on FaceTime or Skype so that it almost feels as though you are meeting face to face. Being far away from your loved ones is hard, but by using the technology we have at our fingertips, we can bridge the gap and make the most of what we have.
Learn something new
No need to put unnecessary pressure on yourself to do something new, but if there’s a new skill you’ve been wanting to try for a while- be that a new language, sewing, or even something simple like a recipe you’ve always wanted to try- now is the time to give it a go.
You never know- you might find your new passion!
Practice gratitude
Yeah it might sound a little ‘woo woo,’ but counting your blessings and counting off a few things that you are grateful for each day can do wonders for your mindset. Even counting things like having food in the fridge, a warm bed, or a good friend who you can lean on are huge things to be grateful for in life. Never underestimate the power of gratitude!
You could try starting or ending each day with listing 3 things that you are grateful for. Better yet- write these things down in a journal and then look back on it to see how many joyful things you have in your life.
Spend time outdoors
Fresh air can do wonders to lift your spirits on a difficult day- even just going for a walk can help blow away the cobwebs and help you to get a better nights sleep. When you are spending so much time indoors every day, it’s important to get out into the sunshine, take a little exercise, and ultimately have a change of scenery!
Take time to enjoy forgotten hobbies
Ever used to love reading? Painting? Playing an instrument? Now is the perfect time to rediscover the things that you used to love, but no longer had time for. You’re probably finding yourself with a whole lot of extra time without having to commute each day, and staying at home during the weekend.
Taking some time to find joy in forgotten hobbies can lift your spirits and make you feel more accomplished after a day at home.
I’d love to know what you like to do to find joy during hard times!