5 Mindful Activities To Try In Quarantine

Let's face it. We're all stuck inside for the foreseeable future and probably feeling overwhelmed and anxious. While this is an inconvenience, and it's easy to focus on the negative, there many ways to feel grounded in uncertain times. The first step is to get in touch with your emotions and know that whatever you are feeling is valid. Next, it's time to begin some inward reflection and maybe even pick up a few new hobbies.

Yoga

Roll out the foam mat, because this activity will not only improve you mentally, but also physically. It's easy to resist the idea of yoga, but from personal experience, it's worth trying out. Head on over to YouTube to find an easy beginners yoga class and stick with it. Blocking out 20 to 30 minutes of your day at home for deep breathing and slow movement is the perfect time to reflect.

Journaling

Take some time away from your phone or computer screen to be with your thoughts. With just pen and paper, you're free to be honest about what you're feeling. This can be difficult to stick to, so set a reminder for 5 or 10 minutes daily to just write. You can make a list of positive things that happened in your day, what you're looking forward to, and something you can do tomorrow that will make you happy. I find that writing in the evening calms the mind for restful sleep.

Reading

If you don't have time in your normal schedule for reading, what's a more perfect time to start than now? Escaping to another world through the pages of a book makes you forget reality. Find a genre that interests you, and dive into it. Fantasy novels that are full of magic, mystical creatures, and other worlds may be a great option for you. Also, you can never go wrong with a romance or young adult book. Whatever you enjoy, allow yourself to dive into it. Libby and Hoopla are apps where you can find free eBooks and audio books through a library card so I would recommend that.

Writing Letters

Call me old fashioned, but I think there is something sweet and nostalgic about writing letters to your friends. In a time where you can't see the ones you love face to face, try a way of communicating that doesn't involve a screen. Ask around for a quarantine pen pal within your friends and family. Write to them about how you’re feeling and invite them to create an open and honest dialogue with you. As a person with many pen pals, I think you'll be surprised how relaxing this is and the deeper level of friendship you can reach.

Creating Art

You do not need to have a steady hand and be a trained artist to create a piece you're proud of. Art comes in many forms and styles, and some are quite simple to accomplish. If you have magazines lying around, collage art is a fun and simple project. Take a look at Pinterest for some great inspiration. This is a fun way to get creative at home with materials you most likely already have. Another simple style to try is line art. With a YouTube tutorial and some brain power it can be a fun challenge. Going out of your comfort zone and being absorbed in a creative project helps you learn about yourself.

If you’re feeling unmotivated and tired of being inside, try these activities instead of being in front of a screen. Taking time to reconnect with yourself, be creative, and find an escape from the news is beneficial to mental health. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, stop, take a deep breath, and know we’re all in this together.