6 Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health During Social Distancing

Times are weird right now, folks. And I don’t know about you, but I need all the activities that will help me not lose my mind and end up on an episode of Snapped. Whether you’re quarantined at home alone, with your family, or if you’re an essential worker and still out there fighting the good fight for the rest of us, I assure you, there’s something here that will help to pull you out of a slump. Sure, you can Marie Kondo the crap out of your house or organize your DVD collection, but honestly, these things are way more fun!

Take a shower/Self Care

Look, I know even the simplest tasks can seem daunting right now, but I promise something as small as washing your damn hair can make a world of difference. A clean head is a clear head and once you’re done you can be as productive or lazy as you want or need to be, but at least you won’t smell. Kick things up a notch and throw in a face mask or soak in the tub with a fun bath bomb. The people you’re quarantined with will thank you.

Read a book

Might I suggest one of my all-time faves, The Hating Game by Sally Thorne or Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston? They’re fun and hilarious and so smart, and honestly, exactly what we need right now. If non-fiction is more your speed, try Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow or an interesting memoir by someone like Elton John, Jonathan van Ness, or Jessica Simpson. If you can’t bring yourself to crack open an actual book, try an audiobook! Most libraries offer digital apps. If you have a library card, then you can still check out books even if your library is currently closed. 

Watch New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo’s daily updates

I understand that staying away from the news could also be a valid argument for maintaining your mental health during this crazy time, but Governor Cuomo is thoughtful and honest and quite frankly, a treat! It is so refreshing to see a political figure who truly cares, takes the time to try his best to ease minds, but also keeps it one hundred. He won’t sugar-coat anything, but somehow I feel better after watching his daily briefings… and I don’t even live in New York! The man is truly a national treasure and I’m still trying to figure out why he’s not running for President. 

Donate!

Listen, we need each other now more than ever. I know things are uncertain for lots of people financially right now, but there are tons of ways to support people without spending a dime. Reach out on social media and find out how you can help. Sew masks, help kids with their virtual school work, reach out to a friend with activities they can do to entertain their child. Go shopping for essential items for someone high risk who can’t get out right now. If you have an abundance of toilet paper or soap or other items that are currently hard to find, SHARE THEM! The sky is honestly the limit and I promise you, helping others right now will make you feel so much better. 

Host a virtual happy hour or workout class

Even the biggest loners and homebodies are craving human contact right now. And what better way to connect with others than to…get drunk with them. (Virtually and responsibly, of course). Hop on Pinterest and pick your favorite Quaran-tini recipe, invite your besties and chat and drink and laugh the night away! If drinking isn’t your thing (what’s that like?) find your fellow freaks, throw on your cutest workout gear, and break a sweat together…but from a distance. If you’re really in it to win it, combine the two and reward yourself with a great workout with an even greater bottle of wine! 

Watch Tiger King on Netflix

I’m honestly shocked that there are still people out there who haven’t seen this, but if you’re one of them, let me break it down for you real quick: YOU NEED THIS IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW. Don’t look into it a ton. Go in as blind as possible and just prepare yourself for the wildest ride of your life. The magic of the mullets, the artistry behind the perfectly applied eyeliner, and the wonder that is Joe Exotic will pull you out of the darkest days. I truly cannot stress this enough…watch this show.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.