I’ve avoided posting about the current situation because, a) You’re already being bombarded with it 24/7 from the news, social media, and no doubt every conversation you’re having inevitably drifts to the virus. And b) As someone who has had depression and anxiety in the past I’m doing my best to not overload myself with information and get lost in the fear and panic. I’m doing my best to stay grounded, level-headed, and in the moment, not just for me but so my two kids feels safe. While many people are scared of what this virus means for their health and finances, I worry about the effects isolation might have on people (myself included) mentally. So, I’ve put together a list of things I’m doing to keep my sanity in the hope at least one helps you get through this.

10 Ways to Keep Your Sanity

1. Get outdoors. If you can’t, sit by a window with the sun streaming in for an hour or so. I find soaking up vitamin D has always helped ground me and makes me feel a little lighter. As well as the sun, if you can, stand out on the grass with your shoes off and take a few long deep breaths. It’s grounding and can help tame a racing mind.
2. Watch a funny movie. Feeling like you’re in a bit of a slump? Watch a funny movie or a favourite comedian to get you smiling again. (If you want something that might make your world seem a little less crazy jump on the ‘Tiger King’ bandwagon and watch it on Netflix. It’s not a comedy but will have you shaking your head.)
3. Dance. Another way to lift your mood is to crank your favourite tune and dance like no-one is watching, because chances are they aren’t. Research shows dancing can improve your mental health and boost your overall happiness. Not to mention it’s getting you moving if you’ve been watching Netflix all day and can help keep you fit and healthy.
4. Join Tik Tok. If you haven’t already that is. Over thirties seem to be taking over this app that was mostly for teens and the results can be both hilarious and tragic. But be warned, you can lose hours scrolling through the millions of videos. I’ve created a few with my kids and it’s not only filled in some of the day while we practised, picked the right outfit, and recorded until it was perfect, but it also meant we were spending time together laughing and having fun. You can check out our videos by searching @lj_higgins.
5. Pamper yourself. You can either ask others in your house to give you half an hour or more to yourself or even better, have a pamper party and enjoy this all together. If you don’t want to head out and buy face masks and foot soak you can find lots of recipes online to make your own.
6. Start a gratitude journal or list. In a time when it is easy to feel like everything is going wrong in the world sometimes it helps to either keep a daily journal of the things in your life you’re grateful for. Friends, family, your health, a roof over your head, food in your cupboard, are some of the things you might be grateful for. Struggling to think of something? Reach out to someone you care about to help you, sometimes it’s easier for others to see the good in your life. If you’re like me and are terrible at keeping a journal, write yourself a list and put it on the fridge. Every time you see it it’ll remind you what you still have in your life, even if there’s plenty of things you don’t. Studies have suggested that feelings of gratitude may boost your mental and physical health.
7. Video Chat. Organise a one-on-one or even a group video chat on Facebook Messenger or apps like Zoom to stay in contact with family and friends. I jumped on last night with three authors and it definitely boosted my mood talking and laughing with other adults who had similar interests to me. My mum has called the kids and I few times via video and it’s much nicer seeing someones face and expressions as they talk. I’ve got a bunch of online video chats organised for the next week and it gives me something to look forward to.
8. Write a letter. When was the last time you actually sat down and wrote someone a letter? I don’t know about you, but when I get a small gift or card in the mail it makes my day so why not send letters out to the people your missing and let them know how much they mean to you?
9. Get Creative. You know that project you never had time for? Well, now’s the time to do it. Paint, draw, sew, build, write, whatever it is, why not take this opportunity to give it a go? You could even learn something knew. Not sure what to create? Pinterest has plenty of awesome ideas!
10. Read a book, or listen to one. If you’re like me and have a long TBR (to be read) list then this is the perfect time to get comfy with a cup of tea (or coffee) and catch up on your reading. If you feel like you don’t have the time to sit and read you could try an audio book and listen while you’re doing your daily chores. Books are a great way to slow your mind and immerse yourself in a different world. Because I think reading is the perfect way to relax and escape, I’d love for you to have an eBook copy of Utopia: Secrets of Aurora #1, for FREE! All you need to do is click on this link: https://BookHip.com/BQWDJS and follow the instructions. If you have any issues please email me at ljhiggins01@hotmail.com.

I hope at least one of these idea’s help you keep your sanity during the current situation and if you have any ideas that weren’t on my list I would love to hear them.