SIX WAYS TO BEAT THE DREADED COVID BLUES

Contributed by estCA staff, Lindsay Vacek

We’ve officially hit the six months mark of COVID19 living. When we first heard we were going to have to stay home, we all hoped this was just going to be a short-term thing, right?! We’d be back to our normal routines in a few weeks and we’ll laugh at ourselves for filling our storage closets with dried goods and toilet paper. If only we knew…

COVID has been challenging on many levels - from unemployment to depression - we’ve all had to adjust in different ways and one thing is for sure, we’re all staying at home a lot more than we’d like.

So we got to thinking.. How do you beat the COVID funk when it hits? You know, those moments when you can’t be around your roommates one more second or you’ve watched every episode of Schitt’s Creek, twice - and the idea of never seeing your friends again feels crushing.

So we asked the #estcalifornia community “How do YOU beat the COVID blues?” and we pulled together some of our favorite suggestions:

GET OUTSIDE

We might not be able to go to large events or boozy brunches, but we can still get outside into nature. Sometimes a little mother nature is just the medicine we need. Discover a new hike nearby, go for a swim in the ocean or a nearby lake, start an outdoor garden, go camping, get a local guidebook and start learning about your cities native plants and animals… now is the perfect time to get in touch with the land.

CREATE A GRATITUDE LIST

Sometimes, when we are feeling down, all we need is a bit of perspective. Instead of focusing on the things we can’t do/have - refocus and think about the things we have. This simple shift in mindset can turn your day around in no time.

MOVE

Our bodies are magical and nothing can remind us more of how incredible they are than when you are moving them. Whether you are getting sweaty or just enjoying a long stretch, there is something really grounding about just moving. Put on your favorite song and dance your heart out. Or try that Yin Yoga class you’ve been meaning to do for ages. Many studios have taken their classes online so challenge yourself. Try a new class in the comfort of your own home where you don’t have to worry about looking silly.

SNUGGLE WITH PETS

There is something so comforting about a pet who snuggles up to you. This simple gesture warms our insides. You laugh together, you talk to each other (even if you’re the only one doing the verbal talking - you know they are answering back). Give your pet a little more of your time. Give them a bath. Dress them up. Try out a new toy with them, create a new game (chase the laser pointer is always a fun one). Not only will you be laughing, they will love getting the extra time with you.

FACETIME WITH LOVED ONES

It’s hard being away from your friends and family. Not being able to travel has forced us to have to connect virtually. While nothing can beat spending physical time with the people you love, being able to still see each other via Zoom or Facetime definitely helps. Call a friend. Ask how they are. Come up with fun new virtual games. Create together. Have dinner dates or lunches. Share music via collaborative playlists on Spotify. Start a shared photo album where you can share things you are seeing. It will help keep you connected and less lonely.

SELF-LOVE

Right now is the perfect time to take a bath, light a candle, write in a journal, put on your favorite music and give yourself a little extra love. Try out one of those face sheet masks or watch a few youtube tutorials on how to finally get that perfect cat-eye or paint your own nails. Practice makes perfect, right??