As April 2020 begins, with shelter in place mandates or recommendations through the end of the month at least — why not make this quarantine a time to accomplish something good? The possibilities are endless for beginning a new lifestyle habit or tackling the "put off" tasks that have been huddled in the back of your mind (or garage) for ages. There's the obvious like decluttering or cleaning out the whole-house, getting a daily workout habit going (5,000 to 8,000 steps a day or more), learning something new (online classes and video learning are giving lots of low or no cost free trials away) - you’re 30 days away from feeling like you’ve really accomplished something - and using this time of adversity to your advantage. Here are a couple of ideas. . .
Download a brain-training app, like Lumosity or Happify, and use it for 30 straight days to see what sort of positive impact it can make on your daily outlook. According to Lumosity, using the app with regularity will help you find “greater relaxation, focus and sleep.” What do you have to lose? Do a quick Google search for “brain training apps”.
30 Day Gratitude Challenge. Now more than ever we need to focus on the positive (I know, even if you're sick of hearing it!) and count blessings whenever we can. Start each day this month by writing down just one thing you're thankful for - more if you can. Download a daily reminder app to help you out - Daily Affirmations (available on the App Store or Google Play) or ThinkUp are ones I use - or keep a journal of your own. Starting the day with a gratitude thought sets the stage for the rest of your day - really. And it may just become a habit.
30-Day Self-Care Challenge. We can't get our nails or hair done - and I'll bet you miss having a facial too! Give yourself a little pick-me-up each day to get you over this hump. My favorite go to is a sheet mask facial. If you can't get to a store, you can purchase them online very inexpensively. Make a list of all of the things that make you happy, make you feel pretty or inspire your day, and then map them out for the next 30 days. Paint your nails, paint a wall in your space, or just put on some makeup and your favorite outfit. Investing in yourself for the next 30 days can make all the difference as we all navigate this crisis separately — but together.
Stay safe - we miss you.