With most people still confined to their homes here in Massachusetts, it’s easy to go a little stir-crazy.
That cabin fever can become even more prominent as the weather gets nicer — people have been flocking to parks and beaches just to get outside for a short period of time during the stay-at-home order.
As someone who enjoys spending a lot of time alone, I didn’t think I would have a hard time with having to be home by myself a lot.
However, I knew that months without being able to go to the gym would cause me a lot of stress, so I made the trip back to my parents’ house in Connecticut in early April to pick up the exercise bike I had bought years ago.
Somehow, with the help of my family, I was able to transport the large piece of exercise equipment to Massachusetts by car, and I’m thankful that I had it as an option because exercise has been a great outlet for me throughout the home confinement.
Here are some other things I’m doing to stay sane at home during the COVID lockdown:
1. I’m wearing comfortable clothes.
Since I’ve been working from home every day and spending the majority of weekends at my apartment, there hasn’t been much of a need to wear regular clothes. I’ve been wearing workout leggings and sweaters every day. Since I’m not thinking about my jeans feeling too tight as I’m sitting around all day, I can focus on getting my work done during the week and relax on the couch during my time off.
2. I’m wearing makeup.
Even though I’m not going anywhere for the most part and no one is going to see me, I’ve still kept up my normal morning routine of putting on makeup and straightening my hair. It makes me feel like I made an effort for the day and I’m more comfortable when I feel like I look put-together.
3. I’m working out.
I’ve been keeping to a regular workout routine, by using the aforementioned lifesaving exercise bike nearly every night. I prefer to run on the treadmill, but the bike is a nice substitute for when that’s not an option. I’ve also made use of some free weights I had lying around in my apartment. It’s been a great stress reliever and makes me feel less guilty about sitting around all day.
4. I’m keeping a regular schedule.
I’ve been trying to maintain the same routine throughout the day, which means keeping the same daily schedule even on my days off. One surprising aspect of spending my days at home has been a shift in my sleep cycle. I used to be a night owl who struggled to get up in the mornings, but now I’m going to bed earlier and waking up earlier without much difficulty. I feel less rushed and like I have more time during the day, which eliminates a lot of unneeded stress.
5. I’m getting out of the house for short periods of time each day.
I make it a point to leave the house each morning to get coffee. It’s something I used to grab on the way to work, but now since my work is at home, it’s a way to keep things normal during the “new normal” that we’re in now.
6. I’m reading.
Before this “lockdown” period, I didn’t have much time or desire to read at the end of the day or on my days off. Now, since everything is still mostly shut down, I’ve been able to read most of the books that I’ve had lying around for awhile, and even a couple that I bought online during the past couple of months.
7. I’m streaming TV shows and movies.
I’ve watched a lot of Netflix and Hulu since the COVID restrictions went into effect. Hulu has been streaming HBO shows and movies since last month, which meant I could finally watch “Big Little Lies.” I’ve been mostly watching an old show, “Gilmore Girls,” on Netflix the past few weeks. It centers around a small Connecticut town, which reminds me of my hometown.
8. I’m drinking wine, eating chocolate, and keeping my kitchen stocked with groceries.
Since I’m stuck at home, I have been allowing myself to indulge in a glass of wine some days and a few pieces of chocolate most days. Watching a movie or reading a book at night becomes even more relaxing if it is accompanied by a glass of wine. Another positive has been being able to cut down on the expenses of eating out and buying food throughout the day. I do a weekly grocery run on Fridays or Saturdays and I’m all set for the week. It’s like a one-stop shop at my apartment for meals, dessert and a nightcap.
9. I’m checking in with friends and family.
Although I’m not actually able to spend time with my friends and family, I’m still able to call and text them regularly. It’s not too much of a change on that front since my family and close friends live in different states than I do, so that communication has felt relatively normal. As everyone is adjusting to this “new normal,” there’s been some commiserating about the discomfort of the situation. It’s nice to just talk to people who can bring you some comfort during an uncertain time.
