It's strange how quickly a new normal can begin. COVID-19 feels like it's running rampant through the world around me, and I'm trying to stay in my house whenever I'm not at work. My coursework has moved online, and so I see no one but my cat five out of seven days a week.
At first it was brutally isolating, and I felt twitchy and very alone. But over time, with the help of a few rules for myself, things have begun to change.
The first rule is to get dressed every day. It's very easy to just crawl back in bed and sink into depression sleep if I don't force myself to insert some normalcy through putting on clothes.
The second rule is to reach out and tell a few people I appreciate them every day. This primes my brain for joy, and sets me up to see what I appreciate about people and the world. It also gives me a chance to connect with other human beings, which helps with the isolation.
The third rule is to set at least one goal for something to achieve. It gives me direction and a vague sense of structure, two things that are always integral to my personal mental health.
Do you have any rules for yourself that are helping you get through the days?
