It’s been more than a year since the COVID-19 pandemic started and yet we’re still finding ourselves in community quarantine. Collectively, we can all say it’s been very exhausting mentally and emotionally. Some of us might have experienced a breakdown or two and that’s perfectly valid. This past year might have been very difficult but here we are still surviving. 

Other people have dealt with the lockdowns better, choosing to go about the self-development route in isolation. But what exactly have they done differently to make the pandemic more bearable for them? 

One of the reasons for anxiety is we worry what’s ahead of us, and that can sometimes spiral into negative thought processes. We long for the past where everything was carefree or we want a future that’s free from this current situation we have been thrust into. It’s a big challenge to accept where we are and that everything is on pause right now until the pandemic blows over. That’s why changing our mindset to being in the present is vital in self-care. 

Two ways of concretely practicing being in the present are mindfulness and meditation. Research has shown that meditation can reduce stress and anxiety levels, while mindfulness helps center you to become at peace with what’s going on at the present. It can be difficult at first but meditation and mindfulness are both skills that can be developed over time through practice. 

There are guided meditations that you can follow on YouTube and Netflix that will help you with your daily practice. After all, a healthy body starts with a healthy mind, and exercising the mind daily is as important as exercise is for the body. 

Keeping our bodies healthy is a priority especially with the threat of COVID-19. Building up your immunity through exercise is necessary, and many have chosen to do different forms of physical activity that they can do at home to be healthier. There are yoga or even HIIT classes that you can participate in online. YouTube has many content creators that specialize in specific practices such as weight-lifting or jumping rope. 

For those who have had no time to exercise pre-pandemic, this was their opportunity to build a healthier version of themselves. With months in lockdown, they were able to set a routine and reach their goals which they didn’t believe they could even do. 

Whether it’s baking bread, being a plantita or plantito, or learning dances on TikTok, starting a new hobby can keep you sane during the lockdown. It’s a great way to pass the time and to learn new life skills. Taking care of plants can teach you to be patient as you water them daily and watch them grow. Baking gives you an avenue to create something delicious and beautiful from scratch. Being on Tiktok and creating content is another outlet for creativity, and it’s fun!

There are many other hobbies that people started during the pandemic in lieu of going out. Even now that restrictions have eased, they continue with these hobbies they’ve discovered as a form of therapy. 

Since lockdowns were imposed, online shopping has been the go-to option for many people. Not only is it convenient, it gives you something to look forward to no matter how small the package is. You can’t exactly go to concerts or travel these days, so this is a good way to have a little bit of excitement in your life. Who else gets excited for that out-for-delivery text in the mornings?

Having a staycation is not impossible these days. Many hotels and resorts in and out of the city have opened their doors for local tourism. 

Of course, it can be risky if the place doesn’t adhere to guidelines to keep their guests safe, so you will have to do your research — look through the property’s website and social media for their safety protocols, and ask your friends for their experiences to see if they’re properly implemented. At the same time, make sure you also adhere to the hotel or resort’s biosafety measures. 

Peace of mind is important when you do decide to go out and live a little! You don’t have to punish yourself by staying cooped up all the time. But remember that we are still in a pandemic, so don’t be complacent. You only live once, so you might as well do so responsibly!