By: Abaigeal Nicholas
Being nice is always a good use of time, especially when you have literally nothing else to do! We all have different ways of getting through tough times and, for me, shedding a sarcastic light on the situation always seems to help. So turn on some happy tunes and exercise some of these morale tactics for your new normal. Or don’t. And if you don’t jibe with any of these 10 tips, you literally can’t come for me. Which leads me to my first tactic…
Stay the h*ck inside.
It’s actually very easy to not go anywhere you don’t need to go to. Well, kind of. But if you take into account the healthcare workers, elderly folks, and the general population you are sparing from your germy germs- it should be easy. Listen to the news and stay up to date on what exactly “stay the he*k inside” means in your community.
Call your people up.
FaceTime someone for a long convo or digitally ding dong ditch them with a quick hello. Sometimes even having someone on the phone while you work to simply ~feel the presence of another human being~ can be assuring in itself.
Write letters to loved ones.
In a world inundated with digital media mush, receiving a letter feels even more special. Just imagine Grandma's face when she opens your physical letter with her Golden Girls-themed letter opener, suddenly realizing her sweet baby grandchild knows how to read AND write. What a day-brightener.
Drop off lil’ treats on your friend’s doorsteps.
Make sure to use all the necessary precautions while doing this. You could get all Martha Stewart up in here or order goodies from a local vendor to share. Either way, everyone loves a snack (and some secondhand human interaction).
Schedule a phone call with a therapist.
Oh, the wonders of the modern world. Most counseling offices have since moved to the WFH world in midst of the pandemic and all, so you have even less of an excuse to work on yo self. Improve your mental health and support local healthcare professionals during this difficult time.
Start a prank war with your roommates.
Ensure you’re reading the room with this one. If you live with someone that would light your belongings on fire for putting a Harry Styles cutout in a dark corner of their bathroom, I would suggest some mild rethinking. Maybe opt for a lighter prank, like subscribing their email to hundreds of frog website newsletters.
Play with your dog, cat, or ferret.
Animals miss places too! What a truly amazing time to have a pet. Not only does their barking/purring/learning how to speak English distract from the inevitable monotony of your new schedule, but they also offer so many opportunities for activities. Escape boredom by walking your pet, dressing them up as a scary ghost and spooking your housemates, or playing fetch with the bones of your enemies.
Offer a friendly hello to strangers on your walks and jogs.
Okay, you caught me; this one is selfish. I am so sick of people not waving back to me on the trails. My afternoon jaunt is one of the small slivers of human interaction I am allowed during the day and I would appreciate some reciprocation, Jennifer. On another note, it really does do the soul good to smile and wave, instead of uncomfortably diverting your eyes for an entire block.
Tape up encouraging sticky notes around your house.
Even if you live alone, (shout out you brave souls during this time), you could always use some positive self-talk. Look up a fun quote or verse to write up. Extra points for fun markers or unique placement, ie: under the toilet seat as a nice surprise for your male tenants.
And last, but not least… Let yourself just be, guilt-free when you need to!
Feel the feels you need to feel. Take solo walks. Scream into your pillow. Put on your favorite outfit. Pretend you’re the President of the United States because our current one is giving you indigestion. Do whatever you need to do to feel human prior to caring for others. Even United Airlines will tell you: put on your own mask first.
Overall, do your best to keep the faith and be a positive force for others. We’re all in this together.