The shelter in place restriction that has been announced for countries all around the world has us all left very uncertain as it has never been done before. We are all concerned for our jobs, our health, and feel uneasy without a structure or routine. 

Although it may seem like these times are unpredictable and out of our control, we can take care of ourselves and make very productive use out of the time we are given. This is the best time to pick up new hobbies and learn more about yourself in order to promote self-growth and self-improvement. Below are a few ways to take the time you need to focus on yourself and grow personally.

Write

Starting a journal is a great hobby to pick up during these uneasy times. You can write about the things you are grateful for, things that may be stressing you out or causing you anxiety, or just dump the thoughts that have been repeating in your mind.

​Journaling every day has been proven to have tons of mental health benefits and calm you down overall. You can analyze patterns in your thoughts to understand where your anxiety may be stemming from and how to change it. You will also feel happier because by writing about things you are grateful for, you are adjusting your mind and will notice more of these thoughts throughout the rest of the day.

Learn

Another way to focus on yourself throughout this time is to learn something new and develop your mind. Whether it be another language, a new dance, or any technical skills that can benefit you when you do return to work, learning is a great way to distract the mind and step away from the news and media.

There are so many different sources of information available on the Internet for free, and it is important to take advantage of this during these times. Many Ivy League schools have free courses available on their platforms and you can even find online certifications to add to your resume. These learning strategies will keep you productive and motivated throughout the day even when you feel stuck in your house. 

Stay Active

Although fitness centers are temporarily closed, it is important to maintain an exercise routine to reduce stress and anxiety and work on your physical health. There are tons of different workouts on platforms like YouTube that you can do in the comfort of your living room. 

You may also want to go on walks and runs to get out of the house and get some fresh air. It may seem like an unmotivating time for exercise, but it will help you in the long term and keep you on track for your goals. Staying fit will also help to clear your mind and let go of the tension you have been experiencing. 

Meditate

The most important way to focus on yourself and your mental wellbeing during these challenging times is to learn to meditate. Meditation allows you to let go of your anxieties around the future and stay present in the moment. It allows you to look at your worries and repeating thoughts from and outside perspective in order to let go of them. 

If you do not know how to start, there are many free apps that provide guided meditations to get you started and teach you breathing techniques. Meditating daily is very important when isolated at home. Even meditating for 20 minutes in the morning will help you to stabilize your emotions and clear your mind throughout the duration of the day.