I hope that the experiences I record here could be of some use to those looking to travel and I welcome questions/comments/feedback. Thank you for reading my words. Bon voyage!
Like many as a result of this pandemic, I have embarked on a bit of a career pivot. I moved from Spain to Scotland somewhat suddenly last summer/fall and have been studying hard since October to earn a master’s degree. There’s plenty to say about it but I’ll skip to the content for this post: […]
I spend at least one weekend each month in/around London so this post will offer both things to see if it’s your first time in the city and more local spots as well as some weekend/day trips & getaways. First things first, Sightseeing Start at Buckingham Palace (home of the queen) then start walking towards […]
1. Commit to something
Sudden restriction is far from easy! To keep yourself moving, hold yourself accountable. Set a goal and make a timeline. Really break it down into small steps so you can see yourself progressing daily or weekly. Don’t be afraid of committing to something time consuming because you’ll take it piece by piece. In the end you’ll have some work done, hopefully something you’re passionate about.
7. Edit social media
More social, less media. Social comparison distorts self-perception. Unfollow influencers. Unfollow any account which has the explicit goal to sell you something or causes you to feel down. Reset your reference points and surround your online self with better content. Hide your social media apps in a folder where you’ll have to work to access them (keep them off your main home screen). Limit yourself online and avoid falling into a black hole of comparison (set a timer while you scroll).
14. Watch for Wildlife
Have a window? Look outside right now. Check the sky, any birds? Listen. Any foxes? Bees? Whether you live in the mountains or a mega city living things surround you. When I was a kid I could watch a grasshopper for an hour. They are still fascinating! I’ve taken to watching a pair of birds out my window. Bird watching may be a new hobby even after quarantine, what’s living with you? You’re far from alone, you see.
17. Perform Random Acts of Kindness
Doing good feels good.
Start with a sweet: candy or a baked good. Add some yummy smelling lotions/potions, maybe tea and a little note about why this person plays a special role in your life.
Or keep it simple– help your colleague with something, give a few dollars or some time to a cause you believe in, say something kind to a stranger, write a thank you note, give a compliment, or similar.
25. Listen to music (just listen)
When was the last time you just listened to an album — first song to last without distractions? Maybe in the days of CDs? I love doing this
26. Make your bed
Every morning. This habit starts your day off with a small, simple success. In turn it strengthens self-discipline and encourages further productivity throughout your day.
34. Read one chapter of a book every day
Start small. Make it easy to succeed. Add more, little by little, over time. Make it manageable, then, make it a habit.
38. Take a green tea bath
I treat my tub like a giant cup of tea (and drink an herbal cup while I’m in it) – ahhh
43. Remote dinner date
Set a date, share a recipe and shop for the ingredients beforehand. On the evening of, get dressed up like you might for a real date and video call as you prepare the same meal together in each’s respective home. Light a candle, sync up your music and enjoy the meal together. Sure it’s a little silly, a little over the top, but the action and effort of coordinating everything perfectly, making this all work together is what it’s all about.
47. Make a daily goal
I love that some people have tons of work that they’re passionate about and able to do at home. Good for you. I don’t have such a high workload (is this good or bad? I don’t know) and temporary loss of my identity as a helper has me feeling a little bit “less than” lately.
To cope, I encourage myself to set one main task each day. Today that is cleaning the balcony. Tomorrow I’ll make granola (a two week supply so it’s a project). Setting myself up to accomplish something on a day-to-day basis is motivating (KEY these days) – usually I accomplish much more than the task alone but it’s a starting point (and a sufficient ending point on the days when the sorrows of the current state of the world get me down and I must allow grieving). Let your task be as big or as small as your best can be each day and please have compassion for and trust in yourself.
Grace in the World 