We are living strange times lately, being stressed out by a situation that seems to change every day and a lot of uncertainty to it. It's the small changes that make the biggest difference: as a lot of us are taking the opportunity to question themselves about our life and habits, this might be just the right time to get your life back on track.
When we left 2019 behind us to welcome 2020, social media was all about this terrible year we had and how we would all start fresh. Nobody was expecting the current COVID-19 outbreak that is reshaping the world and the way we see it. As stressful the time we are living in can be, we can still size this opportunity to reflect on ourselves and take this time to become better, and create a better world.
Take this #StayAtHome opportunity to revamp your life with easy steps, all doable from home and perfect to spark joy around you. And stay safe!
1. Declutter Your Space
When there is too much going on in your life, starting by cleaning up your living space is a great way to declutteryour mind. You could be surprised how much effect an actual cleanup can have on your general stress level.
Get rid of piles of everything and nothing shattered through your homes, of people giving you negative vibes and you will immediately see a positive change in your mindset. Start the new year by discarding those old clothes, jewelry, and objects you keep just because you think they might come in handy one day. Recycleor give them away. Japan has plenty of secondhand stores, such as Mode Off, Treasure Factory, Best Life Japan, as well as giveaway sites, such as Mottainai Japan and GaijinPot’s classifieds.
Clean up your social media, too. How many of those Facebook friends would you spend your Friday night with? Those who didn’t pop up in your mind even after browsing through the list, perhaps shouldn’t be there in the first place.
Stuck at home? Take the opportunity to clean your home from A to Z. Schedule your cleaning, pick one room a day and start your life fresh by cleaning up the space you live in.
2. Get A DIY Makeover
It couldn’t be any simpler—when we look great, we feel great. A physical change attracting a few compliments may be enough to make you feel motivated for the whole year and, actually, you don’t need anybody to tell you that you look good. You just need to feel it.
Touching up your hair color or haircut yourself is maybe a little too much but what about a new hairstyle? Take a look at Pinterest, YouTube or even Instagram: the internet is your playground when in need of a new idea! Feeling adventurous? Color your hair! The good point of #StayAtHome is that nobody needs to see the result, that’s the best timing ever to try out this crazy color you wanted to do for ages! Don’t forget your nails, manicures and pedicures are a nice way to relax in front of Netflixor while reading.
What’s next? Clothes! You don’t need a new wardrobe to feel new, just mix&match items you already have—and maybe do your wardrobe cleanup while looking for new combinations! Stop choosing the same outfit over and over and try to create new ones out of the clothes you already have. A simple and easy way to add novelty in your life without emptying your wallet or hurting the planet.
[…] you don’t need anybody to tell you that you look good. You just need to feel it
3. Step Outside Of Your Comfort Zone
Do something you wouldn’t usually do. Move the furniture, change the curtains, try out a new recipe or just plan on learning something you would have never think of: it’s time for you to step out of your comfort zone and conquer new territories. You can explore music concerts on YouTube, new music styles on Spotify, pick randomly a movie; anything is good to step in a new world and get far away from your old habits.
You might love what you will discover or hate it: anyway, you will get to know yourself even more and have new things to share with your friends and family. Stimulating your brain is also an excellent way to get healthier and happier. Win-win.
You may be on a whole #StayAtHome mood but that doesn’t refrain you from partying at home: surprise yourself by throwing a #StayAtHome party! Don’t let yourself down and put on your best dress, pair of heels—or comfy slippers—to spend a delightful night. May it be alone, with your SO or with friends via videos, you can still make the best out of your night while saving lives by staying home. Big advantage: you get to choose the playlist.
4. Expand Your Social Circles
Who said you had to get out in order to meet new people? Again, the internet is here to save the day and allow you to expand your social circles without even having to move from your seat.
First, reconnect with your friends! Everyone is having a hard time right now and even though we tend to think that our friends are okay if they don’t reach us, we should definitely try and ask them how they are doing. Staying connected is also really important for your own mental health if you are staying home, don’t hesitate to send a little message just to say hi and in the best case, you will end up having a much-needed call with a loved one!
You can also find online communities to connect with other foreigners in Japan, locals or even people living on the other side of the planet and sharing a hobby with you! Even if the online forums era is over, Facebook, reddit or social media platforms such as Instagram can still give you the opportunity to find new friends and exchange about almost anything you want!
5. Invest Your Time For A Better Health
Staying home for a long-time can lead you to unhealthy snacking and developing strange eating habits—yes, we are looking at you cup noodles and full meals in the middle of the night. If you are working remotely, it’s the perfect timing to get to cook more!
Having more control over your meals will lead you to incorporate more fresh vegetables, fruits and more simply, more balance in your overall diet. If you are struggling with too many lunches outside, conbinimeals and prepared-foods, here is your chance to reverse everything and get back on tracks in only a few days. Prepare your recipes, do your groceries—while staying safe, of course—and do some batch-cooking! Your body and your mind will thank you later.
Don’t forget to stay active: the #StayAtHome movement is asking you to practice social distancing and avoid crowds but you can still enjoy a walk outside as long as you stay safe and follow the WHO guidelines. Do you want to do some exercise at home? YouTube is here to save you again: from HIIT to yoga, you can find every kind of home-friendly exercise playlist for free.
A better diet, some sport, and good mental health will improve your sleep quality and help you stay on top of everything.
6. Unwind
When you have to take care of your house and others, it’s easy to forget about yourself. Without even thinking about it, we often try to be the perfect partner, mother or even employee! If you strive to be the best for others and lose track of taking care of yourself in the process, your own wellness is at risk and eventually, you won’t be able to tend to your loved ones’ needs. The more comfortable we feel in our own skin, the more productive and accepting we’ll become.
Even if it’s just for some hours, you have to spare some time for yourself. Stop everything you are doing, put your phone away and let go of everything you don’t need. Pamper yourself with a home-made spa session, brew a delicious coffee—and take your time to do it!—, or read a book. Anything you need, anything you want to do to disconnect from all the negative vibes around you.
…And Finally
Remember that every small change we make can turn into something much greater with time. If you feel like you are overwhelmed with your life or the current situation, start with baby steps, but be persistent. That’s what will keep you alive and kicking!
