Who said that our happiness had to suffer because of COVID-19? No-one. Though it is completely understandable to feel anxious, sad and frustrated during this unprecedented time, what is important is trying to find a happy balance so we can all get through this together.
You know you are living through something significant when the ordinary things have become what we desperately long to do. For example, how many times have you fantasised about giving your grandparents a hug or seeing your friends? I assume a lot. Now life constitutes of living like a hermit and the only zooming that gets done is by video calls to family and friends. I’m sure this is not quite how we imagined 2020 to be. A century before, we had the ‘roaring twenties’; now we have the ‘boring twenties’.
But, I assure you that after reading this article, you will feel differently about life in lockdown and have a few tricks up your sleeve to get through this.
Feeling bored is something which we all suffer from from time to time regardless of life in lockdown. But remember that boredom is a choice! Don’t believe me? Think of all the amazing things which humans have created just to keep us entertained while we are on Earth. From films and tv programmes, to sports and academia, and the ever-increasing plethora of technology, how can we still be bored? So, instead of accepting you are going to be bored, try and make your new way of life interesting in any way you can.
Now, I do not profess to have this sussed, but these are things I do which definitely give each day a purpose. But most importantly, they’re fun!
Firstly here are some apps you can download:
1. ‘1 Second Everyday: Video Diary’
I only downloaded this app at the start of this year after my brother told me how much he liked it, and all I can say is that it has changed my life! As someone who likes to romanticise their life, this app allows you to make snippets of your life into a video. But, what this app does to your mindset is why I love it so much. This app makes you find something good in every day. So, get noticing good moments in your day and capture them to film!
These apps are perfect to regain structure to your day. Both apps allow you to plan your day, assign times to tasks and see your progress. I have got into the habit of using Notion to set my goals for the week and then make a to-do-list the night before on Todoist. These apps can create stress if you are too strict with the times you set for tasks, so unless there is something you have to do at a certain time, avoid setting a specific time. But when used well (i.e. you set manageable tasks) they can be really helpful.
A few social media accounts to follow:
If you’re wanting more positivity in your feed then this is a great account to follow on Instagram. I have learned so much from studying better to just living life better! A lot can be gleaned from 20-year-old YouTuber, Jade Bowler. Her videos are largely about self-growth and positive thinking which are inspiring to watch. She makes you want to be a better human.
Hosted by American actor, John Krasinski, this account is entirely dedicated to good news. There are so many wonderful things happening in the world which just aren’t getting the air time. Krasinski even organised a virtual prom for students who sadly will miss out on theirs. So, if you feel deflated and anxious by all the negative COVID-19 news, read Some Good News as the wholesome content will make you smile.
Here are a few things to do for yourself as self-care is for everyone:
- Listen to feel-good songs.
It has been scientifically proven that listening to happy music makes the brain to release dopamine, (a feel-good chemical). Here are a few of my personal favourites:
- ‘Dancing Queen’, ABBA.
- ‘Mr. Blue Sky’, Electric Light Orchestra.’ Dancing Queen’, ABBA.
- ‘For Once In My Life’, Stevie Wonder.
- ‘It’s Not Unusual’, Tom Jones.
- ‘Who Loves You’, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.
- ‘I’m Still Standing’, Elton John.
2. Watch films and tv programmes that make you smile.
Now this may seem obvious, but the last thing you should do is watch something like the Netflix show ‘You’ if you want to feel happier. Watch something a bit more upbeat and without psychopaths and murderers! We are lucky to have a plethora of online resources such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime to keep us entertained. Rewatch films you loved as a child or discover new programmes. Regardless of my mood, I always feel better after watching Gilmore Girls and Glee. I know they will not be everyone’s cup of tea, so find your favourites and indulge!
3. Exercise.
When you exercise, you release endorphins which combat stress and make you feel happy. You don’t have to be training like an Olympic athlete to be exercising properly. Exercise is for everyone. The Body Coach TV offers weekly home workouts to help you get, stronger, healthier and happier. But, a run outside is just as good. Just remember to make it fun!
4. Make your bed.
This might sound like an odd way to make you feel happier during the lockdown, but trust me it does. Making your bed after you get up immediately gives you a sense of accomplishment and it takes less than 1 minute.
5. Eat healthily.
In a study at Warwick University (England) and Queensland University (Australia), scientists discovered that adding one serving of fruit or vegetable to your diet can noticeably increase your levels of happiness. Also, it is self-care, so by looking after yourself, you will definitely feel happier.
And here are a few things to do for others, as random acts of kindness go a long way:
- Write someone a letter.
It is so easy to text and email people that writing letters is rarely considered. But why shouldn’t it be? It’s a dying art which actually is very beneficial. You are guaranteed to make someone’s day; it’s fun and also promotes mindfulness as writing by hand induces calm and alleviates anxiety.
2. Volunteer to help someone in your community.
There are a lot of people who cannot leave their house due to ill health, so if you are able, volunteering in your community is really beneficial and will be greatly appreciated by others. It can be offering to walk an unwell person’s dog, delivering food, picking up prescriptions and so much more. The more we give, the happier we feel, so we get a natural sense of achievement after doing voluntary work. So, this is great and also a free way to feel happier and also be productive at the same time. It’s a win-win!
3. Cook dinner for the family.
If you don’t often get to have dinner with your whole family, lockdown will offer some new experiences. So, why not cook dinner for your family? The process of cooking is proven to alleviate stress and improve your mood due to the satisfaction gained when seeing (and most importantly eating) what you have made. Also, cooking with limited resources should be seen as fun as it allows you to be more creative with what you can make. So, get creative and get cooking!
4. Video call people you care about.
Finding the time to talk to others when we are all forced to be apart will definitely make you feel happier. It will also give you something to look forward to!
5. Hug people you’re living with.
It is very important that you only hug people that you are in the same household as and you are both well. But, if you are able, giving hugs does actually make you happier. When we hug, the chemical oxytocin is released which reduced stress, making you feel calmer and happier!
So, remember that although lockdown can make you feel unhappy, in life there is always at least one thing to be happy about.
