Weird times are going down right now, indeed.
Sometimes I forget we’re in the middle of a motherfucking global pandemic.
Like, when I get REALLY absorbed in my work (which is often) and basically just tune out from the world for long periods of time.
Then I’m like…”Oh, yeah. THIS is still happening outside.”
As far as I’m concerned, it is a PRIVILEGE to be able to be practicing safe social distancing measures from the comfort of my own home.
Suffice to say, I’ve made plenty of changes in my life, as well as all of us have, given our new “normal.”
I’m a firm believer in working where you are with what you have and making the most out of every situation.
No matter what.
For me, when I spend too much time unoccupied with something to do, my mind wanders. Which is good, but for long periods of time…not good.
You know that saying, “An idle mind is the devil’s playground?”
TRUTH.
So here’s what I’ve been doing to not only stay sane but continue to grow and expand and better my life. (Because otherwise, what’s the point?)
- I bought fitness equipment for my home. I got a spin bike that I parked right in front of my TV along with adjustable free weights, as well as foam rollers. It was a bit of a splurge, but SO worth it. There are few feelings in the world that I live for more than that from a short but intense workout. Working out is such a massive part of my life that I consider this one an investment in not only my longevity and body, but my mental health as well. (And foam rollers are the BEE’S KNEES for muscle tightness and inflammation relief).
- I decorated. A LOT. Again, this was a bit of a splurge as well. BUT. I am a HUGE proponent of (ESPECIALLY for someone who works from home a LOT, regardless of what’s happening in the world) making your environment as pleasant as possible for maximum work output. (lol that sounds so nerdy but IT’S TRUE). I’m surrounded by a beautiful, calming, aesthetically-pleasing atmosphere 24/7. It’s FAR easier to be inspired and get into my workflow when my environment is super vibe-y. You also don’t HAVE to spend a ton. It could even be as simple as buying a cool new canvas print for your living room and throwing some subtle glow strip lights around your TV.
- I’m balls deep in A LOT. I need a lot of mental stimulation all the time. (Who else can relate?? If my brain isn’t having to constantly figure things out and create, I just feel OFF and completely not myself). It’s a blessing and a curse. Mostly a blessing. So I took on a bunch of projects I had been telling myself I would do, “One day.” Welp, I realized there is no better time than in the middle of a global pandemic (where I CAN’T do much else) to start. So I started this blog. I’m working on all things Fancy Monster. I’m working on a secret thing for you that you’ll see soon :} The point is, I’m working on bringing stuff to life that I’m super passionate about and it’s really effing exciting and is keeping me extra busy. Which means I don’t even have TIME to let myself go down a rabbit hole of anxious thoughts…AND I get to create cool stuff to share with the world. Win, win!
- COMMUNICATING. With everyone. Like, I’ve talked to friends I haven’t connected with in ages. I talk to my family almost every day. I Facetime friends all the time just to say hi. I EVEN ADOPTED AN ELDERLY LADY AS A PEN PAL. (If you scroll down the page on this Facebook page here there are a bunch of listings for “Senior Pen Pals Wanted.” IT’S THE GREATEST THING EVER AND TAKES ALL OF 5 MINUTES TO BRIGHTEN SOMEONE’S DAY). People are EVERYTHING. Humans are social creatures. If you can’t see your loved ones, stay in touch with them. They love hearing from you and YOU feel good connecting. Everyone wins!
How has your life changed for the better since these changes began? LMK.
xo, alix
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