24 Little Things You Can Do for Yourself and Others Right Now
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Hoxton/Tom Merton/Getty ImagesMeditation can help improve the symptoms of anxiety and depression, boost your mood, and also reduce stress. Make it part of your daily routine and take a few minutes to close your eyes and breathe in and out. There are plenty of meditation apps to download, like Headspace or Calm, that make it easy for newbies.
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Javier Diez/StocksyTurn off the news for a bit and start streaming something that makes you smile. It could be a silly show on Netflix or Hulu or a funny video on YouTube or Instagram. Laughter is the best medicine, right?
If you're social-distancing and staying at home, it's easy to forget to get up and move around. Make it a point to set aside time during the day to exercise with an at-home workout, or remember to get up and stretch every 30 minutes or so.
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Jeff Wasserman/StocksyYou know, the one you got as a gift and have been saving for a "special occasion"? This might not be the special occasion you were thinking of originally, but use this time to treat yourself and enjoy it.
There's nothing like a relaxing bath to make you feel a little calmer and refreshed. And if you don't have a bathtub, a warm shower will do, too.
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Lumina/StocksyWhether it's for an hour or for the entire evening, taking a break from the endless scroll on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook just might give you some peace of mind. It's great to stay updated with what's going on right now, but sometimes hearing everyone's take on the subject can get a bit overwhelming, and you can go down a rabbit hole of worry and despair. (Dramatic? Maybe, but isn't it true?) Set aside some time each day for a social media ban of sorts.
Putting your thoughts to paper can help you process and release your feelings. You can write about your worries and observations, but you can also write down the things you are grateful for at the moment.
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Leah Flores/StocksyIf you can, go outside and take a walk. Or step outside in your backyard, patio, or balcony for some fresh air. Just remember if you're walking outside, you should still maintain distance from others (about six feet).
Like the fancy wine, you might know what we're talking about here—that expensive face mask, cream, bath salts, candle that you haven't used yet because it's just so nice. Take it out and indulge.
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Treasures & Travels/StocksyIf you have some time, go ahead and take a quick nap. A midday siesta can be so refreshing. The National Sleep Foundation says one of the benefits of naps is a psychological one. It can be a way to feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
What better way to get your mind off things for a bit than losing yourself in a book (whether it's new or your favorite one) or an interesting podcast?
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Johner Images/Getty ImagesJust because the situation isn't normal right now doesn't mean your everyday routines have to be upended completely. Keep up with them if you can, whether it's your skincare routine, haircare, or even cleaning or cooking. Sticking to your daily habits can bring some normalcy to your days.
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Ulrike Schmitt Hartmann/Getty ImagesNow is the time to get to that decluttering or organizing project that's been on your list for a while. It will make you feel useful, and it might even be fun to do some problem-solving, trying to figure out where you want to put everything.
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Hoxton/Sam Edwards/Getty ImagesAgain, now's the time to cross something off your to-do list since you're probably not out and about seeing friends right now. Chances are you'll feel so much better and accomplished when you're finished. For me, I recently used my quiet time at home by myself to finally get my taxes done.
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Westend61/Getty ImagesThis works if you're quarantining with your roommates or partner, or if you live alone—but especially if you live alone and can't get out to see people. It can get super quiet at home, so why not turn on your favorite song and belt it out? Or read aloud that book you can't put down. It's nice to hear your voice sometimes, right?
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maskot/Getty ImagesOlder people are more vulnerable right now, so help them out by offering to run errands for them, like picking up groceries or prescriptions. Just remember to practice safe social distancing when doing so.
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Westend61/Getty ImagesIf you are able to, research a charity or cause you would like to support and donate to during this time. For example, if you donate to Feeding America, every $1 you donate provides 10 meals to families across the U.S. You can also donate to your local food bank, whether it's supplies or money.
This idea comes from Who What Wear's editor in chief, Kat Collings. Send someone a thoughtful gift to let them know you're thinking about them, especially one that can come in handy at this time. You don't have to go to the post office or shipping center to mail it out. Just buy it online and send to your friend's address.
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pansfun images/Getty ImagesIt can get pretty lonely right now, and this is where technology can be helpful. Schedule some time to do a group video chat with some of your friends to check in on how they're doing. It can be a regular chat, or you can get creative. We've seen friends eating a meal, watching a movie, working out, or even playing a game together virtually.
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Getty ImagesSome people aren't able to work from home, and if you know someone who can't, offer to do something nice for them, like ordering dinner or running an errand (while practicing safe social distancing, of course).
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Peter Dazeley/Getty ImagesThis is something to think about if you're able to. The Red Cross says it is seeing a significant drop in donations right now, "which is limiting the ability for the nation’s blood supply to be adequately replenished." The organization and other experts say that the coronavirus doesn't pose any known risks to blood donors during the donation process or blood drives.
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LauriPatterson/Getty ImagesPreferably from your favorite neighborhood joint. Restaurants are being hit hard right now, so if you can, support local businesses by ordering food or purchasing gift cards from your favorite spots.
There's nothing more meaningful than a card or letter from someone you love. Spend your extra downtime at home writing some notes to your friends and family.
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Getty ImagesWhen you do go outside to pick up groceries or run errands, make sure you say thank you and are polite to the people who are working. This should be a given all the time but can be especially thoughtful right now.
Next up: 9 Things That Will Help You Deal With Loneliness
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.