Ten Ways to Fight the Coronavirus Blues

The news the past several weeks has started to take its toll on me. And judging from posts on social media, I petty sure I’m not alone.

Lately, I’ve been all about running and growing my digi scrap design business and I’ve let those activities take priority over everything else. And while concentrating on those things is really important, it has meant that I haven’t taken any time to art just for myself.

Friday, though, I “hit the wall” and needed to do something – anything – creative. I dug through a couple of my digital art journaling kits and pulled some pieces to work with. I didn’t really know what I was going to make – no real plan – but after about 30 minutes, my page emerged. While the silhouttes and the text were exactly what I needed, I think I had more fun adding all the layers to the background paper.

When I was done, I realized I felt calmer and more in control. Creating – or arting – is a release. It helps you focus on things outside yourself.  It really is an amazing tool for healing – even if you don’t even realize there’s some healing to be done. 

Even though social media keeps us connected, I was feeling the need for something a little more personal. So I did a Facebook Live on Saturday afternoon on my design page. It lasted just about 30 minutes and I shared some of my own art work, talked a bit about art journaling and other things. It was a ton of fun, and great to connect with others.  If there is enough interest, I’ll be doing more of them. You can watch the replay here.

That got me thinking about what else could we do as we face the uncertainty of the coming days. There must be ways to make lemonade out of all these lemons, right?

Ten Ways to Make Lemonade

1. Reach out and touch (virtually, of course)

 Call someone you haven’t talked to in a while. Maybe a family member or a high school or college friend you used to be close with. This is a great time to reconnect and you might just make someone’s day! 

2. Exercise! 

Work out! Most of us probaby made New Year’s resolutions to live healthier lives. With no sports on TV (are you listening men??)  you must have an awful lot of free time! No excuses right? 

3. Make Every Move Night 

I’m on a mission to catch up on all the Oscar winning movies I never got around to seeing. And there are lots of documentaries I wanted to see that always took lower priority.  I bet you can find many, good, uplifiing and inspiring things to watch. Try Googling “Best movies of 19xx” to come up with a list of possibilities. 

4. Read a book 

I’m guilty of ignoring reading in favor of a lot of other activities. But I do have growing list that I’ve meant to get to. Not sure what to read? Google New York Times Best Sellers lists.  

5. If you’re a scrapbooker nows the time! 

• Pull out your supplies and get those photos scrappped!
• If you’re a digital scrapbooker, consider participating in challenges in your favorite shop’s forum. My own challenges are quite popular and Oscraps has a ton. Not only do challenges spark creativity, they are a great way to connect with other digital scrapbookers. 

6. Hone your skills 

Learn a new-to-you digital scrapbooking or Photoshop + PSE technique! 

 7. Cook something new 

Look in your fridge, freezer and pantry and then Google something like “recipes with  …. ” adding a few ingredients you have on hand.  Bet you come up with something tasty! 

8. Take on online class (or actually finish one you’ve started)  

I am an admitted online class addict – I absolutely cannot pass up a new watercolor, floral, abstract, art journaling class! Serious FOMO! I’ve got plenty to catch up on and I bet you can find one that appeals to you! I like Toni Burt, Ivy Newport and Everything Art for very reasonably priced individual classes; Tricia Dewey for iPad digital art.

9. Talk a walk 

Schools, businesses and some activities may be closed, but the outdoors isn’t! Take in some fresh air – it will help clear your head. Don’t forget to bring your cell phone and take pictures of stuff! 

10. Do something for others  

Stepping outside of yourself benefits others – and actually improves your own sense of well-being. 

• If you know a health care worker, contact them to see if they need anything – or bring them soup or something. Most of them are working very, very hard right now and are probably exhausted.
• Contact any elderly neighbors or friends that may have self-quarantined to see if you can do some shopping for them – taking the standard precautions to protect yourself of course. 

Life is going to be different for a little awhile. So take this opportunity to take care of yourself and make some lemonade out of all those lemons! Leave me a comment and tell me what you’re doing to de-stress.