Quarantine has been tough. I’m not here to tell you that the last few months haven’t felt endless. We’ve been cooped up in our homes for the better part of three (or is it 10?) months now. The consistent stream of bad news, lack of social interaction, and change in routine can really take a toll on your mental health and wellbeing. And while I won’t tell you that things haven’t sucked, I am going to “bright side” you just a little bit. It’s important to take some time to consider the positives that have helped you get through the quarantine lows.

On the bright side…

• You took some time for yourself. I don’t know about you, but pre-quarantine there never seemed to be enough hours in the day, let alone enough time for a little self care! Hopefully over the last few months you’ve been able to take a little time for yourself. Maybe you started a new skin care routine. Maybe you spent your mornings at home with a cup of coffee and a book instead of the drive-through and phone calls. Maybe you picked up your yoga practice to connect with your mind and body. All the things you thought you didn’t have time for before. Self-care can be whatever you need, but you have to set aside the time to do it. Luckily we’ve got the time now! 
• You took a moment to slow down. We live in a fast-paced world. Everything is go-go-go and I-want-it-now. It didn’t feel natural at first during quarantine to slow down but when there’s nowhere to be, you can take a moment to breathe. And doesn’t it feel good?! 
• You did some things you said you’d do “if you had the time.” Did you do a DIY project? Did you purge your closet? Did you finally re-paint that lime green bedroom? Whatever was on your to-do list, I hope you got something checked off during quarantine. Small victories are important in times of uncertainty, and we have to celebrate those!
• You had the time to catch up with friends and family. Whether it was happy hour over Facetime or family time at home, we had to connect virtually when we couldn’t physically. I had tons of phone calls with friends I haven’t seen in a while, simply because I had the time to sit down and catch up. I got to spend a ton of time with my family when I typically only get that time during the holidays or special occasions. You may have felt like you couldn’t fit everyone in to normal life, but quarantine allowed us to reconnect with those we love!

Although the future is still unknown and life may never go back to the old “normal”, try to find the little “bright sides”. You just have be mindful of the beauty that surrounds you. It’s okay to feel sad, and it’s okay to think “this sucks” – because it hasn’t been easy! But don’t let that stop you from working on you, spreading kindness, and kicking ass (from home.) What have you done during quarantine that you’re proud of or has helped you keep a positive attitude? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!