Nothing has been the same since the pandemic has hit livelihoods and economies of countries around the world. The current situation is dubbed as the “new normal,” where people are changing their ways of living to carry on with their daily lives. Although some restrictions are eased, staying at home is still seen as the best way to contain the spread of the virus. While this protocol safeguards physical health, it may inflict harm on people’s mental health.
Part of the “new normal” is having to accomplish everything at home — from finishing paperwork for the office to arranging a pick-up service from your local vacuum repair shop — and that can be stressful. Relieving this kind of tension is best done outdoors, in places that are usually occupied. But since social distancing is required to be observed, it’s now impossible to enjoy a cup of coffee at a cafe or visit a museum to find solace.
Despite the busyness in one’s home, it shouldn’t stop them from making time to relax their minds. DIY activities may be the solution people are looking for, and below are some examples.
Cut your own bangs
Tagged as the “breakdown haircut,” cutting one’s bangs is a go-to option for anyone going through an emotional crisis because it’s an easy way to control stress. It’s relatable that The New Yorker prepared a questionnaire that helps individuals check their emotional stability before proceeding to this nightmare. The article even concludes that one does it regardless of the reason because people don’t cut their bangs to look good. They do it to feel good, and it’s an active choice. As The Atlantic puts it, bangs are “supposed to be funny, not terrifying or genuinely sad.”
Paint a sidewall of your bedroom
Time and time again, art has proven itself to be a therapeutic activity. It’s quick to start making art at home because a home isn’t complete without used art materials, after all. Perhaps the most exciting experience among works of art is painting a bedroom sidewall. It’s more personal because it is displayed in one’s private space, giving the individual the artistic freedom to express themselves. Landscapes are common end-products, and many individuals draw inspiration from Bob Ross tutorials on YouTube.
Venture into journaling
In a recent Instagram post by actress Jenna Fischer, she shared that since March, she started journaling, and a friend advised her to set her timer for 15 minutes to write whatever is on her mind. One research validates this idea, showing that writing for 15 to 20 minutes improves physical functionality. Most importantly, writing “helps the brain regulate emotions” as individuals don’t have to censor themselves and process their thoughts however they want.
In a world where the future is looming with uncertainty, emotional distress grows worse. At a time like this, individuals must acknowledge and not be ashamed that they can’t be consistently productive. Everyone needs a breather to get things into perspective, and simple DIY activities can help them to that.
