We're All In This Together
Since Friday we have seen a lot happen in the world. Businesses are closing, grocery store shelves are being wiped, and many of us are feeling anxious while sitting at home. There have been many more announcements today, and I don't know about you but I have been glued to the news while trying to get some work done at home. It is a lot to take in.
For the time being I won't be writing about travel, I will pick back up my PNW hidden gem travel blogs when the time is right. For now, I want to focus on getting through the next little while and things we can all do to pass the time and stay positive.
So, we all have a lot of time on our hands now, and we need to spend it at home. Our world is very fast paced, and going from that fast pace to a full stop is a difficult adjustment. There is comfort knowing that we are all in this together, we can all relate to the worry and isolation, and we can all get through this for each other, with each other.
We can all take this time to do the things we say we would want to do if we had more time. How many of us always want to pick up a new hobby, practice drawing, start writing, or even learn a new language? Let's work through a difficult situation and focus on positive things we can do, like read that book we have been wanting to. For today, that's what I'm going to focus on and talk about.
Reading for Boredom and Self Care
Reading is a great way to escape reality for a little while, immerse yourself in a different world and relax. Reading is proven to help lower stress, reduce heart rate and tension, and it works faster than other methods of relaxation. It is a great help with coping with anxiety, as someone who experiences anxiety regularly I can attest to this fact. If you're feeling extra anxious, try reading while taking a warm bath, it is something I highly recommend for a great stress and anxiety relief.
I personally always want to read more books, but I never make time for it. Recently I have discovered audiobooks. If you don't have a kindle or books at home you have been wanting to read, this is a fantastic option to try a new book while stores and libraries are closed, or while you're self isolating. I currently have been listening to Galaxy's Edge: Black Spire, which is a Star Wars story. If you're a fan I definitely recommend this one.
If you're not really into reading, audiobooks feel like a mix of a podcast and a book. It's a totally different reading experience, hearing the voices and music in the background add to the mood of the book and creates a whole new encounter with stories. I encourage you to give audiobooks a chance, and if you do let me know what you think!
What book have you been wanting to read? Leave recommendations in the comments!
In the meantime
drink your water
call your friends & family
and get some sleep
if you are seeking help or need to speak to someone, please visit lifelinecanada.ca for access to crisis centers, distress lines and help lines. There are even texting options. Take care of yourself.
https://thelifelinecanada.ca/help/crisis-centres/canadian-crisis-centres/
if you are in the united states visit http://suicidehotlines.com/national.html for a list of hotlines to provide you assistance.