This pandemic has been nothing short of shocking to all of us as we have never encountered anything like this in our lifetime. My heart truly goes out to the people on the front line of this virus, seeing tragedy daily in numbers unimaginable to all of us. Thank you for all that you’re doing!

I was curious, what exactly is quarantine and where did it originate? Quarantine originates from the word quarentena, meaning “forty days” in Medieval European times around the time of the Black Plague. Crazy to think of being in isolation for forty days but these people were on ships! Talk about sea sick! I consider myself fortunate to be in quarantine in the comfort of my home. Regardless, this is completely outside my comfort zone as someone who is an extrovert and thrives off socializing with others. Being cooped up at home is nothing short of devastating but I need to stay positive and make the most this down-time I now have.

I have been staying positive with the help of fresh cut flowers around my home. Flowers are so beautiful to look at and offer so many other benefits to our mental health. Flowers are huge for stress-relief, anxiety-relief, better sleep, and a happier/positive mentality. I have a vase of fresh hyacinths on my nightstand and on my kitchen table which fill the rooms with such a sweet uplifting fragrance. A few years ago, I went through a really devastating break-up. The flower bouquet in my bedroom made me feel more hopeful in the outlook of my future. Go out and grab a fresh vibrant bouquet of flowers from your local small businesses and pay attention to the difference in your mindset.

I started looking at this “social distancing” time as opportunity to do the things that I’ve been talking about doing but chose to do other things instead, when life was busier with more options. I’m getting outside to get fresh air as early spring has sprung! I go for daily walks and run every other day to stay in shape while taking in the beautiful perennials that have bloomed. I’m challenging myself with new recipes in the kitchen, taking an online wine class, listening to free LinkedIn webinars to improve my skill set, reading books, and starting this blog! I’m giving myself more time for self care with daily meditation, perfecting skincare/hair routines, getting better at painting my own nails (shocker), and checking in on my daily emotions using the calm app. This is so important to feel a sense of accomplishment and/or gratitude during this “limbo” state.

Carpe Diem! What are you doing to make the most of this time? What challenges are you taking on to keep sharp? What are you doing daily to help keep your mental health in check?

Stay safe, healthy, and optimistic!