I think we can all agree March was an extremely weird month and we’re still adjusting to our new normal of working from home and self isolating (a reminder that if you do not need to go to work or the grocery store, please stay inside). All things considered, especially how I was feeling last week, I was able to find the simple things that bring me joy during this time that I am sharing here with you. And no, this list does not include Tiger King, although I highly recommend you watch it!
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
This game was an impulse buy for me. I never played the first game that came out in 2001, but I knew it was very popular. When the new Animal Crossing game came out 2 weeks ago on Nintendo Switch, it was at a time where I needed a good distraction and play something new. The minute I started playing, I was hooked! This game is the complete opposite of what life is like right now. You can be outside at all times, interact with neighbors, buy and sell goods in a store. It’s a perfect world that you can escape to and everything is super cute! I got addicted to fishing, catching bugs, chopping wood, planting flowers and fruit trees and building furniture for my home. Pretty much all the things I am NOT good at. The missions that you’re given are simple and provide structure to the day. Since the game is set in real time, there’s a lot of things you have to wait the next day for. So, everyday I have something new to look forward to in the game. Something I need at a time where everyday feels exactly the same.
Dua Lipa’s new album, Future Nostalgia
This album is ah-mazing!! Future Nostalgia is hands down the best dance album I’ve heard. You can dance and sing along to every single song. I don’t have a favorite song on this album because each one is the same level or next level of perfection. Since it came out last week, I’ve listened to it multiple times a day, every day. It’s a great album to listen to when you’re doing deep work to keep your energy up, when you’re doing a home workout or when you’re drinking your favorite cocktail dancing in your living room. It’s all the positive energy that I need right now; this album could not have come out at a better time. Go listen to it if you have not!
My Samsung Galaxy Tab A tablet
I got this tablet awhile ago in February, but it’s on my list for this month because I’ve been using it more and more as time has gone on, especially during quarantine. It gives me a break when I don’t want to be on my phone since my social media apps are on my phone. Using my tablet is when I want downtime to myself and have my brain shut off from the real world a bit. I watch my youtube videos (a lot of content lately has been how youtubers are remaining positive and productive during quarantine which I’ve found helpful), read my book and color! I downloaded two coloring apps, Happy Color and Coloring Book, that are free as another stress relief and to keep up my creativity levels without thinking. I curl up on our oversized chair by the window in the living room and am on my tablet for hours. It’s been a helpful tool to pass the time without consuming content that puts me in a bad mood.
Zoom Parties
I am impressed with how fast we adapted to using zoom for socializing at a distance. We didn’t skip a beat in making sure that we are staying connected to our loved ones. I’m used to using zoom for work so I already know it’s capabilities, but people who don’t normally use it have adopted it in their everyday lives when they want to see their family and friends. I love seeing everyone’s instastories on their zoom parties and all the creative ways people are staying connected. Of course there’s the traditional happy hours, but I see dance parties, trivia nights, game nights and even group workouts all still happening to keep up with those social activities we would be doing anyway. It’s been awesome to still see and catch up with my friends; it shows we’re still making an effort even if we can’t see each other physically. I do hope this is a form of communication we keep up with especially with long distance loved ones, but I can’t wait to make plans and see everyone in person to give them a big hug!
Let me know in the comments what you’ve been loving lately or what has brought you joy during these difficult times!