Valeria Jauregui Photograph Jorge Campos
In these hard times right now, when we're all isolated to combat COVID 19, you might find yourself feeling bored, lonely, too in your head, etc. I know I have. I won't lie, I think it's been easy to get hit by those quarantine blues, especially if you're staying alone!
Here are some things I've been doing to help me stay productive and active. I don't want to start naming things like "go work out" or "wake up super early" because I think we all know that's not inspiring at all, and it doesn't make it any easier to get out of bed in the morning. I will say the second week of quarantine hit me, and it took me about three days to get back on track with what I needed to be doing.
I think it starts with forcing yourself to reach small goals every day, and once you fulfill your goal, it feels great, and you stay inspired to keep the day going. I'm still in school, so of course, I've been doing that, but I find that going outside to my backyard and doing a morning workout helps me gain energy to get the day going. I do homework, and when I'm done, I've been doing those things I've wanted to for a long time but couldn't find the time for.
For example, drawing has always interested me, and so I've been going to YouTube and taking drawing lessons! I've been singing, writing, learning to drive, reading, watching movies, painting, etc. There is so much to do! Ask yourself what skills you've always wanted to practice or improve and do it! It'll feel great taking time for yourself, and please be kind to yourself.
I know that's not always easy; trust me. I'm very harsh on myself sometimes but doing things I love and learning more about what I'm interested in every day helps me stay positive. Remember, it's also okay to not be okay, and not be productive 100% of the time! I've also had lazy days where I stay in bed.
I want to challenge you to do at least one creative thing and one active thing every day. Fortunately, we live in an era where there is so much knowledge that is easily accessible thanks to our technology. If you want to learn a new skill, there is a high chance that you can do so by just using YouTube. Use this to your advantage and learn a new language or something!
If you're staying with your family, this is an excellent chance to get those game nights going again! My family and I have started a tough puzzle, we play card games at night, were all learning how to cook from my mom, and playing Mario together.
If you're alone, I know that it must be so much harder, but beautiful things can come from being alone. Loneliness and boredom are a fantastic inspiration for creativity. Being all by yourself for an extended period is, of course, a challenge, but you will come out of this stronger if you intend to.
In the meantime, stay safe, wash your hands, avoid going out, wear a mask if you need to, and stay updated and informed on the situation. On the brighter side of things, our environment seems to be healing, and when this all goes away, well get to hug our loved ones even harder.
Valeria is making her mark on the small screen with her large role on the hit FOX drama. When the elected sheriff dies, Bill Hollister (Stephen Dorff), a lawman only interested in justice, gets thrown into the job as acting sheriff. Valeria stars as Bill’s daughter, Maggie.
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