It’s day 5,352 of quarantine.
Not really, but F*CK does it feel that way! With the spread of Covid-19 many have either started working from home, have no job, or have no clue what they are doing besides trying their best to get by. I am a combination of all three. I am working from home trying to figure out the new direction of my business, I have no job since all restaurants are closed and there is no freelance makeup work, and I have no clue what the f*ck I am doing besides trying my best to get by. Most days I find ways to keep myself busy, but other days my anxiety really kicks up and it feels like all hope is lost. I find the best way to deal with my anxiety is to keep Giving A F*ck and try to keep a sense of routine and normalcy. Here are the best tricks I have found for Giving A F*ck at home.
1. Put on Makeup:
I have never believed that makeup is used because a woman feels the need to look attractive for a man. I didn’t put on bright blue lipstick this morning because I thought Chad would think it’s sexy (and no Chad I am really, really not interested in giving you a smurf dick so please for the love of Christ, STOP ASKING!). I put on bright blue lipstick this morning because I like the way it looks and it makes me feel like a magical f*cking unicorn. Many women are still putting on full lashes and bright red lips just to go sit on the couch all day simply because it makes them feel good. Continuing to put on makeup each day helps create the sense that something is going to be accomplished. You are taking the time to put effort into yourself and that will help you want to transition into other projects. Even if the project is sweeping the floor with a glass of wine, you’ll feel great about how the day went.
Also I know someone who is offering virtual makeup classes if you are looking for help. *wink wink*
2. Get Dressed:
I admit I have been terrible about wearing anything other than sweatpants. I blame the fact that my diet has become heavy on cheese and bread so I am too afraid to put on my real pants. HOWEVER, even though I am living in a world of sweatpant bliss, I still make the effort to style myself with a fashionable top and accessories. I am using this time to explore the streetwear fashion I have been wanting to experiment with. As the weather is changing I am starting to pull my summer dresses so I can wean myself off sweats. I run around my apartment fully made-up and dressed and my two male roommates think I am f*cking insane, but whatever. I am happy and feel like my sanity level is doing pretty good considering all things. Getting dressed in the morning helps create the divide between time spent in bed and time spent being productive. Even if that productive time is only an hour long and you get right back into bed for a nap, you still accomplished something. You have earned that nap!
3. Take a Bath:
Baths have become my ultimate religion and savior. I swear there is nothing that a bath can’t fix. On the days that I am having my worst anxiety I draw myself a deep luxurious bubble bath and easily don’t get out for over an hour. I have developed this bad habit of eating takeout, drinking a cocktail (Please drink and bathe responsibly), and watching netflix while in the tub. I highly recommend it. 15/10. Baths have multiple health benefits. From reducing stress, aiding joint health, and burning calories (I am not even kidding, google it), baths are the ultimate cure all for all of your needs. Check out my Pinterest board for some inspiration for your next bath.
4. Take Walks:
I’m not going to lie, before the start of the quarantine I sometimes thought of walking my dog as a bit of a chore. Don’t get me wrong, I love Baxter more than anything and would die for him in a second, but on mornings after a little too much wine, the sun and outdoors aren’t exactly my best friend. In the last two months I have come to look forward to my daily walks with Baxter. Not only has it helped reduce my anxiety tremendously, it has also helped me rediscover how beautiful my neighborhood really is. Walking not only has many health benefits such as reducing blood sugar, strengthening your heart, and boosting immunity, it also does wonders for the mind. Walks help reduce anxiety, boost self-esteem, and instantly elevates your mood. If you feel overwhelmed and cooped up, try taking a walk and see if that helps make a difference. It is recommended to walk for at least 30 minutes a day.
5. Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself:
I am someone that struggles with anxiety and depression. It is something I have battled for a long time and I am not ashamed to admit it. Being in quarantine has elevated my symptoms and some days I don’t know how to fight my battles. It’s really easy to compare myself with others who seem to be handling things better and shame myself into thinking that I am not doing more with my time. My therapist has become a tremendous resource for me. I am very thankful that I have been able to retain her services. What I have learned is that there is no right way of doing this. Let me repeat that. There Is No Right Way Of Doing This. Not everyone is going to make bread, not everyone is going to learn a new language. Hell, not everyone is going to shower every single f*cking day. It is okay to not get out of bed some days. It is okay to order takeout instead of cooking. It is okay not to be okay. It is also okay to ask for help. Phone a friend, a family member, or reach out to a professional. Someone will always be willing to help. I have listed some phone numbers and resources below. We are all doing our best and it’s okay to take this one day at a time. We will come out stronger on the other side.
Some days it is really hard to Give A F*ck, but it is important to still try in some way. Even if your way of giving a f*ck is brushing your teeth in the morning, hell, you accomplished something! I am here as a resource if you ever need help. Just reach out!
What are the ways you are trying to Give A F*ck? Let me know below!
I am offering virtual classes for all of your beauty needs. From makeup, to skin care, to male grooming, or anything in between I am here to help! Contact me for more information.
Mental Health Resources
- National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1 (800) 950-6264 https://nami.org/Home
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1 (800) 273-8255 https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
- OMH Emotional Support Helpline (New York only): 1 (844) 863-9314 https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/covid-19-resources.html
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline: 1 (800) 662-4357 https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline