It’s so important to take care of your mental health. It took me about 3 weeks to mentally shake off the crippling stress and anxiety I had been feeling. I found myself diving into the dark places in my mind without being able to find a way out. My routine was wake up, eat breakfast, sit on the couch for hours, lunch, couch, dinner then bed. I wasn't in the mood to do anything AT ALL.
I'm not ashamed to admit it because it was my reality. It was difficult and it was horrible but eventually, I was able to get myself out of it. I'm saying this to you now, praying that it will give you hope as well (if you happen to be in that dark place). It wasn't until this week that I truly began to feel like myself again. I started making small to do lists and started working on little projects to keep my mind busy. In the midst of it all, I realized I needed a positive place for me, where I could unwind and decompress. While organizing the office/craft room, I decided to dedicate a corner for this purpose alone. Hence, the birth of the cozy quarantine corner!
Now it's one of my favorite corners of the house and I come here whenever I need a little extra dose of happy. Here's what I added to mine:
Books
Currently reading the To All the Boys I’ve Loved series by Jenny Han! I told myself I wouldn’t let myself watch the 2nd movie until I finished the 2nd book.
Journal & Pen
In a time where we are being overloaded with bad news, it’s important to fill our souls with good news as well. I decided to start a gratitude journal to write down all the good things that were happening. One day when this is all over, I’d like to have something to look back on to remind myself that I got through it.
Scrapbooking
Being able to create something always puts me in a great mood. To make something beautiful out of random scraps of tape and paper is always so fulfilling to me. At the end of it all, you have something wonderful to look back and reflect on.
iPad & Pencil
I’m one of those people that can listen to music, podcasts, movies or TV shows when I’m doing anything else. I love listening to music from the moment I wake up to the moment I fall asleep. Music can change my mood in a second. Here are some of my favorite apps at the moment: Hulu, Podcasts, Procreate & Spotify.
Water & Refill
It's so important to stay hydrated. I remember numerous times where I’m so focused on a project that I forget to drink water. So having it within reach leaves little room for excuses. Stay happy, stay healthy.
Devotional/Everyday Worship
Faith has been helping me through this crazy time so much. Anytime I feel overwhelmed or I’m at the point where I’m about to hit a mental wall, I pray. I start my morning with a prayer, sprinkle a few more throughout the day and then end my night with another one. The book I’m reading now is Beholding and Becoming - The Art of Everyday Worship by Ruth Chou Simmons.
Nintendo 3DS XL
Or any game console of some sort. I know Animal Crossing on the Nintendo Switch Lite is super popular right now. While cleaning the office, I found the charger to my 3DS so I decided to save my money and not buy the Switch Lite (even though I really want to play with my friends lol.. must resist). I also made a promise to myself that I wouldn't even entertain the idea of seriously buying a Switch Lite until I beat Zelda: A Link Between Worlds on the 3DS.
Comfy Chair
Of course you’ll need a chair or small couch for seating. Another option is to place a blanket on the floor and add a lot of pillows for floor seats. No need to spend money, just find things around the house that you can repurpose and reuse.
Blanket/Shawl & Pillows
Add a soft blanket and some pillows too complete the cozy corner. Robes are fully welcomed in the cozy Q corner.
If you create a space like this for your home, please share it with me by tagging me on Instagram: @labouroflovecrafts using the hashtag #cozyQcorner.
I hope you and all your loved ones are staying safe and more importantly sane. Sending you so much love (from a distance). If you need anyone to talk to, please know that I'm here.
With love,
Linh
Disclaimer: I understand that being able to create this safe space in my home is a luxury and privilege. I know a lot of people around the world don't even feel safe in their own home due to being forced to stay in a home with an abuser or having to share a space with someone who may be ill. This post was not written with the intent to boast or brag, I just feel that mental health is so important having dealt with anxiety and depression myself. I know others are having a much more difficult time than me but I just wanted to share some ideas to hopefully spark some ideas for you as well. I wanted to provide alternative options to help combat anxiety and depression. Anyway, I really hope this helps someone.
Disclaimer: I understand that being able to create this safe space in my home is a luxury and privilege. I know a lot of people around the world don't even feel safe in their own home due to being forced to stay in a home with an abuser or having to share a space with someone who may be ill. This post was not written with the intent to boast or brag, I just feel that mental health is so important having dealt with anxiety and depression myself. I know others are having a much more difficult time than me but I just wanted to share some ideas to hopefully spark some ideas for you as well. I wanted to provide alternative options to help combat anxiety and depression. Anyway, I really hope this helps someone.
