We will not deny it, the past year has been tough mentally.
Times are uncertain, we have been separated from friends and family, and to top it off many of us are locked at home! I personally spent 52 days back-to-back in quarantine, inside a room to myself. If there is anything I can pass on from this experience. It is how to fill the time effectively, and how to prioritize self-care.
Like anyone else I had ups and downs, and if it were not for the use of my cannabis prescription, I am not sure I would have made it through as well as I did. When I felt down and struggled with motivation and energy I turned to Sativa-dominant strains containing higher percentages of pinene, limonene. Improving alertness, mood, stress relief and it even increased my energy levels.
I found my largest struggle was keeping focused and task oriented. The more I was surrounded by social media, articles, or the news, the stronger my anxiety grew, yet my focus and concentration depleted. I became reliant on social media for interactions, which caused more harm than good. If I found myself spiraling out of control or losing the ability to control my thoughts at times, I turned to Indica-Dominant strains containing terpenes high in Caryophyllene and Terpineol which helped me with focus, mood, relaxation, and energy.
There is no doubt that the components of the cannabis plant worked in synchronization to change any thought pattern and mood. Not only was I able to control my thoughts, mood, and energy but it pushed me to take care of myself, physically and mentally. Instead of utilizing only cannabis to change my body and mind, I trialed many other things to keep me busy.
I want to step back for a moment to reflect on one of the positive aspects we may have forgotten about. How many times have you found yourself over the years wishing you had more to time to do this, or more time to do that? Now is that time! Below are some budget-friendly items I personally used to pass the time, and truly enjoyed. I was able to perform right from the comfort of my home.
1. Have an in-home paint night.
There are many pre-recorded paint nights availiable on YouTube. Simply enter “paint night at home” and you will find many options for different skill levels. You will need to purchase your supplies such as paint, paint brushes and a canvas. If you are on a budget, you can find this at the dollar store. If your stores are closed online orders or curbside pickup are availiable. This was fun to do with friends virtually, but this can also be performed in home by yourself, or with your family as a group.
2. Watch a virtual movie with friends and/or family.
This is a feature you may not know you already have. If you do not, they are easy programs to use. We may not be able to go to the movie theatre as a group, but we can do it as a group from home. Disney+ has GroupWatch. Netflix has an extension called Netflix Party. These video streaming memberships, allow you to sync with family and friends for a private viewing party, you will all be watching the movie at the same time, and can chat with those watching, helping eaze the lack of social isolation.
3. Exercise or fitness classes online.
Many gyms have closed, some provinces have restricted outdoor fitness. But physical health is important for our immune system. Gyms may be closed, but the internet is still running. There are many options for at-home fitness classes. You can easily refer to YouTube (once again) for equipment-free workouts. Many fitness classes are availiable at a cost virtually. Personally, I ended up purchasing a fitness program membership, since I was able to place payments for my gym membership on hold. I also encourage you to sign up for Canada House Free Virtual Yoga and Meditation classes to keep both your mind and body at peace.
4. Pick and complete a DIY project.
This kept me busy! Any old furniture I did not enjoy the colour of, or the hardware, I changed it! Pinterest became a best friend and filled me with many ideas to refurbish and redecorate my home. Indoors and out! I watched tutorial videos online and got to it. It is time consuming, which is the best part. I took on 2-3 projects at time, worked on one while the other dried.
5. Have a themed “virtual” dinner with friends and/or family.
There are many free video chat programs availiable for groups, such as Facebook, Zoom, and Skype. Pick a date and time suited for everyone, a theme, and make the call. Do it over dinner or drinks. There have been many virtual games developed over these months, you can play anyone across the Country as well with friends or family.
6. Learn a new talent.
Wanting to learn guitar? Accomplish a successful headstand? Okay, maybe these were my goals, but I still did them! All those things you have continued to tell yourself, “I don’t have the time”, do it and do it now!
At first when this all happened, I was in the same position and mindset as many of you, I am sure. It was depressing. But the more I surrounded myself with the bad, the darker my world became. I decided to stop thinking of the bad and instead be thankful – for once, I am in my home with nowhere to go! I have a moment to breathe and think about myself and what I need. I accomplished more personal goals in the past year than I have in over 30 years. I tried new cooking food, picked up the guitar, oh, and I did accomplish that headstand!
I truly have enjoyed the time locked to my home. I learned how to effectively utilize cannabis for what I needed as relief, I learned self-care, and I learned not all is bad right now. If there is one thing I could personally recommend, I hope everyone takes away from this, log out of Facebook, get away from social media, turn off the news, do something new, connect with friends and family. Take the time and truly appreciate these moments. In hopes it makes these times a little brighter.
When you come out of this, you will be stronger than ever. We are Canadian, True and Strong!