Hey hey, girl. Hope life is good on the other side with the COVID-19 crisis over. Wish I could say the same for over here, but I’m sure I’ll be right there with you soon. I just wanted to pop in and let you know a few things that you should keep in mind now that everything is over.

1.) Don’t be so hard on yourself! Stop spreading yourself so thin. Focus on what will make you happy. Don’t stress and remember to not sweat the small stuff. If your anxiety is acting up just read this article and try things out until somethings sticks. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/16-ways-relieve-stress-anxiety You got this!

2.) Travel! See the world! Do literally anything you want! The world is your oyster! For the first time ever you aren’t tied down to school and coursework, go do something for you! If there is no more pandemic jump on the next plan and go! Grab your friends and get gone. Check out this bucket list and run wild! https://tourscanner.com/blog/bucket-list-ideas/ Life is too short to have regrets.

3.) Get a new laptop! Your current one is trash, and if we plan on getting that masters down the road we are going to need a better one. Mason has said lots of good things about the surface pro line, could be worth checking out? According to tons of sites it is the best surface tablet money can buy. If you don’t believe me read it for yourself! https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/mar/23/microsoft-surface-pro-7-review-the-best-windows-10-tablet-pc-computer

Do all of these things, don’t do these things, it is up to you! AND GET YOU A JOB GIRL!

Much love, xoxo – Madi (currently experiencing the pandemic)

With the COVID-19 pandemic looming over our minds, it is important when stuck at home that we are taking care of ourselves. This can be a scary time, with many without employment and others fighting on the front lines in hospitals directly in contact with the virus, there’s a lot of uncertainty of what is to come next. Although we are unsure of what may come in the future, we can control how we use our time at home while we practice social distancing. Here’s some things I’ve been doing to ease my anxiety while stuck at home:

• Working out: Keeping your body active during this time is essential. If you don’t have time to do full on workouts, that’s okay. Just do your best to be as active as you can, even if it is only walking around for 30 minutes.
• Eating healthy: I know you want to reach for those extra quarantine snacks! Girl, don’t do it!!!!! There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself a little here and there, but fuel your body with foods that will nourish you. You will have 10x more energy I promise.
• B u b b l e B a t h s: Get you a bath bomb and unwind. Light a candle, turn on your favorite podcast, put on a face mask, and let that stress fade away.
• FaceTime loved ones: self-isolation can get lonely, especially if you live alone like me. Calling can be great, but if you’re able to FaceTime you almost feel like you’re getting contact in person. Multiplayer games with friends and other online forms of contact can also fill the void of getting to see those you care about.
• Make a schedule: Your days can easily all blend together if you aren’t keeping some type of schedule. If you’re working from home or doing school work, set a schedule so that you can be more productive. Get up at a specific time and when it is time to work, change clothes and get ready. Once you change and are in a space that you’ve made for working at home, you’ll probably be more productive and focused now that you’ve gotten ready. If you aren’t working from home, set goals for yourself that you want to accomplish each day.
• Go easy on yourself: Your worth is not measured in how productive you are being while quarantined. If the most you can manage doesn’t feel like much, don’t stress the small stuff! Be proud of yourself. You’re alive and made it one more day. Celebrate every small victory and take it a little at a time.