IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS...IN ISO.

Dec 19

Tips for keeping your spirits high… and we don’t just mean whisky.

It’s OK and absolutely valid to feel devastated and angry at the sudden cancellation of all your holiday plans, especially after the optimism and return to normality this past few months has given us. We agree and can confirm that this does absolutely suck for you, and you’re allowed to have a big old cry. We love you. Hang in there.

Here are ten tips for staying positive and making the time pass even a liiiiiiittle bit faster. We know that everyone’s isolation reality and situation looks very different, but hopefully at least one of the below can apply to you.

1) GET BACK ON THE ZOOM/FACETIME HORSE

We know it’s v 2020 but honestly, even a quick chat and a laugh with a pal or family member to take your mind off your situation can do wonders for your mood and your outlook. Keep in touch with regular calls, facetimes and texts.

2) GET OFF THE GRAM

Social media over the next couple weeks of Christmas and holiday celebrations and New Years parties is 100% going to be FOMO city for you, pal. No doubt about it. It’s going to absolutely suck. Save yourself the anguish. Comparison is the thief of joy so for your own good - limit your consumption.

3) CARPE THAT DIEM / TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY OF FORCED REST

It’s not so often that you are legally obliged to do nothing. Pretty bloody rare, actually. We know here at FIELDS we love banging on about work, but you know what, we reckon this time of year don’t do any work if you don’t have to. Don’t think that just because you’re home you need to be productive 24/7. Take a break. Get so much sleep that your dreams are about how good all this sleeping is. Take it easy and try your best to use this down time until you are feeling absolutely 100%. Look after yourself. It’s been a hell of a year (and life).

4) REORGANISE A TIME TO CELEBRATE (POST ISO)

If you’ve had to cancel a Christmas dinner, lunch, or a much anticipated catch-up with loved ones - if possible, rearrange a time and day for you to catch up in a few weeks once you’re all testing negative. Having something to look forward to will make you feel like all not lost, and also you have an occasion to wear your spectacular new party shirt.

5) KEEP YOUR BRAIN HAPPY

Keep those neurons firing, but firing in a relaxing, chill way… a soft fire. Now is the perfect time to binge that 6 season TV series you’ve mean meaning to watch for a decade, get into a new game, read a few books gathering dust on your shelf or order a new one on your kindle if you have one! Most streaming services offer free 30 day trials, so NOW IS THE TIME! GO! BINGE!

6) IF YOU MUST, BE PRODUCTIVE

If Netflix just aint cutting it for you anymore, write a list of all that random stuff you’ve been wanting to do, and maybe give yourself a small project, if you’re chasing that high from the good ol’ achievement hormone dopamine. Spring clean your wardrobe! Reorganise the pantry! Alphabetise your records! Scan and digitise old photos! Finally learn the Napoleon Dynamite dance. You know, all the good stuff that you would never get around to doing if public health orders hadn’t demanded you not leave the house.

7) EASE YOUR ANXIETY AND GET RIPPED (SIMULTANEOUSLY!)

Assuming that you are feeling well enough and up to it, exercise does wonders for your mood. (WOW! Bet you’ve never heard that before!) Do a workout, some free online yoga class with queen Adriene or a pilates or dance class, or even just put on some of your fave tunes and have a solo rager in your room. Whatever you’re up for. Just get that body movin’.