The world isn’t as we know it anymore. COVID-19 has changed the way we live our lives and, it’s fair to say, it’s scary. Right now, times are tough and looking after ourselves has become incredibly important - even more important than before. Around the world, the Coronavirus has shut down countries and it is impacting us all. We’re all coping differently; some of us may not even be coping. As hard as it is, we need to try and connect, or reconnect, with ourselves while living in lockdown. It is important that we aim to look after our wellbeing; to try and make life a little easier during these times in order to stay positive. Here are ten mindful tips for you to try in order to connect with yourself, especially now during quarantine.
Meditate
There are so many benefits of meditation! It can help reduce stress and anxiety; it enhances your self-awareness and promotes emotional health; it can help you sleep better and improve your attention span. If you need some help, there are plenty of apps with guided meditations available. Such examples include Calm, Headspace and Insight Timer.
Yoga
Like meditation, yoga can reduce stress and anxiety, and more. It improves the quality of life; it increases flexibility, balance, and strength; it can improve your sleep and breathing; it may even help with depression.
There are multiple types of yoga, and it can be tough. Take to YouTube or find some apps to help you out. Be patient with yourself.
Journal
Journalling will help you get to know yourself. It can clarify your thoughts and feelings; it can reduce stress; it can solve problems more efficiently; it can do so many things for you.
So, write! Write down your positive and negative thoughts. It doesn't matter how you do it. You can write paragraphs or dot points or whatever you'd like.
Exercise
While it's important to look after your mental health during lockdown; it's also just as important to look after your physical health. Go for a walk or run, dance, workout. Exercise varies. Find something you enjoy! Keep in mind that countries have different regulations and restrictions in place when it comes to leaving your home.
Exercise can improve your mood; it can improve your sleep; it can help combat health conditions; it can boost your energy; it can improve your confidence. Exercise can do a lot. Just make sure you're safe.
Try something new
We're spending a lot more time at home; so, now is the perfect time to try something new. Experiment with routines, try a new hobby; wake up earlier, bake something new, paint, write, start a YouTube channel, start a blog, do a puzzle, knit, crochet, garden... You might find something you love.
Soak up some Vitamin D
If the weather and your countries regulations permit it, spend time outside. It can improve your mood; reduces stress; it may help fight depression and anxiety; it helps reduce fatigue; it improves your ability to focus; it can lower your blood pressure.
You may feel more creative after spending some time outside in the sun. You may even learn something new about yourself.
Spend time alone
It may not sound fun, but spending time alone can help you gain a better understanding of who you are. It can make you more innovative; it makes you more empathetic; it cultivates better relationships; it improves concentration and productivity.
Listen to yourself
Take the time to see how you're feeling. Listen to your body. It truly does help you connect with yourself. Listening to yourself and your body helps you gain more self-trust; it increases your autonomy; it gives you stronger intuition; it sharpens your emotional intelligence; it can provide more pleasure.
Do the things you love
If you don't want to try new things, then focus on what you love doing. You'll feel happier, and your motivation will increase; your confidence will grow; it can improve your health; you'll enjoy life more; you'll have more energy.
Talk to someone
If you're struggling to control your negative thoughts and emotions, talking to a professional may help. There are online chats available, video calls, and phone calls. There is nothing wrong with seeking help from a professional; plus talking it out may help you connect with yourself.
So, there you have it! Ten ways to connect with yourself while living in quarantine. Now, these ways may not help you and that's totally okay. Find what works best for you! Now is the time for exploration.
My personal love for coffee began at a very young age; I should say around six or seven when my grandfather would secretly let me have a sip or two of his spiced concentrated black coffee, which we call Kahawa. If there's anyone in my family who is a coffee lover, it would be my grandfather. 
