Social distancing, it’s new and we’ve never had to practice this before, until now. It’s hard. We get it. As millennials, we are probably the most social generation of all, and when we are told to self quarantine and to stay distant in our homes, it may be hard but it’s definitely necessary to defeat COVID-19.
Dr. Summer, our mental health go to expert gave us 15 tips to get us through this unbelievable social distancing season. And we know, that’s something that is extremely hard for us millennials, which is why we want to help you out.
1. Get a new planner and use it
2. Identify things you’ve been meaning to do at home but haven’t had the time to (ex: organize your space, declutter, spring clean, rearrange furniture)
3. Give yourself and loved ones “me time”, even if sharing space
4. Create a new routine (ex: hours for work, play, art and crafts, fitness, walk your fur child, me time). Create a visual chart for kids to reference
5. Connect with family/friends via video chat/phone or set up a teletherapy session with a therapist
6. Take a walk or do at least one thing indoor, that’s physical, daily (yoga, workout video, play with your fur children —they need love too)
7. Read a new book or listen to an audiobook. Read to kids and get them involved in book choices. If you’re more of a movie watcher, make a list of movies and get ready to check them off!
8. Learn to do something new with your food (a new recipe, meal prep). Get the kids involved in the cooking process
9. Think of a new way to engage on social media and do it (dance party anyone?!)
10. Make a vision board and/or engage in arts and crafts (tip: use some of the papers, newspapers and old magazines that you needed to get rid of anyway)
11. Take a hot bath (add epsom salt and/or essential oils for a boost of relaxation)
12. Create a list of daily affirmations and alternate the use of them daily
13. Practice gratitude (ex: instead of complaining, think about what you are grateful for)
14. Drink water and stay hydrated
15. Have healthy sex, masturbate, cuddle and enjoy yourself, your partners and loved ones (including your fur children)
About Summer Wayans
Summer Wayans has carved her own niche amongst her talented relatives. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and her Doctorate in Psychology with an emphasis on Multicultural Community Psychology. In addition to her educational credits, Summer has worked with brands such as Ashley Stewart, Wet Seal+, Forever 21+, IGIGI, Sydney’s Closet, Footlocker (via Lola Getts), and Kmart. She has ripped the runways of Full-figured Fashion Week, LA Fashion Week, NY Fashion Week and Mercedes Benz Swim Fashion Week in Miami.
Recently, Summer along with her mother Diedra Wayans founded a non-profit 501 (c)(3), Wayans Girl Foundation. Summer stays involved in institutional service, which at one time included a seat on a Board of Trustees for a University, an Educational Alliance Foundation and the Los Angeles County Alliance of the Boys and Girls Clubs.
Dr. Summer has always been committed to sharing her knowledge so she is often traveling to speak and present on topics such as Mental Health in Urban Communities, Multiculturalism, LGBTQ issues, bullying, gender and sexuality, mental and physical wellness, sexual behaviors and contraceptive use, and minority community issues such as access to resources. Among her accomplishments, she is also a published author with SAGE Publications. Her deep-rooted love for philanthropy plays a vital role in her level of awareness surrounding social and socio-economic issues, which drives her to utilize various platforms to educate, encourage, empower and uplift individuals.
Excellent advice to abide by and thank you for the plan to implement.