I’d like to first acknowledge that being quarantined is a privilege that I don’t take lightly. To talk about its mental health side effects is also a first world problem.

I recognize there are much bigger things happening currently and that this post is merely sharing things that have brought me joy over the last month in hopes that someone else may benefit.

These are things that work for me. What works for me might not work for you and that’s totally normal. And most importantly, I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe, happy, and healthy.

Here are the activities, products, and apps that have created joy during this past month of being quarantined due to the Coronavirus:

1. Virtual Yoga Classes

I’ve been doing Citizen Yoga’s live zoom yoga classes and they are incredible. I’m a huge CY fan. That’s where I received my yoga teacher training certification. I’m obsessed with all of the teachers there and will be forever fan-girling Ann Fancy and Kacee Must. Kacee is the owner and she’s the real deal. The community she’s created at Citizen Yoga is unlike any other. Pre-quarantine, I usually attend one in-person class per week. They’ve adjusted their classes to be online and it’s the best thing since sliced bread. Now I’m taking 2-3 virtual yoga classes per week. I use a yoga mat and these yoga blocks.

2. DIY Matcha Lattes

I ditched my daily coffee a couple years ago and now just have it as a treat on the weekend. I don’t love how it makes my stomach or my nervous system feel. If you’ve ever felt that way, here’s why you’ll love matcha: 1. No nervousness or jitter due to L-theanine phytonutrient. 2. No consequences of a caffeine spike due to L-theanine phytonutrient, the caffeine is stored in the body and released at a much slower pace. 3. Better concentration due to the increased secretions of serotonin and dopamine. 4. Antioxidant benefits you won’t find in coffee. 5. Detox benefits from iron, calcium, protein, potassium, vitamins A & C. 6. Increases metabolism rate and helps burn calories at a faster pace. For all of these reasons, DIY matcha lattes are my new fave way to start the morning. I put a teaspoon of matcha powder, a cup of almond milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of maple syrup. Then I use a milk frother to blend it all together. After it’s blended I heat it up, usually in the microwave for convenience but you’re welcome to heat the milk on the stove first. For the record, I don’t measure anything, these are just guesses. Drinking a matcha latte makes me feel like I’m back inside the Honcho coffee shop. A quarantined girl can dream.

3. Daily walks

I crave two things: physical activity and time spent outdoors. So when the two are combined, I’m a happy camper. I’ve been loving our daily family walks around the neighborhood. But my favorite walks have been at Independence Oaks County Park. I’ve went here recently to walk around the lake and each time has been so good for the soul.

4. Meditation

I use Insight Timer, a free meditation app. Sometimes I do a guided meditation and sometimes I just use the timer with background noise, just depends on what mood I’m in. I highly recommend any meditation by Sarah Blondin. Best reasons to start a daily meditation practice: 1. Meditation enlarges the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for rational decision-making. 2. Increases grey matter aka brain cells in the prefrontal cortex. 3. Improves attention and concentration. (Where are my ADD people at?!) 4. Reduces anxiety. 5. Research also suggests that it may help protect the brain against aging.

5. Virtual Workouts

I like switching up my daily workouts and Beachbody On Demand helps make that happen. My favorite programs are the 21 day fix and LIIFT 4. Just this week I tried the new 10 Rounds program which is all about boxing and was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I’m not a Beachbody coach but here is a good one that I know personally.

6. Reading

Books I’ve been reading and enjoying this month: Becoming by Michelle Obama, You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero, The Next You by Stefany Banda, and Untamed by Glennon Doyle.

7. Video chatting apps

Over the last month, I’ve loved connecting with friends and family on Zoom, Facebook video chat, Houseparty, and Marco Polo. I use a video chatting app daily and I always took them for granted until now. Set up a family video chat this weekend if you haven’t already. It will make everyone’s day.

8. Facial Masks

Facial sheet masks. Do these really work? We can’t be sure. But something about using these facial sheet masks makes me feel like I’m doing self-care right. I wash my face, dry it, sometimes bust out my facial steamer, and then put one of these on for about 10 minutes. Then Ryan makes fun of me and Leo stares at me like I’m a monster that ate his mom. ~*Treat yoself*~

9. Taking Pictures with a New Lens

Last month, I ordered a new wide angle camera lens. Usually when I’m shooting, I have two camera bodies on me. One paired with a 50mm and one paired with a 35mm. Over the past year, I’ve found myself in certain situations thinking I wish I had a wider lens than the 35mm. I was reluctant to pull the trigger on the 24mm for a long time because so many photographers talk about how obsessed they are with their 35mm. I thought I was missing something. Now my 50mm? Yes, obsessed is exactly the right word. You guys, I am SO glad I didn’t listen to those other photographers and finally purchased this 24mm. After testing it out, it’s exactly what I needed. During quarantine, I’ve used this a handful of times to take front porch pictures of our family using a tripod and self-timer, and indoor headshots of both Ryan and myself.

10. Painting my nails

From the looks of it, everyone and their grandma is doing their own nails at home now. Welcome to the club. It’s rare that I get my nails done at a salon, so I can definitely help you in this at-home arena. I’ve tried ‘em all and this top coat is a GAME CHANGER. An old coworker told me about it a few years ago and I trusted her because she’s one of those people you just know knows what the heck they’re talking about in the beauty department. Ya feel me? I’m never buying another top coat again unless it’s this one.

11. New yoga pants

I have been LIVING in these Colorfulkoala pants since they arrived two weeks ago. I got the deep gray camo color and I’m fairly certain these are as close as you’ll come to a dupe of the Lululemon align leggings. I own two pairs of Lulu aligns and am a huge fan of them but I’m always looking for a dupe so I don’t have to dish out $98 for yoga pants. These are it. For reference, I’m usually a 6 in Lululemon aligns and I ordered a small in the Colorfulkoala and they fit perfectly. They even passed the sweat test, which another dupe did not. FYI- I bought the Aerie Play Real Me leggings in November and thought they were a close dupe, but I was wrong. They’re a lot thinner, show dimples in your legs, and they didn’t pass the sweat test. I still enjoy lounging in them but just pay the extra $10 and get the Colorfulkoalas.

Thanks for being a reader of this blog. I appreciate you. If there’s anything special you’d like to see in the future, send me an email at rachelle@rachellewelling.com.