Feeling cooped up at home - what should I do?

I love getting my colouring in book out when I am home and don't have much to do. It's not often but I get to do it occasionally. It is easy to tell when I have had good or not so good days - good days I tend to stay between the lines but on not so good days I could do anything :) I highly recommend it. What works for me may not always work for though. Everyone has their own outlet and way to release their emotions or feelings. Some are more verbal than others. Some choose to write about it. I guess it comes down to personal preference and what works for you :)

Take a walk! Challenge yourself to take some cool and unique pictures while on your walk. If you can't leave your house, maybe come up with an exercise routine to get yourself moving and improve both your mental/physical health. Blasting some music could help get you motivated and improve your mood as well! If you are indeed able to leave your house and you are looking to get out more, you could see if there are any volunteering positions in your location that would be a good fit for you! That can be a great way to help both yourself and the community. (Also looks great on college applications)! Good luck, and have fun :)

Baby steps. Start small with walks, or gardening. Reach out to a friend or someone of support and set up a meet. You can schedule weekly meets if you enjoyed your time out, and then you have something to look forward to each week. Seeking support from groups that consist of people feeling similar feelings to you. Baby and Me groups, exercise groups, book clubs etc. Feeling stuck can be draining and lonely, and finding the motivation can seem nearly impossible. Starting small with simple gestures that change your daily routines can make all the difference, taking the steps to add new behaviors and activities into your life. soon you’ll find that you have more energy and motivation to go further, and these new activities will become normal.

This is an understandable feeling. As humans we have an inherent need to be around others and to move our bodies. The best way to stop feeling cooped up is to change up your routine. For example, try going outside on a walk for an hour or call a friend/get lunch with a friend. Go shopping or go see a movie, even if you are doing it by yourself. If you continue to stay home without any changes, you will continue to feel cooped up. This is obviously easier said than done, but even sitting on your porch or in your backyard can help!

Do something you enjoy, a hobby. You could even have a lazy day in which you rest. Really, you can do anything. Make those cookies. Build a pillow fort. Take a nap. The world is your oyster, or in this case, your home is. Watch a new show on Netflix, I heard there's a new season of outer banks. Read a book. If you're feeling cheesy, then maybe read Wattpad. You can even talk to someone on here- 7 Cups. You can draw random doodles or use your phone to play games, text people, etc. Really, just do things that you want to.

You should try to explore new activities or current activities which entertain you in these times, personally, I like to draw, journal, write poems and songs. They are effective ways for me to express my emotions personally, without causing any harm to myself or others. Just walking round the corner from your house if you have anxiety is a big achievement. Trying meditation, yoga and simple exercises are a great way to stretch your muscles, relax your mind and feel good about yourself. Maybe you can volunteer online to help people to support those in need so you are making a positive impact while being at home.

Feeling "cooped up" can mean different things for different people, but it usually involves an array of symptoms that occur under the circumstance of being isolated or confined for an extended period of time. This can lead to feelings such as loneliness, anxiety, stress, irritability, restlessness, or overall low-mood. Over time, this can build and feel heavier and more distressing. There are some action steps you could try to alleviate some of these feelings and help you feel better. If you are able to get outside, even for a short time, it can help boost your mood by regulating your body's natural cycles. Extra points for exercising outside, such as a bike ride or walk. This will help release important endorphins that naturally elevate your mood and sense of wellbeing. Another suggestion would be to try to create some kind of routine. Having a regular schedule that keeps you engaged, and/or socially connected can help combat feelings of anxiety and stress. This includes eating patterns - making sure you nourish yourself at regular times can increase energy levels, motivation and also regulate fluctuations in mood. Remember to drink water! Keeping your brain active is important. Hobbies such as making art, dancing, cooking, or reading can all be excellent distractions to loneliness and can help reduce feelings of isolation. :)

Feeling cooped up at home isn’t easy, but realizing that this is the thing that is impacting your mood is very helpful to finding solutions to coping with the feeling . After you identify the emotion it is best to try out a few things that may be helpful in easing the feeling. You may have to try several things . Studies show that fresh air, meditation, and practicing gratitude can be some of the things that can be helpful, even stepping out into the sunshine or opening a window can fit the bill for fresh air . Search the internet for other tips that may be helpful.

First of all, stop using should. Should implies wrong. Take out a sheet of paper. Write down “I Should...” at the top and write down EVERYTHING that comes to mind no matter how ridiculous it sounds. Now write down beside each should why it is you feel you should be doing those things. Look at it. These are you thoughts and beliefs! How do you feel about it? Just notice and be aware. Now, someone or something or somewhere made you feel like you’re not enough. And all this ‘should’ is the fruit of that tree. Take the same pen and paper and cross off ‘should’ and replace it with ‘could’. You could be doing these things. Now ask yourself gently, patiently and lovingly why you don’t? Write that down again and look at it again - more fruit of the tree of not enough. Now write down why you can. What are the good qualities about you? Appreciate everything little thing about you. Every hair. Every inch of skin. Every memory. You’re enough. You deserve the best. 😊