1. GET YOUR VITAMIN D

As it gets colder, we typically tend to stay inside more in order to stay warm. However, this can zap our mood and energy because we are intaking less Vitamin D from the sun. There are a few ways you can battle this. You can either take a Vitamin D supplement, which is available over the counter in most stores, or you can make an effort to get outside for some light exercise, like a walk or hike.

2. REACH OUT TO YOUR LOVED ONES

Depression can be tough, and it can make us antisocial, sleepy, and generally unmotivated. One way you can combat seasonal depression is connecting with your loved ones. Of course, it is best to steer clear of loved ones that you often argue with, are toxic to your mental health, or make you feel worse when you're around them. Go to the movies, dinner, or simply make a phone call to connect with friends and family who support you!

3. VOLUNTEER

For those who suffer with depression, it is harder to break out of a funk when you've got nothing to do. An idle mind can leave you focusing on depressive thoughts and feelings. Instead, get out and volunteer. There is always a great need for community volunteers at soup kitchens over the winter season. If you don't think you can get up and out of the house, clean out your closet and drop off your old clothes at a donation center.

4. START EXERCISING

Following an exercise routine will help keep your body out of the sluggish state that often comes over those suffering with seasonal depression. You can try something more high-impact, or something like yoga, which is relaxing, but gets your body moving.

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GET YOURSELF A WARMIE

Warmies are stuffed animals you can find on Amazon (and other various shopping venues) that you can put into the microwave and heat up. You can then hug your stuffed animal to relieve some of your aches and pains. On top of being something you can heat up for soreness and cramps, it also has lavender in it, so it smells nice and helps to calm anxiety. Jonathan got me this sloth because it was available for next-day delivery, but there are a ton of options available online.

ALTERNATE YOUR MEDS

Pain relieving medication is usually essential when you're trying to feel better. Did you know you can alternate between different pain relievers? I use acetaminophen and ibuprofen. I alternate every two hours when needed. This works for me, but I would consult your medical professional or do this at your own risk.

SET A TIMER FOR YOUR MEDS

When we get sick, we tend to feel a bit more tired. I always grew up believing that this is because our bodies are trying to heal. Because of this, we might fall asleep and miss a dose of medicine, which can set us back on the healing process. To avoid this, set a timer on your phone to go off when it is time for you to take another dose of medicine.

CHANGE HOW YOU LAY TO HELP SINUSES

You have probably realized that you feel more congested when laying a certain way. This is why changing your sleeping or resting position is important. You should try to elevate your head, but you can do that and still lay on your sides, stomach or back! I usually lay on the side opposite of the nostril that is most congested and it helps.

GET YOUR TASTE BACK WITH BURNT ORANGES

I personally haven't had to use this, but I found this hack once online. Take an orange and cook it over a fire until the entire peel is black. Take off the black peel and mash up the fruit and mix with some brown sugar. Eat it hot, but don't burn yourself. This is called olfactory training and has helped several people regain their sense of taste and smell after a sickness that robbed them of those senses.

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When I was a freshman in college in 2011, I'm sure my mom never dreamed of a world where masks should be worn at all times, and socializing with my classmates would be more difficult than ever.  Today's parents (and students) must think about more aspects of college life as they pack for their first semester of in-person classes this fall.

1. CLEANING WIPES/CLEANING SOLUTION

Lysol may be your first choice, but stores are often out of them when you go to shop. Luckily, my mom and one of her sisters had some ideas on sanitizing without these convenient, germ-fighting wipes. My mom suggested white vinegar with a few drops of essential oil to disinfect.

2. WASHABLE MASKS, LOTS OF 'EM

Opt for washable masks to save the environment. You can find a ton of really cute washable cloth masks on Etsy. You can even find some with some pretty cool political and social messages as well, so you can make a statement while you're staying protected!

3. GUM OR MINTS

I've come to learn that there is NOTHING worse than mask breath. You know, having to smell your own stanky breath.  So, if you're heading to class after eating some garlicky spaghetti in the caf, these guys will be a lifesaver. I never considered gum or mints an essential item, but now I do!

4. YOUR OWN MINI FRIDGE, IF YOU CAN

Refrigerators in communal spaces may be closed or limit space due to number of times items are touched in it. The best thing you could do is try to get your own mini fridge for your room. If you can't buy one outright, see if you can borrow one, or rent one through a company that works with the college or university you're attending!

5. HANDSOAP AND MINI HAND SANITIZERS

Although hand sanitizer can kill germs, washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds is the best way to keep clean. ​Make sure you get mini hand sanitizers for your book bag or purse. These will aid you in the classroom and while you're out and about around campus!

6. FIRST AID KIT AND OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDS

A lot of the health centers on college and university campuses will have a longer process to "get in the door." You'll have to call ahead, and can't pop in for a quick visit. Having your own first aid kid and over-the-counter medicines, as well as plenty of your prescription medications, will be better for you in the longrun!

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So at a time when stircraziness is inevitable, I thought it would be important to compile a bit of a list on some things you can do to help ease your mind and relieve stress during this time of uncertainty. I know a number of other creators have done this as well, but I just want to continue with positive posts that can help everyone in this time!

THINGS TO DO WHILE ISOLATED:

6. Binge-watch shows and movies: I'm always so happy about the fact that technology has developed so much that we can watch full movies and episodes in our homes.  One of my favorite shows as of late is "on My Block." It follows the story of a group of friends: Monse, Caesar, Jamal, and Ruben. They live in a city ruled by the Santos, a gang that Caesar's family is a part of. Caesar is jumped into the gang, and the friends go on a long journey to help him escape. This show is funny and emotional, and I can't believe there are three season already. I love it :)

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According to the World Health Organization, the Coronaviruses are a type of virus ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. This version of the virus, known as COVID-19, have symptoms including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The CDC says that COVID-19 can spread from person to person, or possibly through contact with an infected surface. That brings me to today's post: Our obsession with our phone may only spread the virus further, even if we are washing our hands regularly.

I'm not saying all of this to strike fear into the hearts of my fellow germaphobes. On the contrary, I wanted to write about this so that myself and all of you reading will be more mindful when pulling out smartphones. This doesn't mean that you can't use your phone to play solitaire in the bathroom, or set your phone down on the gym treadmill.

Instead, it means that you need to use hand sanitizer or wash your hands for 20 or more seconds before you get on your phone. ​That, or you can follow the steps in the next section to properly clean and sanitize your smartphone to cut down on the chance of any bacteria or icky bodily fluids land on your skin and in your body!

HOW TO SANITIZE YOUR SMARTPHONE

Remove chargers, phone case, or any other accessories attached to the phone and sanitize them separately.  Mix half distilled water and half 70 percent isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle. Some non-distilled water can include minerals that can scratch your phone, so be sure the water is distilled.

PLEASE DON'T PANIC

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FEAR OF MISSING OUT (FOMO)

Fear of missing out is a term that is applied to those who don't have the capability to participate in some societal phenomenon. For example, this could include fear of missing out on playing a new game or owning a designer bag.  ​This damages our minds because it makes us feel as though we aren't complete without the item that we desire. It makes us jealous of those who don't have that fear of missing out.

FINANCIAL DEBT

Sometimes, wanting the newest and best thing isn't the best option for our wallets. This can cause people to go to extreme measures to purchase items for themselves or their family and friends. I will say that I was somewhat shocked to see that some more high-end makeup companies have something called AfterPay where you can order your items and pay them off in four payments. ​

IT CAN MAKE US FEEL DEPRESSED

Seeing something you want or want for someone else and not being able to get it for yourself or for them can be heartbreaking at times, especially if it is a positive investment that will lead to you or your loved one being more productive in something they want to do. For example, I think of the camera my mom bought me. The camera was an investment that has really ended up helping me at my job and with my blog and YouTube channel.

HOW TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES

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TAKE A BREAK

GET SOMEONE TO GUEST POST FOR YOU

I work on a site called Fiverr, and I do this quite often to make a little extra cash on the side. ​However, you could consider doing a series where other bloggers or YouTubers may graciously help you for free for promotion of their blog or YouTube channel.

STREAMLINE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

We all promote our blogs or channels on our social media, but sometimes this can become a tedious task that can further stress you out. Again, I am not using this, but it is totally cool to use a scheduler that posts across platforms.

GET BACK INTO SELF CARE AND MAKE A PROMISE

As I dove deeper and deeper into blogoween/vlogoween this year, I realized that the first thing that I stopped doing was my self care routine. ​I often didn't remove my makeup or apply moisturizer. I would come home and either crash or work the hours away on new content.

TRY NOT TO OVER-COMMIT NEXT TIME

I realized in this past month that I had started committing myself to more things this year than I did last year when I did blogtober. This year, I'm a commissioner for my city. This year, I am active in a new church. This year, I'm visiting home more.

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1: HOW TO EAT CANDY IN MODERATION

One of a kid's favorite parts about Halloween are the sugary treats they get to enjoy after a night of trick-or-treating. Instead of letting them gobble down these treats in one night, teach them how to eat sugary foods in moderation. Perhaps they can enjoy one or two pieces of candy a day, or maybe they can have a piece of candy after they finish their homework or do some exercise. Whatever you think will work best.

2: HOW TO CHECK PACKAGING

This goes far beyond the simple checking of a nutritional label. While that is important, it is important that your children learn to check packaging for holes, signs of re-closure, and for foreign objects. Unfortunately, a number of people have been caught putting small needles or even bits of glass and razor blades into candy given to children on Halloween. Below I've linked a video of a mom finding a needle in her two-year-old son's Halloween candy. It does contain profanity, as do most of the videos I found.

3: WALKING TO TRICK-OR-TREAT

I wouldn't recommend this for really small children, as you the parent will likely end up having to pick them up and tote them around. One great habit to teach during Halloween is the habit of walking. If you're in a safe area or an enclosed area, like a neighborhood, park the car and start walking to the next few houses. This will show your kids that exercises, even as easy as walking, are a great way to get moving and to earn the treat that you're asking for. Be sure to stay safe and, if you will be walking, be sure to have on some reflective or light-up clothing so that cars and passersby can see you and your children. No one wants any accidents to happen. Be mindful of your surroundings and only get out and walk when you and your children feel safe enough to do so.

4: MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA

When I was younger, mental health issues portrayed during Halloween didn't really bother me. However, after growing up a bit, experiencing or witnessing real life mental health issues, and learning more about potential mental health issues, it bothers me more to see them portrayed so badly during Halloween. ​As a nation, I think we are becoming more accepting of people with mental health issues, but there's still a long way to go.

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1: IT IS A GENERALLY FRIGHTENING TIME

​If you believe in spirits or the spirit world, you probably believe that the more you think about ghosts and ghouls, the more active they will be. I personally am not sure what to believe, but I do believe in forces of darkness and forces of light (God/Jesus/Angels).

2: IT CAN BE A TIME FILLED WITH MENTAL HEALTH STIGMAS

While this season is often known for its masked killers or its ghost hauntings, there are also several who make the season about “psychos.” ​As you know, psychopathy and sociopathy are real mental illnesses.

3:  PRESSURE FROM FRIENDS TO PARTICIPATE IN HAUNTED HOUSES OR TRAILS

​I for one have never been a fan of haunted houses or trails. I will be sharing a haunted house experience later this month to explain why. However, when I was in college, I had a number of friends who kept trying to get me to go on a haunted trail or go through a haunted house.

HOW TO PREPARE

Instead of participating in these things, do an activity that you like doing. Perhaps you can watch a movie that isn’t triggering to you like Hocus Pocus, the Harry Potter Series, or something of the like.   No matter what, be sure to stay safe and do what makes you happy this Spooky Season!

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1: FREEZE DRIED FRUITS

I know that these will end up in my monthly favorites post down the road, but my favorite thing to help stave off those pesky sugar cravings are these dried fruit packets. My favorite dried fruit so far is the fuji apple, and the strawberry is a close second. I also got mango, which I'm still not sure about.  These are zero fat and zero sodium and, these in particular, have only natural sugars. No additional sugar added. Eating this is much like eating the actual fruit, but the sugars are brought out a bit, in my opinion, but the freeze-dry process. I was ballin' on a budget and decided to try the Great Value brand, but it was worth it!

2: CARROTS AND RANCH DRESSING

I have always loved carrots as a snack, but I kind of got away from eating them very often in recent years.  As long as you're not drowning your carrots in ranch, this snack is pretty healthy and tasty. I particularly have been having this as an afternoon snack when I want something more savory. Sometimes I have them on their own, or I also grab a pickle or an apple with a little peanut butter. Either way, this snack has really helped me stay away from things like chips and soda and have kept me on track with drinking water and eating good food!

3: CHEESE STICKS

You know those CheeseHead brand cheese sticks? I LOVE those! I invested in a large pack and take at least one with me to work to have as a snack in the low period of the day (1 p.m. to quitting time). Luckily, I don't have a snack machine. What I do have are very kind coworkers and friends who will bring in tasty treats to share. I'm trying to avoid these like the plague to stay on track, and the cheese sticks really help. I usually find myself drained of energy at the end of the day, and a cheese stick is the perfect way to life my energy levels so I can power through the rest of my work before days end.

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