The COVID-19 pandemic is a difficult time for many but could be specifically hard for extroverts. Extroverts thrive on social interaction. People like this have a hard time being by themselves or being inside too long. 

An article from Psychology Today states that when extroverts are alone or not completing a task, they can get antsy, unhappy, and sad.

Although it may not seem like that big of a deal, without social interaction or activities, people can get anxious or depressed. With the quarantine, there are likely a lot of people experiencing this. 

It can be hard to stay positive especially with your annoying little sibling, your assignments piling up, having to find different things each day to keep you entertained, and thousands of people dying. 

Despite the craziness our world has become, try to keep yourself occupied and stay positive. Here are some things that I do when I get upset or need something on my mind:

Breathe: I know you hear all the time when you’re anxious or upset to breathe, which is sometimes the last thing you want to hear when you’re emotional. But if you’re able to actually stop yourself and breathe, it can have a largely positive affect. I like to “box breathe.” This is done by drawing a “box” with your finger while you breathe. I breathe in for 8 seconds, drawing the first two sides of the “box” and exhale for 8 seconds drawing the other two sides of the “box.” By doing this, it will help slow your heart rate down, forcing your body to relax.

Find a distraction: Being stuck in your house can be hard, especially when you feel like there’s nothing to do. Finding something to distract yourself when you’re feeling down. The best way to help calm yourself when you’re upset. Here are some things I like to do that help distract me:

Listen to music—Listening to music is a great way to take your mind off of things as well as discover new things to listen to.

Coloring—Although this might be silly, coloring can be therapeutic and stress relieving.

Binge-watching—With this being the typical go-to when you have free time, it is an excellent way to get your mind off of anything and everything. Now is a great time to start a new show or try a new movie. For recommendations on what to watch, visit The Mav. 

Social media—Although social media can influence the way people “should look” or act, it can also help distract you. By watching things that interest you or make you laugh, it can help distract you and improve your overall mood. Even short clips on Facebook or Instagram that you find can help. With this, if social media is making you feel self conscious, steer clear of it and focus on you.

Playing games—While playing card or board with your family, it can be a good way to distract yourself and pass time. If you don’t want to spend hours at the table with your family playing Monopoly, that’s okay. You can download a game that you’ve never played or replay one you have already finished. 

For other things to do to distract you, visit The Mav to get some ideas.

Write: Being in quarantine, social interaction is slim. But writing can help you express your emotions as well as help you cope with things in your life. Even if you aren’t the writing “type”, try it, it can help you mentally and try something new. 

Reach out: Isolating yourself is not the solution! Although occasional alone time can be helpful, being alone too long can bring you down. Even though they might be annoying, try to be around your family or a family member. According to The Ladder, people’s moods are “contagious” meaning a person can change your mood based on their mood. Just being around someone, even if you’re with someone not saying anything, it can improve your mood. Or keep contact with a friend in order to stay connected; call, FaceTime, text, or Snapchat.

Overall, stay safe, stay healthy, take care of yourself, and stay home. For more COVID-19 coverage, go to The Mav.