Well I can't say this is the post I originally had planned for this week, but I'm also not sure anything is going as planned lately. For the last month or two (or more) people all over the world have been shut away in their little bubbles, working from home if they're lucky, trying to figure out how life works now they don't have a job to do if they're not.
There's a lot of really rubbish things happening in the world right now, but let's now dwell on that.
Let's focus on the incredible response to a bad situation instead: I don't know about, but I've seen so much good in humanity since this crisis started. There are so many people out there doing wonderful, incredible things.
Whilst it would be impossible to talk about every single good thing that has been going on, I thought I'd collect together a bunch of positive news stories, accounts full of positivity, ways to look after your mental health and more, in the hopes that you can find some joy when you need it.
Accounts that share positive news stories
A lot of people have stopped listening to the news as frequently as they normally do because it all has too negative an affect on their mentality. It can be hard to remember that there are still positive things happening: here are some news sources that report the good stuff!
Positive News publishes daily new about good things that are happening and focusing on progress and posibility.
Good News Network provides positive news stories from around globe, proving the news doesn't always provide the whole story.
The Twitter account @PositiveNewsUK does what he says on the tin: lots of good news about things happening in the UK!
The Happy News Paper is a quarterly pulication which celebrates all that's good in the world.
Not All News Is Bad is fun by Leo Notenboom and has a simple purpose: to share one positive story a day.
Carter Connection actually appears on the website of a Wisconsin Radio Station. But hear me out: Corey's blog seeks out everyday stories of people helping others (all based around the USA)
The Optimist Daily isn't just about bringing positive news stories to you, but looking at news in an optimistic way.
r/UpliftingNews might not be the first place you think of when it comes to good news, but the Uplifting News subreddit describes itself as "a place to read and share positive and uplifting, feel-good news stories."
@upworthy on Instagram share fun pictures and videos from the world over, reminding us there's always something to smile about.
Apps/Websites to look after your mental health
It can be hard to look after yourself the way you normally would when you can't leave the house, but there are still ways to make your brain feel better...
This is a simple website that will Make Everything Okay
Empty Your Cup is a daily micro-blog full of positive wisdom that can be delivered straight to your inbox - and if this one doesn't suit you, you could try some of the others on this list.
Care Cards are positive, self-care reminders to help you through the day: some are simple reminders and others are ego boosts.
For Mindfulness and Stress Reduction, Skills is an app full of mini games (based on research!) that are designed to tackle different aspects of mental health. I can't say that I understand how these will help anymore than other games on your phone, but they can be helpful.
Moodrise puts together a series of 10 video exercises to help change your mood.
Pause brings the principles of Tai Chi to your fingertips, creating calming sequences for you to follow on your touchscreen.
The Calm Place. Just click it. Trust me.
Breathe2Relax teaches diaphragmatic breathing. Sometimes you just need to take a minute to breathe deeply.
Body Positivity!
Spending a lot of time with yourself means confronting yourself more often than usual. To help with that, here's a bunch of bo-po influencers and resources to turn to when you need a little support...
BodyPosiPanda - starting off with a personal favourite, Megan J Crabbe is a big mover in the body positive community. I think she's just a great person to tell the truth. Check out her instagram or her book if you're looking for things to read.
This is a great list of LQBTQ Plus Size Bloggers and Influencers
Health At Every Size has a whole heap of resources for people to take care of themselves at any size
The unedit has a whole section dedicated to body talk - and it's super interesting
Yoga instructor Jessamyn has a great instagram to inspire you to love yourself but she also has a podcast all about relationships, sex, and life advice.
Zach Miko, plus-size model and host of Big Things Podcast, is a great role model for guys who want to see themselves in media...and who just like to have a laugh
Founder of the Plus Is Diverse Campaign, Olakemi Omi fights for representation of different races in the plus-size community, promoting diversity of all kinds.
Harnaam Kaur is a strong voice when it comes to self-acceptance and embracing who you are - check out her TED talk here!
Ways to get moving (nothing too intense!)
Since we're all trapped at home, it can be hard to get moving; even your usual walk to work, meander around the shops, or rushing around the office will have been cut out of your usual routine. Here are some easy ways to get moving, even when you can't go far...
Go for a walk around the block (if you can)
Touch your toes! Reach up to the sky! S t r e t c h your body out!
Cassey Ho's YouTube channel Blogilates has a variety of fun, energetic pilates routines that work for everyone, from beginners to long-term gym bunnies
Create a playlist of your favourite songs and dance to one every morning. It's a mood boost as well as a way get you active. And if you feel silly, follow the brilliant Florence Pugh's example
Ways to feel productive
No Zero Days is an app which helps show you that it's always possible to achieve something, no matter how small. All you is set four things you want to do every day (or leave the defaults of Created, Helped, Learned, and Health) and whenever you do one of those things, you press the corresponding button. So whenever you feel like you're having a "zero day", you recognise the smallest of accomplishments.
Cook (or bake) something new!
Write a letter to yourself on Future Me. Sometimes it helps just to get your thoughts on paper.
Watch a TED Talk on something new
Tidy up your laptop - delete any old files and put things in folders
Dress Up. Get out of your comfy clothes and put on something fancy af. Do your hair. Comb your beard. Put on make up if that's your thing. Not to do anything, but it will make you feel accomplished.
Reasons to smile today - because there is always a reason to be happy!
New music is always being written
The smell of fresh bread straight out of the oven
That comfy chair you always choose to sit on
Smiling releases feel-good endorphins
Almost 200 people in Leicester have shared their hopes for post-lockdown
Dogs exist
The sound of rain on the window pane
Irish donors return an old favour to Native American tribes hit hard by coronavirus
Pakistan has introduced a programme which employs out of work labourers to plant trees
The feeling of clean bedsheets (especially on freshly shaved legs)
Have you seen the moon lately? It's very cool
Libraries. Just libraries. They are places that provide education, entertainment, and community. For free. Amazing.
Artists in Cuba have taken to the rooftops to make music and dance
Waking up without an alarm
People in Naples have been providing the homeless with solidarity basket
A University of Exeter study found that flamingos form close friendships - how cute!
And if you need some more, you should follow #positivenews on Instagram and Twitter