As the COVID-19 pandemic stretches on, we have undoubtedly been presented with some challenges. We’ve been directed to practice social distancing and self-quarantining to prevent the spread of the virus. Staying cooped up in your house may make you feel sad or stressed. But fear not! There are things you can do at home to care for yourself.

Start That Project You’ve Been Putting Off

It can feel easy to procrastinate. We all do it. However, now is the perfect time to get something done. Alone time with few people around to distract you can help when trying to complete a task. Whether you’ve been putting off cleaning your closet, organizing your cabinets or finishing a book, this period of isolation is a good time to tackle something. So, try to pause that show you’ve been binge watching and finish that project at last. But keep in mind that not being in hyper-achieve mode is O.K., too!

Ease Your Mind

The pandemic may have your mind running a mile a minute. Without the ability to physically hang out with friends like you normally would, it can be difficult to battle negativity. Well, I have one word for you. Meditation. Practicing stillness in a time of madness can do wonders. Giving yourself a few minutes (or more if you’d like!) to steady your breath, calm your thoughts and ground yourself will help with maintaining positivity. If you feel yourself getting a bit overwhelmed by your surroundings, give it a try. In my experience, the Mindful Movement YouTube channel has been a great resource. They provide tips for staying calm, guided meditations and simple exercises. And the best part is their content is entirely free!

Get in Touch With Your Body

With all the time on your own that you may now have, it can be a good time to explore your body and what feels good to you. A great source for reducing stress and releasing tension is masturbation. While some people may feel embarrassed to talk about masturbation, it’s very normal. Masturbation can aid in elevating your mood and alleviating some of the stress caused by current circumstances. It’s also an excellent way to discover more about your body and sexual desires. And, it’s a great form of safe sex—you can have fun without the fear of unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases! If you decide that you don’t want to masturbate, that’s, O.K., too. It’s up to you!

Reach Out to Others

It’s assumed that during this time many of us are at home for days on end. Since some of us are spending much of our time with little to do, reaching out to people you’ve been wanting to get to know better is something to think about. Whether it’s someone you’ve had a crush on for a while or someone you’ve always wanted to develop a deeper friendship with, this may be a fitting time to start a conversation. If you have access to texting platforms or video chat, sending a quick message to that special someone might be worth a try. You may be able to start a connection and then have the ability to approach them with more confidence once things get back to normal. Besides, if they don’t respond, you won’t have to worry about running into them right away!

Support Is There if You Need It

Being alone may also mean that you’re missing some of the typical resources that provide support (like a school counselor or gay straight alliance). But you may not feel comfortable talking with the people you’re living with when you’re feeling alone or stressed. There are always online sources of support. For instance, if you identify as LGBTQ, check out the LGBT National Youth Talkline at LGBThotline.org or 1-800-246-7743 (PRIDE) or QchatSpace.org to join an online LGBTQ support group.

Just remember that even though you may feel isolated, you’re never alone.