Unusual tips to get out of that bad corona vibe

Today is our anniversary. Although it doesn't feel like I have anything to celebrate. It's exactly a year since I packed my things and closed the office door behind me. And dear Amayzers, it has been quite a ride.

Working from home went well for me. I developed an iron regime for myself. Getting up at a normal time and not lingering in bed. Having breakfast and then immediately going outside for a walk in the woods. Meditating for a bit and then having a cup of coffee and facetiming with my Amayzers. Candles on, noise-cancelling headphones on, and being healthy with lunch. I was even at a productivity level that made me a bit scared. Every month I learned something new. That you only tackle Zoom fatigue by not zooming so ridiculously much, for example. And that you can easily have those meetings while walking outside. Or that you prefer to start early and grab a coffee to go somewhere in between. I dare say that working from home and I are a great match. So far for this success story, because I am tired of corona.

Not crazy, says pretty much every expert out there. The pandemic means that the strain is sometimes too much, even for people who find a mode in this crazy time. I didn't even get anything out of the press conference this week, while that has really become the bitterballen-and-beer highlight of the month at our home. Watching what Irma is wearing, seeing if Rutte has been to the hairdresser, hearing what Hugo has to say, and placing a bet on which journalist asks the most annoying question. Even the extension didn't bother me much this time. I did google when exactly Easter is, because I do enjoy a terrace, but beyond that, I wasn't moved one way or the other.

Before I flush myself and everyone who recognizes this down the toilet with all this sadness (my apologies), I have tips to get out of this terrible #mood. By the way, somewhat less common tips, because we are quite familiar with the usual nonsense.

What helps?

1. Take a day off, even if you have no idea what you're going to do. You're tired and doing nothing is good for the soul.

2. Search for a playlist on Spotify with Café Sounds. I swear to you, it's a pleasure to listen to and work to. While I'm writing this, I hear the clattering of cutlery in a kitchen and the murmuring of people in the background. You don't know what you're missing until you hear it.

3. Trick your brain. Think back to that one time on vacation when you were sitting on the beach staring into space with a beer in your hand. Dive completely into that moment, it helps you to be happier. An instant good mood.

4. Go on a news diet. It's just woe and alas in the news app, don't check every now and then if something is wrong in the world.

5. Smile. When you smile, your brain thinks you're happy, and when your brain thinks you're happy, you actually become that.