It's often difficult to stay positive when you're forced to stay inside for weeks on end. If you're feeling upset or anxious, making a few changes to how you approach technology during physical distancing can help.

Let's look at some small but practical ways you can use technology in a more positive way during this time.

1. Research and Plan a "Staycation"

If you had to cancel your planned vacation due to financial changes or canceled flights, don't dwell on that disappointment. Rather, use this time to come up with a plan for a vacation that you don't have to travel far for---or a "staycation."

Maybe you can plan a tour of little-known restaurants nearby that you've wanted to visit but haven't had time for. Perhaps you can take a weekend hike to a destination close to you. Or maybe you can do a different family activity in your garden every night for a week.

Having a planned "staycation" will give you something to look forward to during a tough time.

2. Read Positive News Online

In times of crisis, most news doesn't make you smile. Instead of getting sucked into the negative news on TV or scrolling mindlessly through nasty debates on Facebook, seek out positive news to lift your spirits.

We've looked at the best good news websites, which you should check regularly. YouTube is also a great place for positive news content. Notably, as a result of the ongoing pandemic, actor John Krasinski has started a show called Some Good News that highlights good news from around the world. Give it a watch for a much-needed boost in your day.

3. Make Connecting With Friends and Family a Priority

It's so common to be "too busy" to get together with friends during normal times. Why not take advantage of the extra free time and connect with people who you haven't seen in a while?

Thanks to free group conference call tools, video calls are effortless no matter what device everyone has. You could reconnect with friends from college, call your extended family who lives across the country or just shoot the breeze with a friend you usually meet for dinner.

You may even want to start a calendar so you can keep track of when you're meeting everyone. Meeting with others will not only boost your spirits, but will make others feel loved too.

4. Make Essential Purchases Online

If going out for essentials like grocery shopping makes you anxious, consider buying products online instead. While you probably can't get everything you need online, relying more on online shopping should reduce the number of times you have to go out.

Check out our comparison of personal shopping services to see which ones you should try. You can also use grocery pickup services at stores like Walmart. These let you specify your order online, then have employees at the store get everything for you and load the goods into your car.

5. Devote Some Time to Learning Each Day

If you feel like you're wasting too much time online, pick one skill or hobby you'd like to learn and spend some time working on it every day. You can find YouTube tutorials, websites, and apps dedicated to almost every practice.

A few examples include:

• Start practicing a new language.
• Pick up an instrument you've always wanted to learn.
• Dip your toe into computer programming.
• Work on creative writing.
• Learn basic car maintenance so you can work on your vehicle.

Not sure what you should study? Have a look at websites where you can find cool skills to learn to get started. At the end of self-isolation, you can feel proud that you came out of it with a new skill or developed a new interest.

6. Use Tech Resources for Working Out

It's easy to slip into inactivity when you're home all day, but you don't need to have any special equipment to stay healthy and move your body a bit during this time. We've looked at the best bodyweight exercise apps to help you get a few reps in during your day.

You don't have to look far for more workout inspiration. YouTube is full of videos on how to do certain exercises properly and form a basic workout routine that works for your fitness level. Getting exercise is important to keep your body feeling its best, and will help you stay positive even while isolated at home.

7. Play Online Games With Friends Old and New

Video games and board games alike are both great ways to have some fun with other people online while you're stuck at home.

If you're into video games, see if any of your friends are interested in playing a multiplayer title together online. Grouping up is a fun way to pass the time and catch up with a friend (or several).

In case you don't have anyone you know to play with, look for group (LFG) websites. For example, FTW.in has game-specific pages to help you group up with others in games like Apex Legends, Destiny 2, Overwatch, and many others. If you don't find what you're looking for here, Reddit has many subreddits to help you find fellow players in your game of choice.

Even if you don't like video games, there are lots of other online games you can enjoy. Check out fun two-player games you can play in your browser at no cost. We've also looked at websites to play free board games online.

Online games are a great way to have some fun with friends even when you can't hang out in person. And you never know when you might meet a new remote friend through your favorite game!

8. Start a Gratitude Journal

With everything going on in the world, it's easy to fall into despair. You can counteract this by focusing on the positive elements in your own life, and journaling is a great way to record those.

Try one of the best digital journal apps to start this habit. It doesn't have to be anything extraordinary---start by picking one item that you're thankful for each day and writing a few sentences about it. Not only will this keep you focused during a difficult season, but you can refer to what you wrote in the future.

Keeping a Strong Mindset in Trying Times

These tips will help you use technology and online resources in a positive way, even when the world is scary. Of course, it's not realistic to stay in high spirits all the time, so don't feel bad if these don't work all the time or right away. Use them to keep your mind occupied on positive matters when you need to take your mind off what's happening around you.

Meanwhile, don't forget about the power of laughter when you're feeling down. Some British comedies on Netflix might just be what you need today.