Hi there! I want to start off saying, this is not going to be one of those posts that tells you to make the most of social isolation — to start a side hustle, to pick up that new hobby or to remodel some part of your house. Some folks may get energy from those types of things during this time, but many don’t, especially if you suffer from anxiety or depression.
This time can feel scary, uncomfortable and just plain hard. If it feels like you open social media and it looks like everyone has started an advanced home project or has suddenly become a gourmet chef, I am here to remind you to not compare. We all cope with this COVID differently, and if you’re just taking it one moment at a time to get by, that is totally okay. We don’t have to conquer a million things during this time of collective trauma — we are already worthy just as we are. I think these meme below sums it up pretty well.
Alright, moving on to a few things that are helping me during this time. You won’t see Netflix noted here, but please know it deserves honorable mention because for better or worse, we are watching a lot of TV right now.
Child-like hobbies.
During this time, I’ve often felt fidgety and unsettled; like I want to go out and do something, but obviously can’t. Funny enough, I found myself returning to things I haven’t done in years. I have been making string bracelets (yep, like the ones I made for friends in high school), coloring in my adult coloring book, and playing card games. It’s nice to have something to focus on and work at that makes me a bit less stir crazy. Candy also helps.
Books
One of the positives about quarantine is the amount of reading I’ve done. I’ve read so many great books recently: Untamed by Glennon Doyle, Big Magic by Liz Gilbert, The Hypnotist’s Love Story by Liane Moriarty and I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown. This time has reminded me that I really don’t know what I would do without reading!
Online Fitness
The quarantine has brought so many amazing fitness options into our homes during the quarantine. It’s been such a treat to be able to take live classes with a local studio in Memphis, some of my favorite teachers from Baltimore and other yogis from across the country I follow online. It’s a bonus that it’s a great way to support small yoga studios. At first, I was skeptical about taking classes live on Zoom because I thought the webcam would be awkward, but it’s actually been really nice to connect with others. If finances are tight during this time, I’ve shared some of my favorite resources here.
Daily Walks
As long as it’s not raining, I take a walk each day. I like to go after I finish working to signal a shift between work and relaxing. But most importantly, it’s been a quiet time for me to process what I’m feeling. This is a hard time and the constant news cycle is stressful. I don’t want to keep busy just to avoid how I’m feeling — that approach just leads to increased anxiety for me. So I use this time each day to take a few minutes to walk in silence and let myself feel whatever it is I’m feeling that day.
Self-Care
Yes, I know self-care is more than bubble baths and face masks, but it can include those things. Since I don’t get to go out or get dressed up for date night or fun things, it’s been nice to pamper myself at home. I have been loving skincare products from The Ordinary and this gel manicure kit. Even though these things take a few minutes, it’s nice to spend some time on yourself.
I’m certainly not getting any of this quarantine thing perfect, but I don’t think any of us are. Be gentle with yourself. Allow yourself to feel what you’re going through — it is valid and okay to feel upset even if others have things worse. Don’t dismiss what you’re going through.
I hope you got some ideas from this post or enjoyed reading. I’m thinking of you during this time. Ending with one of the best quotes I’ve read in awhile.
