Quarantine Quandary
With the recent outbreak of COVID-19 it has been recommended that everyone whether sick or healthy self-quarantine to slow the progression of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Initially this was my introverted dream come true. It's like I have been preparing my whole existence for this. However...I started to notice that I was scrolling through the same social media apps over and over again. At the same time I was being inundated by the news. Even though I wasn't panicking, I was starting to feel panicky, if that makes sense. After a bit of distance from all that I would feel better, but then I would get curious and go to my phone, and the cycle continued.
Being bombarded by the news and social media was stressing me the F*** out. I did not have the attention span to watch a movie let alone enjoy it. So I turned to my trusty journal and looked up the hygge activities that I normally do during the deep recesses of Midwestern winters. Here is what I got:
- YouTube Exercise
- YouTube is a great reservoir of nearly any skill. If you can't hit the gym, at least you can get some movement at home.
- My favorite exercise YouTubers are Fitness Blender. They have a huge collection of free workouts for all levels of varying lengths. Plus the have exercises for those living in a small apartment so you don't disturb your neighbors.
- They also have a website with workout trackers, and more!
- Get Ready and Experiment
- Get dressed as if you are meeting people. Now that you have a bit more time why not experiment with your style, makeup or hair.
- This could be a judgement free time to find your new look.
- Do a Puzzle
- Its a great way to keep busy. It can be done alone.You can listen to your favorite music, podcast or audio-book. It keeps you engaged without a screen. There is a sense of accomplishment afterwards.
- Quarantine Book Club
- Get a group of friends or family, read the same book together, and discuss, Discussion can happen either over video chat, a conference call, or in person if you are all living together.
- Make Videos of Past Special Events
- I have a lot of pictures and videos from my vacation last year and I plan on using a free video editing software to make a video of it all. There are many you can find online.
- It's a great way to learn a new skill.
- You can reminisce about good time, and have a wonderful memory you can turn back to and share with others.
- Video Chat Date
- Quarantine can be a isolating time, and most likely your friends and family are probably feeling lonely too, so why not reach out.
- Set up a time everyone is free and have a nice big group chat on WhatsApp (inclusive for Apple and Android).
- 7 Cups of Tea
- If you are currently feeling isolated and overwhelmed there is a free service called 7 Cups of Tea where you can chat with someone.
- There are "listeners" on standby to help empathize with you over chat.
- If you need professional counseling they have certified therapist as well (for a fee).
- You can also volunteer to be a listener. Here is my personal link as a listener.
As this pandemic shifts our social structures it is important we listen to experts, stay safe and stay home (for now).