Hello,
We’re in some weird times right now. Scary even.
Covid-19 has reached us in the states, and has shut down just about everything. I’m thankful that we’ve managed to close down all non-essential services, for the most part, but as a health care worker, it’s been a little wild having my commute to the hospital halved. The streets are empty, save for a few walkers. Even though spring has just started to bloom, it feels like we’ve returned to winter.
If you’ve been anywhere near the internet, you’ve heard just about all perspectives on how to handle this shelter-in-place situation we find ourselves in. In case you are looking for more, here’s my short list of things I’ve been doing to maintain my sanity during this pandemic.
This to me, is kind of a no brainer, but I don’t mean mindlessly scroll and half watch while scrolling through your phone. Make it an experience. Whatever screen you have, whatever environment you’re in, make it feel like a movie theater. Pop some popcorn, or grab your favorite snack. Watch a move that makes you feel something. Read a book that holds weight in your heart, the kind that doesn’t lend itself to a casual get away. Listen to an album that rocks your soul.
Whatever you’re giving your attention to now, make sure it lives up to the standards of your mind. Make sure it’s something that fills you up.
Set the table, put on a song you love, or something that makes you feel out in the world. Make dinner for yourself, doesn’t have to be anything too fancy as long as you make a full meal for yourself and your quarantine buddy– or skype one in. Dress up. Put on something you only wear for special occasions. Even though we have to stay in as much as possible, I think now, more than ever, we need to be kind to ourselves and reach out to our friends and family (blood or found). We are, after all, social creatures, and a little human connection can go a long way, so make a night of it. Celebrate it with anyone who can drop in.
Take naps, drink water, eat sustaining food, and remember you’re worth isn’t measured in your productive output. Although not everyone is allowed time off, and many people have been laid off because of this pandemic, we all need to take care of our own mental and physical states now. This may be as easy as washing the dishes or cleaning your at home work space, or as difficult as going back out into the world to find work because of a job lay off. We all will have different priorities in the next few weeks and months, but caring for yourself is crucial to surviving this pandemic in the long term.
We’ve got a long road ahead of us, and we don’t know when it ends, so pace yourself.
Take a deep breath.
Wash your hands.
You can do this.
-Nikita, with a water bottle and a good book