The Bright Side of Quaratine
Number #1: Quarantinis. I mean what…?!
Alright gang, we’re about to commence month 12. Yup, that’s right, we’re already at A FRICKEN YEAR of isolation in Chicago. It only makes sense that now, in late February, the heavens are starting to pummel mounds and mounds of snow atop of us all over the country; one of the worst winters in years. SICK.
When our office announced the indefinite work from home mandate, I must say my initial reaction was, “YAAAASSSSS.” I’ve often self-labeled as an introverted extrovert. I honestly enjoy just hanging out at home for days at a time; lounging in my little stress-free bubble that I’ve worked tirelessly to make as cozy and as zen as possible.
Namaste in bed, amiright?
With that said, there was a day last week that I, very literally, lost it. My once zen palace had become an anxiety-induced prison cell. We’re talking walls-caving-in, taking-cold-showers-to-feel-alive-again, having-full-fledged-conversations-with-the-cats kinda problems.
At the end of the day, though, these are first world problems. We’re all good. Things will get better and, as my alter ego, would say, “we just gotta chill the f*ck out, dawg.”
With that said, I thought it might be helpful both for myself, but also my readers, to talk about the bright side of this situation, besides the quaratinis, (which I feel like should be a later post - Thoughts?!)
I realize this post won’t be for everyone. I know there are readers here struggling with children, lost jobs and other stressors. I promise there will be more to come on those topics as well. For now, those of you struggling with how to fill your day, read on. This one’s for you.
1.) Reflect on What’s Important
We’ve been given an invaluable gift with this quarantine: TIME. We now have time away from the hustle and bustle of normal city living and can actually reflect on a few things. Take a moment this morning, this afternoon, today (what day is it??!) and actually ask yourself this question: What’s important to me? Perhaps being at home has slowly made you come to terms with some truths; realities you’ve been ignoring for too long. Do you feel relieved to be at home? Perhaps that means your job is making you crazy. Perhaps it means that it’s time to look within yourself and reflect on what makes you truly happy. Perhaps you were like me, someone who graduated into one of the worst economies of our lifetime and fell into the only industry hiring. Maybe this is what shocks you into the realization that portions of your life have been left unfulfilled. And that doesn’t have to be negative, use this opportunity of extra time and really reflect. Is family what’s most important? Is your career? Is your hobby? What makes you happy when you have extra time? What do you gravitate towards with that extra time?
2.) Get a Life Hobby
I’m laughing at my lame strike-through joke; mostly because it is painfully self-reflective but also because a lot of us don’t really have lives. I believe people are inherently interesting; we have so many thoughts, ideas, quirks, etc. that make us unique, yet we get so caught up in societal norms and commitments that we often neglect that individuality and the unique hobbies that make us happy. So, when thinking about time, we now have a shit load of extra time; time not spent in between meetings, on commutes, etc. Seize the day, people! Take this time to start or continue a hobby that is important to you. Cooking, knitting, crafting, painting-whatever! For me, I certainly enjoy my blog and writing; however, I now have more time to read books from others I admire. If you’re looking, I just ordered four books on Amazon that came highly recommended. Cough…cough…you’re welcome.
3.) Reconnect with Friends and Family
I hate talking on the phone. Despise it, really. To be honest, I’m not a great texter either. I want quality, in person time with family and friends. All my people know this and I’m sure they’re laughing at me right now. With that said, I’ve started to come to the realization that this really isn’t sustainable during social isolation. Additionally, it’s made me realize how I probably neglect the large amount of my lifelong friends who aren’t local and haven’t been for years. With that said, I now have more energy and time to hop on a call, a FaceTime or group chat and reconnect with those I rarely get to see. Friends and family are what should keep this ordeal in perspective for us. Social isolation sucks but spend the time focusing on conversations with friends and family. It will make us all feel less alone and give us a new perspective as we come together virtually and share laughs, memories and a few glasses bottles of wine.
4.) Self Care
I’m sorry, but if you are childless during this quarantine, then you must realize that this is the absolute best time to start some serious self care shit. No excuses, people! I’m talking incense-lit-mediation-yoga while wearing an organic, cruelty-free face mask whilst sipping on that Kombucha you had time to brew in your closet over the past five weeks. Or, if you’re more like me, then we’re talking sitting in a luxurious bubble bath, hair tied up in a Olaplex mask, sipping on that same bottle of wine, playing candy crush through a cloud of burnt sage smoke (more on that later) while your cat sits on the counter quietly judging you in all your naked glory.
Either way, you do you, kids.
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