Corona is an Opportunity

After absorbing potentially thousands of minutes of the day consuming podcasts, the news, online reports, and trying to differentiate stats, we are feeding a growing anxiety filling us all to the brim. There is nothing to stop this chaos or craziness, but there is a sense of solidarity to this insane world event. For the first time ever it feels, we are all experiencing the same thing and can be empathetic to one another on a personal level. With normal world events like elections and wars, some of us are involved, or some of us have the energy to do the research on global events, but in this case, there is no turning away from the massive energy brought by Corona Virus. And while it is chaotic and scary, it’s also unifying. Together, we have a few extra moments each day in our house, and all have to adjust to a new pace of life. I’ve created a list of things you can take advantage of with this newly found free time. While watching the newest Netflix series will definitely take up at least three hours per day, try to add in some other elements to spice up your quarantine life.

ONE. A deep clean. So while this self quarantining period has been only of recent, I have been practicing self isolation since January facing the job search. During this time, I was able to deep clean my room, empty out bags and bags of clutter, and finally feel in control of the amount I own. Cleaning out your space feels so relieving. You never realize how much you collect until you start looking deeper into drawers, closets, under your bed. I’m pretty positive I finally vacuumed dust bunnies behind dressers that had been there since I was a child. I have now organized all my crafts, books, and memories into carefully labeled boxes, and I feel amazing about it. My next mission is tackling the rest of my house, which will definitely require some self motivation.

TWO. Meditation and Journaling. Okay, so I definitely haven’t tried mediation yet, and I should because what better time to get into the habit than now? But I have been an avid journaler during this time and find it a good way to stress my anxieties and move on. And also a nice way to reflect on positive things too! With stress running high with the news blasting on every TV screen, it’s super important we keep in check with our mental health.

THREE. Catch up with friends. Since graduating college last year, I see how tricky it can be with various time zones and work schedules to catch up with my friends. Sometimes it takes four attempts before successfully having a five way facetime with my closest college homies, but during this time of everyone hanging at home, it should be easy to schedule some long needed phone calls with friends. My birthday was last Sunday, which was albeit a strange one, but I was able to have actual full length conversations with every person that texted me happy birthday. Everyone is going stir crazy and wants to talk, so be the outlet for a friend to express their stream of consciousness. 

FOUR. Craft your little heart away. Luckily for me, I am craft hoarder and seriously have enough water colors, embroidery supplies, and fabric paint to open an entire esty store by the end of this. With all this free time, it would be a shame to not take literally 20 minutes out of your day to paint, sketch, or fulfill some creative outlet in some way. Get off your phone for a second and start scrapbooking.

• 

• 

• 

FIVE. Gain a new skill. The internet is full of seriously tooooo much information, but if you can choose one skill you want to hone in on, you could really leave this situation more interesting. Whether it’s a language, an instrument, or web coding, we have the opportunity to figure out a side passion or hustle that really could connect us with some new people. Personally, I’m trying to improve my Spanish and have switched to only Spanish netflix and books, forcing me to get some daily practice in. I might additionally add learning some tunes on the piano.

SIX. Get a sweat in. Seriously laying in bed all day may hurt you more than Corona, so make sure just because you don’t have a gym that you’re still getting a little movement in. There are 1000’s of hiit videos on youtube (many which i used to do in a closet size dorm room) that actually show results. Every hour of WFH stand up and do some squats, do a few burpies, touch your toes. Trust me as someone who’s been spending way too much time from home since January, an overly stocked kitchen is lethal for hours in the same place, and hourly snacking feels tooooo right.

SEVEN. Become a chef. Here is your chance to try out that dish you’ve had pinned on Pinterest since 2007. I try to cook something new at least once a week, and if you’re struggling to  find cohesive food, I recommend typing in some ingredients or produce that you want to use and then add “recipe” and the magic internet will generate some amazing dish results you would never think of combining. 

EIGHT. Get some fresh air. So, I’m not a quarantine expert and am not sure how much outing is allowed, but fresh air keeps you sane. I am lucky to live in Colorado and have access to multiple hikes (not sure for how much longer) but have really found my sanity in the outdoors. Still keep your distance and follow normal measures, but getting a little sun on your face, a little wind through your hair is 100000 p necessary during times of being stuffed in a house.

• 

• 

• 

• 

So here are my quarantine ideas. What are yours? Also I highly recommend making a daily schedule and goal, so you don’t end up just watching 20 hours of netflix like I have the past few days, and actually do a lil something productive. And call your neighbor and make sure they’re all good! Check NextDoor and see what community members need help. Be sane in these times and know were gonna make it through this experience together! And we’ll probably learn a lot of crazy things about ourselves along the way!