Many of us would like to think that we’re always switching things up when in all in actuality, we are very much creatures of habit. There’s a sense of mundaneness that comes with doing the same thing over and over again that we seem to get used to. So much so that when our routine is abruptly interrupted or suddenly comes to a screeching halt, we are left blind-sided, confused, and sometimes scared. In the wake of the Coronavirus or COVID-19 global pandemic, many of us have been impacted or affected in some way, shape, or form. In times of uncertainty, fear, and anxiety from the unknown take over, and we lose our minds and ourselves.
Though many of us might not be sick or know of anyone currently stricken with the Covid-19 virus, governments, cities, states, and towns all over the world are enforcing what feels like super strict rules in an attempt to slow and prevent the spread of what can be a deadly virus to those most vulnerable, like the elderly or the immunocompromised and those with pre-existing conditions by limiting group gatherings, closing schools and businesses, and enforcing this new thing that we have never done before but kind of already do in the age of advanced technology and social media: Social Distancing.
You’ve probably heard the argument that social media and the invention of cellphones has caused society to become more disconnected than ever before. Some may even argue that it distorts our reality, making things less real and hindering the youth’s ability to pick up on social cues and developing soft skills that are much needed in the workforce. Technology, in many ways, can disconnect us if we allow it to. Yet in times like this where we are practically forced to isolate ourselves from one another, we need it now more than ever.
The truth is that we are treading in uncharted waters. The Coronavirus pandemic has put us in a very interesting situation that we have never been in before. Jobs are telling those who can to telecommute, schools and universities are closing and switching to “Distance Learning” which has so far been a nightmare for me, and non-essential businesses are being mandated to close due to curfew regulations to discourage people from gathering in large groups which could cause potential a-symptomatic carriers to spread the virus to vulnerable populations like the elderly, those with pre-existing conditions, and those who are immunocompromised because yes, I had to repeat that part again for my fellow youngins who still wish to YOLO this one out.
We often take for granted the simple liberties that we have as humans, even the ones as little as going out for a quick grocery run, going on a movie date, trying out a new restaurant, or even stopping by your favorite diner or bar for a drink or a quick bite to eat. In lieu of all the madness and chaos with people panic buying groceries and the odd obsession with toilet paper, I want to talk about some ways you can destress and unwind during these trying times while also keeping yourself and others safe.
Sleep
Take this time to catch up on all the rest you’ve been missing out on. If your used to getting a limited amount of sleep, getting a couple of extra hours or merely sleeping in late can be a great way to make up for those lost hours of Zzz’s. It can leave you feeling refreshed and can calm anxiety. Just be sure not to sleep in too much as it can leave you feeling groggy with a slight chance of getting a headache.
Find a New Hobby and Hone in on It
I became obsessed with doing my nails. I always did my manicures, but I love acrylic and poly gel sets and wanted to start doing them myself, so I could save money on getting them done at the salon and switch up my look whenever I wanted. I bought my supplies and started learning the technique, and now I have some extra time to perfect my craft. If you already have a favorite hobby, hone it on it and become a true Yoda or Sensei in it. If you don’t already have a hobby, find one! Focusing on a favorite hobby can be both mentally stimulating and calming to the mind. It’s also a great distraction from all the fear-mongering in the media and will prevent you from panic buying more stuff. Because let’s be real: You have enough toilet paper and no, you don’t need more.
Host a watch party
Hosting a watch party online is a great way to maintain social distance while connecting with your friends. There are plenty of options for this. You can host a watch party on Facebook by creating a group and scheduling a watch by choosing a show or link to a YouTube video or choose a series on a streaming service like Netflix, Hulu or even scheduled programming on your local cable network and send out a message to your friends and hold a group video chat or voice call where you and your friends can talk and react to what you’re watching while interacting at the same time.
Masturbate!
This is without saying, of course. But another way to reduce anxiety in these very trying times is by rubbing a couple out. We already know the great benefits of masturbation, and we need it now more than we ever have and all the feel-good hormones and endorphins we can get. Masturbation is also useful for getting to know your body in a way that only you can understand it. Take this time to try new things like temperature place with ice, experimenting with different types of lube, and explore other areas in your home that you usually wouldn’t do it in. You can even take this time to order some pleasure products like vibes, plugs, and kink gear to give your pleasure routine a boost. And if you can’t be near your boo, you can always have a sexy video chat coupled with some mutual masturbation to show them how much you miss them.
Have A Group Video Chat
During this time, large gatherings and get-togethers of 10 or less are highly discouraged, and that number is continually changing. One of the most significant issues with stopping the spread of COVID-19 is that someone can have it, present no symptoms, and pass it onto someone without knowing (an asymptomatic person/carrier). That person who is newly infected may start to exhibit symptoms and will most likely be unable to identify the point of exposure. Meaning you or friend can already have it and not know it. Not to mention that all non-essential businesses like bars, movie theatres, and other hangout spots will remain closed or have reduced hours. To keep yourself and your friends safe and healthy, I recommend having a group video call where you can see and talk to your friends and check in with them. It’s always nice to see someone’s face when you’re talking to them.
Get Those Chores You’ve Been Putting Off Done
Whether its that closet you said you would get around to organizing or those papers you need to file, finding time to do regular mundane chores imperative to your daily function like laundry and washing dishes is already hard. After a while, it becomes easier to ignore non-essential chores that you easily put off until you have a ton of time to yourself. Well, now’s the time to get it done. Look around your home and find different ways to make your home more comfortable. Consider Marie Kondo’ing your home one room at a time and purging your home of things that you don’t need or haven’t used in a long time. You can even make room to organize all the food and supplies you panic bought.
Start A Blog or YouTube Channel
Right now is a great time to share your personal experience on what’s going on in the world or whatever you want to talk about. Sharing your experiences with others is a great way to maintain social distance while also documenting events that are going on around you. You can also share tips or any advice related to your career or anything that your good at.
Final Thoughts
This version of life is a new normal for everyone and will not be easy to adjust to. Just know that you are not alone. We have our loved ones, our community, ourselves, and each other. This won’t last forever, just for a little while. And when its over, we will all have a new lease on life with a different lens to look out of. Till then, take care of yourself and take care of each other.
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