This current pandemic is having many effects on many different people. I’m not going to pretend like I have it so bad; people who are healthcare workers (or grocery, delivery, etc) or those who are actually sick and passing away have it much worse than I do, and my heart and thoughts go out to them. All I have to do is stay home and socially distance like everyone else.

But that can have its own consequences: madness (okay maybe not complete madness, but a mental imbalance of sorts due to being confined for so long). Everyday feeling the same over and over again. However, there are things that, for me, help to counteract this stir-craziness.

• Going for walks and/or drives– Wait, didn’t I just say that I have to stay home? Yes, everyone needs to be staying home and keeping their distance from anyone except the people they live with, for the safety of all of us, but that doesn’t mean we necessarily have to always be inside our house. I’ve found that going for a drive, or taking a walk nearby (keeping at least 6 feet from anyone in public of course) helps clear my mind and makes me feel more like I’m doing something. Last week on a nice day I drove to a nearby pond with hiking trails and walked around a little bit. I didn’t go too far since the trails got narrow and should people come down I would be too close to them, but it was still peaceful, relaxing, and a way to just enjoy nature and forget about everything for a little bit. Going to nearby outdoor places or driving around, while still keeping distance, is a great way to cope.

• Reading– I’ve also found reading to be a great escape. I’ve always liked books, but only recently (about a year ago) did I get into actually reading graphic novels and then full novels. Sometimes I take breaks from reading because I don’t have enough time, but right now I do and it’s been helping me. So far I’ve only been reading Stephen King: I finished Misery and right now I’m in the middle of the giant novel The Stand (which is actually about a superflu virus that nearly wipes out all of humanity, almost a way to escape into a world even worse than our own right now). And I have a big list of books to read, of all different genres.

• Movies/TV– Always a great escape anytime in the world, but especially right now. Like books, I have a big list of movies and shows to watch, and I have the opportunity to catch up on a lot (still not even all though) of them. Some highlights I’ve watched so far are the John Wick trilogy, Westworld, and Misery.
• Schoolwork– although it excessive and stressful, there are certain assignments I’ve enjoyed, such as the video project for this class. It definitely takes up a lot of my day, definitely serving as a distraction.

• Food– My mom’s been cooking every day, and I always look forward to stuff she makes. I’d like to be eating out, but this way is probably healthier, and luckily my mom does have good cooking.
• Being active– I’ve never been super into weight lifting and exercise routines, but I’ve been trying it and finding it helps with feeling motivated and accomplished during this time. Also doing things like running around and playing with my dog in the backyard is fun and helps.
• Talking to friends online– When I do this, I pretend like I’m “going out.” I know I’m not actually, but it makes it feel more like a special occasion. I’ve done things with my friends like Netflix party, and playing games like Jackbox and Club Penguin. It lets me still feel connected.

Typical daily schedule that keeps me busy:

1:00 PM- Wake up

2:00-7:00 PM- Do work, taking food breaks in between, or break to go for a drive

7:00-3:00 AM- Watch TV, watch a movie, read, exercise, and/or talk to friends, until I go to bed