By Erica Barbara
Early this month, in what seemed like a flash, the world changed. Many of us were met with mandates on working remotely and taking online classes. Influential events were canceled or postponed indefinitely. There was a warning label slapped on the mere idea of leaving one’s own home.
News is running constantly, broadcasting tragedy across the globe. Medical health professionals, service workers, and more are risking their lives every single day to protect the public. For those with disabilities or issues in mental health, a lack of social interaction can be detrimental.
Much of the world’s population has helped to #flattenthecurve by social distancing, practicing precautionary hygiene standards, and ordering goods in (staying inside while supporting businesses).
In such a time, it may seem incredibly easy to lose hope.
While dealing with a quarantine is difficult, we must push forward. We are the means to change, and there are many ways to keep ourselves productive and sane while keeping ourselves safe.
While staying cognizant of world issues, disconnect from the news a bit each day.
While it is important to stay up-to-date on COVID-19, 24-hour news cycles and constant internet access make it easy to get stuck in a tornado of anxiety. Shutting the television and turning your phone off for a break can help to calm and clarify your state of mind.
Get fresh air.
Step outside and get some Vitamin D! Sit in your backyard, open your windows, and take a walk around your neighborhood (maintaining appropriate distance from others). I had to reassert this point to myself multiple times because my lungs needed a respite from the inside air. The sun on your face can brighten your mood, as well as make your day feel a little more ‘normal’.
Dedicate an area in your space to associate with work.
Many studies have shown that when working from home, working in a place that you associate with fun or relaxation can ultimately dampen work ethic. Find a consistent spot in your space that can separate professionalism from play to boost concentration and productivity, even if it is a desk in the corner of your room.
Maintain projects in between classes or WFH.
Just as you would in another situation, you can take time to better yourself while social distancing. We are not in school or our jobs for 24 hours a day, every day of the week, right? Working constantly can lead to intense burnout. Building something fun, continuing to cultivate a talent that you already have, or learning a new skill can serve to break the monotony and improve wellbeing.
Call your coworkers, classmates, family, and friends.
Speaking to people you know can serve to clarify questions you have about work, form bonds with others emotionally, and lift spirits. Humans are social creatures, after all! Our society has so many resources to maintain social interaction while quarantining; we can FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom, we can have Netflix Parties, we can play video games together, and much more.
Try to stay active.
While many have a love-hate relationship with exercising, moving and staying active can be immensely good for physical and mental health. This fact especially rings true when we are not able to hit public gyms or other exercise facilities.
If you have any gym machines at home, you have fabulous resources right in front of you! If you do not have home equipment, you definitely can still maintain a fitness routine. There are thousands of trainers online posting content on YouTube and other social platforms, providing valuable moves and tips for free.
Come up with fun activities to do with your family.
If you’re quarantined with family, you have so many opportunities to bond. If everyone is healthy, you can have baking competitions, dance parties, movie nights, games nights, and more. Get creative! If you are not with family, call them up and do everything through video chat!
Try something new!
Sure, the world seems like it has stopped for a bit. That does not mean you have to.
Yes, it is important to breathe and relax during this stressful time in history, but pursuing a new goal can be a boost of energy every day. Seeing a finished (or worked-on) skill, in the long run, is also extremely satisfying (even resume-worthy)! Beginning to study a new language or write a new story can fill time with useful self-progress.
Understand that you are not alone, while it may feel like it.
This is a biggie. While we all have different personal lives, we are all experiencing this crisis. Just as we are all struggling in some sense, we will prevail in time. People care about you and love you. Communities are coming together, so support those around you to the best of your capacity.
Erica Barbara is a senior communication major, with a concentration in PR/Journalism. She is Co-President of Monmouth's PRSSA and Shadow PR Firm. Erica has interned for Wunderkind PR and Adapting Social. Erica also writes for The Outlook, Monmouth University's newspaper, in the entertainment section.