I think in terms of getting through everything, just trying to stay balanced and stay positive versus getting frustrated about the situation since you can’t control it. So thinking about ways to stay in a normal routine as much as possible and finding ways to take advantage of the fact that everyone is slowing down a little bit. Why not see it as an opportunity to take advantage of everyone being freer than normal and spend extra time connecting with friends and family--I’ve been scheduling phone calls with someone different every day so far—trying to make the most of the situation because it is what it is.
What was most important to you before you had to social distance/quarantine?
Trying to get some health things figured out. With the social distancing there’s blessings and curses associated with it. I think it’s made it easier for me to focus on some things that I needed to take care of from a mental health standpoint as well as physical standpoint. I think having the time to process things that you haven’t in a while is good and I think having this time to reflect in a way that is sometimes needed but you don’t always give yourself time to do is good.
What’s the first thing you’ll do when this is over?
Maybe do a belated birthday celebration. I think something fun would be a huge picnic in central park with a bunch of people.
What are you doing to pass the time?
I’m still working so that part in some ways is good because I feel like a large part of my week goes into my normal routine--it’s just a different desk and commute and I work in my pajamas! Outside of that I’m trying to still stay active because I think that’s important for my sanity. Since you can’t go to the gym, just finding different paths I can walk around my neighborhood to stay active. Being really proactive about connecting with people. My birthday’s coming up, and I’m pretty sure we’re still going to be on lockdown in two weeks but I’m trying to plan a virtual birthday party and just make the most of it.
What makes you happy right now?
My friends and family have been proactive about checking in with each other and that makes me feel grateful. I think everyone has been pretty proactive about taking advantage of technology to connect—and I’m definitely more appreciative of technology than before. Social media has a lot of negative things associated with it but I think that in times like this you can see the community kind of rally together. I’ve loved having influencers that I follow or fitness instructors posting free workout videos online. Things like that have been comforting; seeing the community come together and everyone feeling like they have a role to play in getting through this.
What would you tell yourself a month ago with the knowledge you have today?
Definitely I’ve struggled with dating–there’s a sense of fear about maybe being alone if I don’t find the right person? I think that’s still in the back of my head but being forced to be physically alone right now has also made me feel less alone emotionally. Seeing how many people I do have in my life that I’ve been able to rely on during this time. I think there’s some comfort in that. Ideally I hope to still find the right person for me but I think there’s strength in realizing that you can manage things on your own.
