It can become easy to get bored, to feel trapped, and to go stir crazy during this time period. Over the past couple of weeks I have most definitely felt all three. I've become utterly tired of my minimal routine and wanted to actually go do something. At first, like many of you, I kind of liked the idea of being home (at least while the extended spring break was put into place).

"Maybe it will be nice to do things at my own pace and live in my own space", I said to myself. But, after a while it slowly turned into boredom. I became increasingly negative and still somehow oddly stressed. Keeping up with all the work and the assignments became more of my responsibility, as I was not reminded of my deadlines.

But, I found myself doing things I wouldn't normally do, which I liked.

There are several pros to this situation that often get overlooked. You do have more time to complete work, even if it doesn't seem like it, meaning that you can do things the way you want to do them. Also, social distancing has given me time to reconnect with some of my friends through other means. Something so small can make a big difference to your mental health. It is important to stay on track with your work, and get things accomplished, but it is far more important to check in on yourself. Although it's easy to complain that you are always around your family, their presence might energize and simultaneously calm you in many ways.

This is a time to be calm, improve oneself, and find appreciation in small things.

It can feel slightly irritating to have to stay home, but we all must. Even if we feel that we are "healthy" or that we "have a good immune system," others around us might not. By fleeing our houses we are immediately going against what should be done. It is different for necessities, but if, as a group, we minimize outside interaction, we could find ourselves in a much better place in a few months.

There are several good things that are happening all over the world today.

(my inspiration would be John Krasinski's new news outlet, check it out if you haven't yet https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOe_y6KKvS3PdIfb9q9pGug).

Here are a few to help you keep a positive outlook on life (which can definitely be hard sometimes):

1. There is a significant increase in sources of renewable energy around the world.
2. Netherlands closed some of its prisons because they do not have as many criminals to jail.
3. Young Gorillas have learned how to dismantle poacher's traps.
4. Animal shelters have reported a boost in foster applications.
5. The Chicago zoo is closed and is letting the penguins walk around.