It's dramatic to say this, but it feels like the world is falling apart day by day. Disney parks are closed, restaurants and bars are closed, schools are closed, universities are moving all classes online and employees are working from home. What a nutty time to be living in.
If, like most of society, you're social distancing yourself from the coronavirus and responsibilities, remember a few things before you go insane.
Check in with your friends and family
Just because you're self-quarantining, it doesn't mean you shouldn't talk to your friends and family. Now is the time to be especially thankful to technology. Regularly call your parents if you're not living with them, Facetime with friends or plan one of those new Netflix Party movie nights. Humans by nature are social, so one of the last things you want to do is completely isolate yourself.*
*Unless you're an introvert, and that's totally OK! You're reading this from someone who is a healthy combination of an extroverted introvert.
Buy only what you need
Please don't be one of those people who panic buys 10 gallons of milk or 48 packs of toilet paper in the grocery store. If you do, looking at the huge stockpile will probably make your anxiety worse, and people who could really use those items won't get them because you bought the last items off the shelves. Buy only what you need so higher risk community members can get their fair share of resources, too.
Take this time to explore something new
If you have a job that completely shut down, take the opportunity to discover something new and keep your spirits up. Read that book that's been sitting in your bookcase, play a new video game, watch a movie that's been on your watchlist or pick up a new hobby. These things will (hopefully) get your mind off the troubles outside the safety of your walls.
Don't get too lazy
Working from home or taking classes online? Don't slack off! It's tempting to walk away from responsibilities when you're home. But when life does eventually go back to normal, you don't want to be left in a sluggish adjustment period from vegging out every day. If it's hard to focus, take breaks and walk around your home or find some music to play if you need background noise. Personally, this Youtube channel has helped pass time while working.
Oh, and don't let laziness kill your gym routine, too! Find workouts that you can do from home. At least you don't have to worry about people staring – like they "always" do.
Wash your dang hands
Hopefully you always washed your hands before this trying time. But you might find yourself scrubbing your hands more often than usual. If you want to be really cautious, keep it up. Don't forget to use lotion before your hands start looking like a cracked, dead field.
Listen to what the CDC has to say and trust their knowledge and advice.
How are you handling the coronavirus social distancing? Stay safe out there.
Follow Samantha on Twitter at @_SamI520. See more of her articles with Odyssey Online.
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