A Quarantine Survival Guide
If it’s possible to “make the most” of a global pandemic, here’s how to do it
by Leslie Cox
Last week I joined the 6.6 million Americans filing for unemployment. While I was “laid off with the intent to rehire,” I suddenly found myself, like so many others, navigating the new shifting lands of life during a COVID-19 outbreak and the emotional impact of the pandemic in a brand-new way.
Laid off or just locked inside, we’re all contending with a new realty. While emotions, whatever they may be, need to be acknowledged and granted space, the best thing we can do to combat ever-growing anxiety is to stop hyper-focusing on things that we don’t control. While so many things may feel overwhelming—being confined at home, worrying about our loved ones, working another 24-hour shift without the ability to fully find rest—stress management doesn’t have to be. The nuances of emotional health (and what reduces stress) will look different for everyone, but here are five things I’ve found helpful.
(1) I committed to moving my body more
Exercise done right should be a fun activity that increases your energy levels, releases endorphins, and helps you feel great about yourself. There are options out there for any budget and fitness level—even walking around your neighborhood will do you a world of good.
Experiment with the different types of exercise that intrigue you. Apps such as Mindbody can connect you to whatever type of class you’ve been secretly obsessing over, such as yoga, kickboxing, or barre, so you can join in digital classes without having to commit to a membership or feeling pressured to keep showing up.
It’s OK if virtual classes aren’t your thing; there are so many at-home workout plans waiting for you to try out in your new gym living room. Online fitness coach Alyssa Olenick is one of many experts who specialize in home programs that don’t require any equipment. What’s most important is that you get up, get out there, and get your body moving.
2. I started writing more letters
There’s something magical about a handwritten letter; any form of snail mail is an expression of gratitude that will not go unnoticed. You don’t need anything fancy to start writing, but if you’re looking to invest in greeting cards, most paper companies are running great specials. Start by browsing Rifle Paper, Seedlings, Paper Anchor, and SnailMailObsessed.
If you’re already a letter pro and itching to write more, call your local nursing homes and hospitals and ask if they have a program for sending encouraging notes to residents. Consider writing letters of recognition to your grocery store workers and emergency responders. Maybe even write a letter to yourself. We have a while to go until things return to normal—three weeks from now, future-you might need some love and encouragement.
3. I’ve enjoyed more quality time with my pet
There’s a reason so many animals have gone viral. Not only do animals help combat depression and stress, they also curb feelings of loneliness and act as mood boosters, even virtually. Help us enjoy your pet’s antics during quarantine—create an Instagram account for them or post photos of them on your own. (And don’t stress if you’re without your own four-legged friend: Livestream whatever animal makes your heart sing, join a Facebook pet page, or surround yourself with your squad’s petgrams.)
4. I’ve been investing in myself
There’s never been a better time to learn a new skill. Instagram accounts showcase newly acquired baking skills, TikTok has been consumed by hilarious videos, Readers Digest created virtual day trips you can take across the world. There are so many activities waiting for you that can be done on a budget or a “treat yourself” splurge.
If music is your thing, head on over to Youtube and jam away. Maybe you’re ready to dive into home decorating skills—if so, Etsy is the site for you. If you feel inspired by Nailed It!, follow your heart and go on that cake decorating spree. Don’t be scared to go off the conventional route; I’m learning to build a tropical terrarium, but you could try your hand at origami, make your own Kombucha, or learn about the science of wellbeing. Whatever you want to learn, there’s someone out there who’s teaching it.
5. I spruced up my resume
You should always have an updated resume on hand. No one wants to be that person who has to change their resume on the fly only after learning about a new, time-sensitive opportunity. An updated resume is also something you should have on hand if you’ve been laid off as a result of COVID-19.
Thanks to quarantine, my resume has never looked better. I finally bought one of those templates I’ve been eyeing. I spent time reflecting on my career, where I want to go, and what I need to change to make that happen. Then, I tackled my CV. If updating your resume feels intimidating, call a friend and ask them to go over yours with you. It never hurts to have a second set of eyes, and it will make the whole process more entertaining.
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Your survival guide will probably look different than mine—and that’s a beautiful thing, because you know what you need better than anybody else. What’s happening now won’t last forever—until “better days return,” take care of yourself.
Leslie is a Pre-k teacher at a nonprofit school in Chattanooga. She is a recent graduate student and is already planning to go back to school for her doctorate in religion and sexuality. You’ll likely find her at Sleepyhead Coffee curating her LBGTQ blog, Love Les , exploring local trails with her girlfriend and rescue pup or working towards her yoga teacher certification at her studio.
