Hello to all! I’ve missed you so much.
I wanted to create a post today with the hopes of providing some comfort during these strange, uncertain times. I won’t pretend for a second that I’ve been handling any of this with more grace and calmness than I’m sure any of you have. In fact, it’s been a huge struggle to say the least.
However, I’m finally getting to a place where I feel a bit more settled with this all. I’ve been able to grasp onto some sort of familiarity and certainty in the chaos occurring outside my apartment walls, and for now, that’s enough. Therefore, in case you’re not quite there yet, I wanted to put together what’s sure to be a not-very-organized collection of thoughts, feelings, ideas, and resources that might be useful during this time.
advice
Let me begin by saying that I’m not a medical professional, nor do I have any sort of expertise in any areas related to COVID-19 that could be helpful right now. I’ve been seeing some influencers adopting that tone, and that’s fine as long as they actually know what they’re talking about. One Instagram account I have really been following throughout all of this is Two Dusty Travelers, which is run by a couple who tries to travel ethically and sustainably. However, Emily is also a nurse who worked in the Global South during the height of the Ebola outbreaks. During all of Coronavirus, she has been posting stories filled with useful resources, facts, and reputable content. I highly recommend checking this account out if you’re looking for a facts-based approach to all of this.
This is going to certainly come across as a hypocritical, preaching-to-the-choir sort of moment, but try and stay off the internet as much as possible. Updates are important, obviously, but other than that, mindless scrolling is a recipe for anxiety. I’m writing this as a reminder to myself as much as to you. The commentary, the articles, and even the memes are all getting to be a bit too much.
my thoughts on productivity
A lot of folks (who are privileged to be able to do so) are currently working from home. That goes for me, too. Along with being a student, I have a part-time job at my campus’ sustainability office. However, my entire university has moved online for the remainder of the semester. We have this week and next off of school, and then it’s back to digital class for what’s left of the year.
I’ve spoken before about my opinion on hustle culture, Instagram entrepreneurs, and more. It is a topic that I will never not go on for too long about. People have mental illnesses! People have disabilities! People work overtime hours at jobs they’re not paid enough to do! People are oppressed every single day! Not everyone can wake up at 4am everyday and suddenly become a billionaire, or whatever their goal is. There are real, systemic barriers that many people face every single day, and making them feel bad for “not hustling hard enough” doesn’t do anything to help. Instead, it actually incites more guilt and exhaustion.
This may seem off topic. However, I’ve already noticed a lot of online content (when I should’ve been limiting my scrolling, I know) about peoples’ “quarantine projects”. Yes, I’m truly happy for you if this time off has allowed you to put more time into your business or to finish writing your book or even to reorganize that closet you’ve been meaning to get to forever.
But we’re not under any obligation to be more productive right now. This, of course, comes with the caveat that those of us who are working from home right now have jobs that allow us to. I can’t say enough about healthcare workers (my mom and my sister-in-law, for just two examples: you are the greatest human beings alive, as far as I’m concerned). I can’t say enough about all the other folks who still have to go to work right now or risk losing paychecks.
For those of us who are home, though, some of the best ongoing commentary I’ve seen is that all you need to do right now is get through this. Personally, I’ve just been trying to get through these recent days without crying, or laying in bed and staring at my ceiling for way too long, or watching too much Netflix. All I’m trying to say is that if you’re not simply taking this in stride and celebrating at the opportunity to put this new time at home towards personal projects, you don’t need to feel bad or compare yourself negatively to those who are.
But when you feel yourself starting to calm down and gain a sense of control, act on it gently. Get outside. I’ve been going for runs, but with no expectation of how fast or how far I’ll go. I just put on my favourite music and enjoy the nice weather. That’s self-care. Or bake or cook a favourite meal! Make it nutritious and fulfilling if possible, but don’t set your expectations sky-high. That’s self-care. Or write something! Or draw something! Just try to limit your expectations. There is no expectation right now that you’ll do anything groundbreaking.
As a matter of fact, some of the best advice I have received throughout COVID-19 is this. My roommate told me that there’s no expectations on me to help everyone around me, to be an extraordinary activist, or to otherwise contribute incredibly to society. Instead, the best thing I can do for those around me is to stay home and take care of myself. And more broadly, we have to remember that this is the best thing we can do in general! Social distancing, remember? This is the only thing (aside from handwashing) that healthcare workers, who are working harder than ever, are asking of society. So we should probably listen.
mental health
I am intimately aware of how harmful social distancing is (and will continue to be) on mental health. Sometimes, getting out and going somewhere new, seeing a friend or meeting someone new is the only thing that’ll pull me out of some really bad anxiety. But there are ways to show up for yourself that don’t require breaking your quarantine. The first one might actually be not calling it a quarantine, because that’s a terrifying word.
Otherwise, just do small acts of self-care. Take a shower! Put on some makeup and take some selfies! Go running or walking if you’re able (I cannot recommend this one enough)!!! Get some sun on your face! Open a window and stick your head out! Eat a favourite food or snack! Video chat with a friend you haven’t talked to in awhile! Buy a gift card from your favourite cafe or restaurant! The list is truly endless.
I personally plan on creating a “Want To-Do” list. I’ll put all of the tasks that I’d like to complete during this period of social distancing, but I won’t punish myself if I don’t get to them. I think this will be a powerful way of reducing the pressure I have a tendency to put on myself to be creative. The best art and fun comes out of the most spontaneous acts of creativity, in my opinion. If you decide to adopt a similar approach, let me know! I’d love to do it together.
resources!!!
I could write forever and still not get to all of my favourite things. So, here is a collection of music, shows, recipes, and whatever else that you might feel like perusing during your time at home. I AM KEEPING IT FUN! No productivity necessary.
recipes
Some vegetarian cooking and baking I’ve tried or am planning to try! I’ve talked in a past post here about why I love cooking as self-care so much.
Vegetarian Lentil Tortilla Soup (I’ve made this tons of times, it’s so easy and so good)
Crack Pie Cookies (an ode to Milk Bar’s crack pie!)
Bittersweet Chocolate Cookies with Caramelized White Chocolate (I made these with golden oreos instead of the white chocolate and they were Very Good as well)
music
Here’s a playlist of some favourite music I think you should listen to (it’s a bit of everything):
tv shows
Some different things I’ve watched and enjoyed, linked to their websites/descriptions:
Love is Blind (sometimes, cheesy reality TV is exactly what you need, even if you don’t think so)
RuPaul’s Drag Race (no spoilers, I’m only on Season 9!)
Next in Fashion (this one’s really bringing out my inner fashion nerd)
Veep (US political comedy, you won’t be able to stop once you start)
How I Met Your Mother (yes, I prefer it over Friends)
Gossip Girl (I just finished it and I wish there was more)
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (there really aren’t enough good things to say about this wholesome show)
I Am Not Okay With This (a very entertaining and quick watch)
Atypical (I love it, just watch it, that’s all)
Jane the Virgin (I cried so much and I’d do it all again in a heartbeat)
You (you won’t be able to not binge it)
Love (complicated and wonderful)
Patriot Act (we love some good political comedy - and there’s a great episode about Fast Fashion!)
youtube
Here’s a playlist featuring videos from some of my all-time fave channels!
Stay home, take care of yourselves, and wash your hands.
Love you so much,
Ethigirl