I’ve got a new social media rule in my life. Whenever I see a peppy influencer encouraging me to write a novel or learn a new skill/language/crafting technique during quarantine, they’re instantly unfollowed. Sometimes blocked. Reported if it’s a particularly bad day.
I read a fantastic article this week (find it here) that delved into the ridiculousness of these same Instagrammers and influencers smattered across the web, advising that no, you definitely don’t have to use this time to be your most productive self- we’re in the midst of a massive, global crisis. Things aren’t exactly normal. It’s difficult to motivate yourself to enrol in an online course when the entire arse has fallen out of society as we know it, you feel me?
As much as I’d love to use this hazy, slow, in-between time for something productive, I’ve learned to accept that it’s probably not going to happen. My mental health and energy have more pressing issues to mull over at the moment than trying to work on some characterisation for the novel I’ve been promising myself I’d write for the last 6 years. That being said, there are some super important things that I’ve been incorporating into my daily life to try and stay as sane and calm as possible amidst the chaos. And they’ve been working well. Here they are, if you fancy trying…
Yoga
My love of yoga is something that I keep relatively quiet to the outside world. Ironically, the only reason I started yoga was because a straight-talking doctor told me that if I didn’t do it, I could lose the ability to walk in the next ten years (that’s a topic for a whole other blog post, though). Six years on, I cannot even begin to explain how much I love yoga. It’s relaxing, energising, challenging, mindful, connective… it’s a practise absolutely made for times like this. Since quar, I’ve been religiously practising yoga every morning before work- it doesn’t matter if I get five minutes or 30 on the mat- the benefits are the same, and I’m almost guaranteed a better day. If you’re an experienced yogi- get on your mat. Now. If you’ve never tried it before, just search “yoga for beginners” on YouTube, and thank me later. Namaste.
Routine
I feel extremely lucky to still have a job during all this madness, especially a job that I love and can work from home in. As well as being grateful in general for the work I’m getting to do, that takes my mind off everything, the routine that work gives me right now is a godsend. I don’t know the psychology behind it, but I feel as though waking early, showering, getting dressed, and having a coffee as normal is keeping me grounded while the world is, collectively, freaking out. If you’re still working, keeping a normal routine before, during, and after logging on is an amazing way of staying sane. If you’re not working, why not try to jot down a few daily practises to keep your life somewhat normal? Even if that’s just waking up an hour earlier, having a shower, and putting on a lick of mascara- I promise it’ll make you feel a little more in control and calm.
Reading
Okay, I’m completely biased here, because reading is something that I adore anyway- but hear me out! If you feel as though you’re stuck on your phone on a constant scrolling spree, reading will be a saviour. I’ve been keeping a book on hand to fill my brain with something other than: quarantine self isolation extended lockdown death data statistics did you see whats happening in America ICU ventilators when will it end BLAAAAH. At its most basic explanation, reading will take you to another world completely removed from this one. It will tell you a story, introduce you to new characters, and immerse you in a totally different life to help you forget you own for a little while. It’s escapism and mindfulness at its best. And it’s a great way to pass the time. My current faves are: Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo, My Friend Anna by Rachel DeLoache Willams, and Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa. (pls message for more recommendations I love talking books). And remember, all books are available on kindle, audible, and for online reading if you don’t have access to them in your house or local shop!
Cooking
I live with my partner, who is so good at cooking that he could genuinely open his own restaurant, and would probably achieve a Michelin star for it. While this is a blessing in the form of tasty dinners that are almost always made for me, it also means that I don’t cook as much as I used to before I met him. With all the free time I’ve had these last few weeks, I’ve rediscovered my love of cooking, and have been experimenting in the kitchen! What I’ve learned from this- apart from the lesson to NEVER rub your eye after chopping chillies- is that cooking can be an extremely relaxing and calming experience. I’ve been taking my time making meals, experimenting with new combinations, and generally just enjoying the process. I’ve had a mindset change from ME HUNGRY MAKE FOOD EAT FOOD to ~let’s just take this slow and see what happens~. Not only does cooking a big, wholesome dinner waste a few hours, but you’re rewarded at the end with a delicious homemade meal to be proud of. I’ve also tried my hand at baking but we won’t talk about that… we can’t all be good at everything, can we?
Video Calls
I don’t think I’m alone in saying that not being able to see family and friends is the hardest part of this entire lockdown. While not being able to hug my nana or poke at my sister or cuddle my cat or dance with my friends is genuinely making me cry every second day, there is one small form of relief- video calls. If you’re missing someone, a video call is so much nicer than a phone call, and helps to ease some of the loneliness of missing people. I know that the last thing you may want to do when you’re feeling down is having someone see your sad face on their screen, but trust me, it’s worth it. I’ve cried on video call to my parents, I’ve chatted to my cat over a screen, and I’ve stayed on video calls for hours at a time drinking cans and chatting shite to my pals. While I admit it’s a little dystopian, there’s something so soothing about seeing your loved one’s faces in real-time on your screen. As weird as technology can be, I am so so so grateful that we live in a time where this level of technological social connectivity exists.
Remember, you don’t have to be hyper-productive or focused on self-improvement right now- there’s bigger things to worry about. If getting dressed and eating some toast is the most you can manage at the moment, you’re doing great. Honestly. These are a few of the things I’ve been doing to stay sane during this weird time, which I hope can help someone in some way. And please, if you have any other recommendations, let me know, I’d love to share ideas.
Stay safe, pals!
-Avril xox
Avril Kate 