What Happens When You’re Trying to Stay Positive While Social Distancing?
With so much uncertainty caused by the pandemic here are some tips to help you block out negativity and boredom when life isn’t what you’re used to.
For this episode of The So-Called Oreos Podcast we touch on the topic that comes across everyone’s mind at least once a day… coronavirus. But we also give tips for certain situations during this time of pandemic.
The general reaction for us was that the coronavirus is making us feel disappointed in our government, disappointed in people as a whole, stir crazy, anxious of whether we have allergies or coronavirus and concerned about what the future holds. It is hard for us to wrap our heads around how the most powerful country in the world seemed to drop the ball on preventing this massive spread and seems to be scrambling to find a plan. We discuss the disappointing news of how Black Americans Face Alarming Rates of Coronavirus Infection in Some States and the true reasoning behind these findings.
We wanted the episode to be more positive and helpful during this time so we address what we each have been doing to keep sane during the wrath of Ms. Rona. Janae has started to do paint pours, bike rides, calling her homies, reading Harry Potter, limiting daily news consumption and continuing to talk to her therapist. Kia also only allows herself to read the news once in the morning and at night to stay informed. She, of course, has been setting goals for what she wants to accomplish during quarantine, working on side projects, practicing pilates training and reminding herself how grateful she is during this time.. Oh and she also explains why she is 95 percent sure she had coronavirus and goes into detail on overcoming the virus. Rachel is taking in the beautiful nature and scenery around her in Atlanta by doing daily walks and checking in on her mental health. Amari has been engaging more in the news, increasing her writing and reading and thinking about where she would like to settle after grad school since the pandemic has her remembering how grateful she is for her family.
Tips on handling this pandemic and a crisis: [Source]
- Take mental inventory of your well-being. Try online therapy if possible.
- Journal. Maybe take this time and access things you’d like to change for the future.
- Remember that it is ok to not be motivated and feel out of it now.
- Choose and limit your news as well as your social media consumption.
- Find a new routine that works for your new daily life and stick to it.
- Find activities to fill the time. Maybe try a new hobby?
- Take a free online course (ex: Coursera has a large selection).
- See if local activities you usually do can be done online (i.e museum exhibits online, online meetups).
- Practice gratitude and mindfulness.
- Keep in touch with loved ones and friends. Maybe play online games or apps like House Party with others.
- Keep in mind of something to look forward to each day (ex. Binge a new show, calling a family member, playing a game with a friend, baking a new recipe, trying a new hairstyle, going for a walk)
- Remember this is temporary and will pass.
Tips for Working From Home During the Coronavirus Pandemic: [Source]
- Get dressed. Do not stay in pajamas all day.
- Designate a workspace or home office to help separate personal and work life.
- Take a lunch break like you normally would or take advantage of having a lunch break!
- Keep clearly defined working hours.
- Don’t forget to socialize still with coworkers virtually like on Slack or Gchat.
Of course we discuss dating during the coronavirus, what’s it like to be social distancing with someone you just started dating, how the pandemic has led to more divorces in central China, and the increase of use in dating apps and virtual first dates. We also question what’s the point of swiping on apps right now and is it a waste of time? The only one of us in a committed relationship, Rachel, explains how having hobbies both separate and together helps as well as assessing the goals you have both separate and together and tips on achieving them. Quite frankly it was hard for us to give tips if the social distancing terms are making you realize you don’t actually like your partner, sorry!
There is a quick little zodiac discussion on both the challenges and strategies for social distancing based on our zodiac signs.
The episode wraps with Rachel explaining different ways to ease your coronavirus anxiety and Janae addressing a letter on being too many people’s support system during the pandemic, reminding her that in order to help other people you have to be able to help yourself first.
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