The Quarantine Survival Guide; Staying Sane

We’ve been quarantined for over a month now. To some it feels like years and others mere days, but one collective consensus is: it’s terrifying. Maybe not terrifying, but something like it. Not to mention bittersweet, though most would say it’s more bitter than anything. Event cancellations, online school and just general fear, these are not easy times. Us at Victoria Voice understand the same as anyone that staying focused, healthy and overall sane can be a tall task. 

I’m sure you’ve read every article telling you about going back to normal; about keeping connected, remaining active and staying on top of everything, but sometimes even the most basic remedies are strenuous. Nothing about this experience is normal and most likely, never will be. For anyone feeling this way I encourage you to toss every article about activity, productivity and otherwise out of the window. I’m here to give you the bottom line of social distancing survival. Never mind staying normal, let’s stay sane!

Unplug

Upsetting news, oppressive statistics, loud opinions and, don’t even get me started on Instagram challenges; the online world is an active one in these times. With hours and hours on your hands, the easiest solution of wasting time is picking up your phone or laptop yet this can come with consequences. If you’re the kind of person who struggles with being alone and prefers the feeling of staying connected through texting or social media, by all means ignore this step. However, if you don’t belong to that group, unplugging can be an incredible way to calm down. By logging off of social media you’re already eliminating some feelings of jealousy and loneliness (we all have that envy for the person locked up with a best friend or significant other).

Social media, games and anything else on a phone or laptop are also great distractions (for those procrastinatory and productive alike). Logging off can help concentration for school work, promoting creativity, or focusing on yourself. 

Most news right now is terrifying to look at, so putting your phone down cuts back on fear and anxiety caused by current events and updates. 

Tell People What You Need

If you’re struggling in any way or lacking in anything, the only thing you can do is ask. While normally, asking for help-- in the form of extensions, your own space, or just someone to listen-- can be difficult and may easily be met by “no”, but, I repeat, these times are not normal. It’s important to remember that, at this point, most people still have no idea what they’re doing. Adjusting will take time and in such severe circumstances, may not even happen 100% but, everyone understands that. One of the best things you can do for yourself and everyone around you is assess your needs. Whether it’s a counsellor, parent, friend or teacher, letting them know opens doors for communication that are vital right now. This doesn’t entirely just mean asking for help either, maybe just a phone call, some space and time to yourself, or an extension on a due date. The people in your life care about you and your challenges and, chances are, they’re having the same or similar troubles. After all, we’re all going through this; let’s get through it together.

Set Goals

I’m sure you’ve seen this one in every self-help social distancing article, but hear me out. One of the best ways to pretend this whole thing is normal, is by setting yourself a routine. There’s no need to be strict on yourself however something as simple as having lunch at the same time everyday, or repeating a routine before bed can help mental health in several ways. For starters, a timed schedule can increase time management, self-discipline, focus and productivity. However, if deadlines and time limits are stressful for you, practicing a repetitive cycle can induce a feeling of stability while creating a healthy balance in life. Working in the aforementioned point, creating a routine to address what you need to do for yourself can help with understanding what you need from others.

If routine doesn’t interest you, try creating a personal project. Something you’ve always wanted to learn, do, or learn to do. Come out of this quarantine with a new masterpiece, hobby or knowledge. Focussing on something you’re passionate about is proven to make you happier and, let’s be honest, time isn’t an excuse anymore. There’s a million ways to spend time, wouldn’t you rather spend it on something that made you happy? 

Do Something That Makes You Laugh

In the point above I spend a lot of time rambling about creativity inducing happiness (which it totally does!) but sometimes even our most inexhaustible sources of self care are exhausting. Creating your own happiness can be hard and sometimes the best thing you can do is let someone do it for you. Movie, TV show, book, podcast or person to talk to, let yourself indulge and let yourself chuckle. Laughter can override dark emotions momentarily and sends more dopamine to the brain. This one is pretty self-explanatory.

Address Your Health and Give Yourself a Chance

In times you’re feeling down on yourself, or feeling whatever it is your inner demons make you feel, remember why it is we’re in quarantine. Social distancing started for health and safety. So use this time for your health and safety. Mental health is just as important as physical health. Listen to your body, take care of your needs, take breaks and relax, and do not beat yourself up. This is time for you to take care of yourself, learn something about yourself, listen to yourself; so use it. Give yourself time to adjust, stay in touch when you need to, create something, learn something, let yourself laugh or smile, don’t put yourself in a box or overwork yourself, and, most importantly, drink water!

It’s okay to just survive. Don’t worry about getting everything, or even anything right. Because, what is right?

Truly, as long as you’re staying healthy, and staying 2 metres apart from everyone, you’re a quarantine master.

Sources

Atkinson, Scott. “Why You Should Keep That Passion Project (Even If It Doesn't Pay).” Trello Blog - Organize Anything, Together., blog.trello.com/keep-that-passion-project-even-if-it-doesnt-pay.

Barker, Lynne A. “The Science of Laughter--and Why It Also Has a Dark Side.” Scientific American, Scientific American, 1 May 2017, www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-science-of-laughter-and-why-it-also-has-a-dark-side1/.

Becker, Joshua. “7 Important Reasons to Unplug, Find Space, and Fight Technology...” Becoming Minimalist, 26 Oct. 2019, www.becomingminimalist.com/unplug-please/.

“Why Having a Daily Routine Is Important?” TimeCamp, 19 Mar. 2020, www.timecamp.com/blog/2018/11/daily-routine/.