I have never seen people do more things than right now.
Now don’t get me wrong, I have been self-isolating for a little over a month now, and I have also done all of the things.
My baking once every couple of months has turned into baking once every week. The beads that have been sitting in a Michael’s shopping bag since December have become bracelets. The movies I’ve been meaning to watch but kept putting off have become some of my favorites.
If anything, this situation has given me time to explore many things that I haven’t been able to before. It’s given me time to do more of the things that make me happy and keep me sane.
But at the same time, I sometimes fall into an, okay-what’s-next, rhythm that makes my heart beat a little faster than I’d like it to. Even though I’m still working from home, I very obviously still have a lot more time on my hands, and even though I’ve realized it’s okay to do nothing sometimes, it’s still hard for me to actually convince myself of that.
I started trying all these new activities and hobbies in a subconscious attempt to find my new “thing”. I don’t really know what I was trying to accomplish, but when it comes down to it, I think I felt like this was the perfect time to start a side hustle, or teach myself something new because it could only benefit me, right? Maybe. Or at least until it starts to feel like I’m forcing myself to do something because I feel like I have to, and then it is no longer fun.
So after trying to figure out my new normal, I realized that I needed to stop doing things I thought I should be doing, and instead do things that I wanted to be doing. I started turning more towards the things that bring me comfort, and feel like air being pumped into my lungs after opening a window on an early spring day(minus the allergies).
And since Instagram has shown me that everyone has turned into a bread connoisseur, I was curious as to what people are actually doing with most of their time, and what’s bringing them comfort. I decided to reach out to some friends, who very generously filled me in on what they’ve been doing, and even more generously let me share it with you.
Anna G.
“January 1, 2020 I set a goal for myself to read two books a month. You see, I relied heavily on stories as a child to cope with my untreated anxiety. I was that kid that spent more time in the library than on the playground. As an adult, I strayed away from the literature and stories. I found Netflix binging and alcohol to fill in that space. Until a global pandemic rocked our world and I felt myself losing grip on my anxious thoughts. I retreated to my safe haven. So far in quarantine, I have completed nineteen books. Tales of characters overcoming obstacles and whirlwind romances have filled my mind. I have been revisiting old favorites and discovering new ones. I dove into these adventures and far away lands, forgetting, just for a moment, our harsh reality.” –@annageisalima
Anna S.
“These past few weeks have been nothing but a whirlwind. It’s been quite challenging trying to process everything with what’s going on and adapting to such change during this pandemic. What brings me some comfort is after a long day of working from home, I like to clear my mind by going for a drive. That little cruise is almost like an escape. Nothing but empty roads ahead and the time to self-reflect.” –@annastrzzz
Bradley
“As a homebody my daily schedule hasn’t change much but i have had to make some adjustments. To relax I’ll workout, listen to music, or smoke. I’m hopeful that we’ll get through this and see some changes happen after the fact but until then I guess we have to hang in there.”
Britanie
“Self-care is so important, especially in a high stress time like right now. Having a self-care routine is essential and something I have incorporated into mine is …makeup! Art in general has allowed me to focus on one task at a time and enjoy taking my time creating something. I love trying colorful and fun looks and the best part is I’ll have a fresh canvas everyday.”
Britney
“But the idea is that solitude usually brings me comfort so typically, I’d thrive in this. I have no problem being alone or being inside. The only issue is that I’ve been suffering from terrible imposter syndrome during this quarantine and it’s been a terrible time to be alone with my thoughts. Being a 22 year old PhD student is hard enough without having to get through it alone or being surrounded by people at my school who can at least come close to understanding. Filling out one page a night in this book helps me remember that I’m only supposed to take things one day and one step at a time, and that no one becomes who they want to be overnight. It’s all just one long journey there and when I’m lucky, I might have a thought while journaling that reminds me that I’m already who I want to be – a person who cares enough to keep fighting and trying no matter what.”
Caroline
“Hello it’s me. I figured it’s only right that I participate in the thing I’m making my friends do. Fitness was a large part of my life, even before all of this happened. Not only is it my job, but it’s one of my favorite hobbies. One of the best things that came out of the influx of Instagram lives, is so many fitness professionals streaming free workout classes!!! I have loved taking classes with my favorite instructors, some of which live across the country. I’ve also loved discovering new instructors whose classes I can’t wait to take in real life! Now more than ever I’ve been learning so much about my body and the things I love to do when it pertains to moving it. I’m finding comfort in having fun with fitness, and truly only doing the things that I enjoy and that don’t bore me.” –@carolinenycek
Peter
“Something that has been giving me comfort during quarantine has been hanging out with my friends virtually in ANIMAL CROSSING. Just the other day, my friends and I had a virtual slumber party and hung out for hours in the game. Time flew by, and for at least a few hours, I was able to forget that I wasn’t able to hangout with them in person because of the virus. I’m really grateful for this game at this time, and I think that for the rest of my life when I think of the quarantine, I will think of the second life I lived in this game.” –@PeterxLopex
Steven
“Here I lay, in my beautifully renovated room with a nice candle filling the room with pleasant smells. I have come to realize that I know squat about movies, so I have taken the time to expand my knowledge surrounding films. Brad Pitt is on the screen as I watch my 18th film, Inglorious Bastards. I would be in quarantine for the rest of my life if possible.”
Taylor
“So for me right now journaling and reading has been some thing that kind of transports me. Also painting, but I didn’t do that this weekend. It’s nice to document your thoughts going through these times and it’s exciting to see when we can look back on them and just see personal growth. I’ve also been keeping a manifestation journal and just writing down all my emotions, and honoring them in a space that feels safe like my diary. And reading is just getting lost in somebody else’s story that isn’t the news or what’s going on in our lives right now and it’s been super comforting. Also being on my fire escape is like being a sweet little woodland fairy.” –@taylarnold_
Tiffany
“Keeping busy has always been a necessary part of my mental health struggles so it’s been a trial of finding every which way to get creative or out of my own head during this time… painting practice and getting into video games have been my go-to!” –cherieliquor.blogspot.com
Zoë
“Hiii!! My name is Zoë and right now the one thing that is bringing me a lot of comfort, during this time of uncertainty, is the strength of my mind and body. Physical fitness is something I absolutely love; lacing up my sneakers and getting sweaty are the highlights of my quarantine routine. (Besides all the bonding time I’ve been able to have with my sister!) I love empowering people through fitness. Your body is capable of more than you know; so if you’ve ever wanted to get started on a fitness adventure now is a great time to do it! All you need is your body and gravity to have an amazing workout! (But if you also want to use this time to relax I totally understand that too!!) Here’s to surviving quarantine! 🏋🏼♂️” –@zoefitlife
So what’s bringing you comfort?