It’s been a tough couple of weeks while we all adapt to the new COVID-19 world. I’ve been offline trying to see how this will impact me financially and mentally. Boston is mostly shut down with very few businesses open and residents encouraged to stay home. I am lucky to have support systems and savings to lean into now, many people don’t have that option. But it’s also been a dramatic lifestyle change. I’ve gone from being out and about from dawn until midnight to being home, alone, always.
Luckily, I encountered similar problems when I first began freelancing and was working from home. Admittedly I had more options then, but I developed a few strategies to keep myself relatively sane. These are some of the ways I’m trying to stay afloat during this crisis.
Lots and Lots of Walks
I’m trying to go out at least twice a day for long walks. When it’s sunny and warm enough I’ll take a book out and sit in the sun reading. Unfortunately the weather has been pretty dreary here but no matter what I get outside every day. If I can only manage one outing I’ll double up on in-home workouts to compensate. Sometimes it’s hard to walk aimlessly with nowhere to go so I invent tasks for myself, like dropping off books at the Little Free Library.
Supporting Local Businesses
Local businesses are in deep trouble due to this pandemic. The Boston community is doing a good job of rallying around them, but the shutdown will still have devastating effects. I don’t have much spare money but I’m trying to purchase at least a few small items a week from local shops. Not just restaurants but bookstores, sewing and craft shops, fine food shops, my local wine store, those kinds of places. That way I’m putting at least something back into the community, and I get little gifts in the mail to keep my spirits up! Stay tuned for a full recap of the local shops I’ve been supporting.
Forgiving Myself
It’s easy to feel like I should be using this time to write five novels, to organize my entire apartment, to get into fantastic shape, to learn a new language. I’ve been trying very hard to forgive myself for the frequent days when I can only manage a few basic functions. Especially in an environment where anxiety and depression levels are at an all time high, getting out of bed can be enough. Making a nice meal can be enough. Answering a few e-mails can be enough. Getting through is enough.
Phone Calls
I’ve always loved talking on the phone and now, without the ability to hang out with my friends, I’ve been doing it more than ever. Plus, since everyone is home, I’ve been giving and receiving impromptu calls, a nice change from needing to schedule a basic chat with a friend. A special shout out to my grandmother who’s been calling me every few days to check up on me, those are some of my favorite calls. Now if only my family dog could learn to use the phone.
Organizing & Cleaning
Though it comes in waves, I’ve been going through each room in my house and purging things I don’t need anymore. I reorganized and cleaned out my pantry, my bathroom storage bins, and slowly over time I’m clearing out my bookshelves. It gives a sense of accomplishment, but mostly being in a clean and organized space calms me. And I’ll take all the calm I can get these days!
How are you keeping yourself sane during social distancing?