Preface: This is an article which details my thoughts on COVID-19 and, more specifically, some ways we can cope with its effects on us. I realize that this is an incredibly serious and nuanced situation, and I will never manage to cover all aspects of the issues arising from it. Additionally, I do not discuss politics in this article, as it is far too contentious a topic and would likely distract readers from the core message. I am far from perfect and do not intend to exhibit any moral or ethical superiority over anyone by writing this article. In fact, some of the things that most drive me to try to better myself every day are my past mistakes and current faults. My primary intention with this article is to provide some thoughts about a situation and, hopefully, also provide something that will help or resonate with those who read it.
You are probably reading this from your home because something sub-microscopic is currently ravaging the world. Something we can’t physically see has gut-punched humanity and brought it to a standstill, causing us to take measures like social distancing and habitual disinfecting. Businesses and schools are moving online, the streets are empty, the economy is declining, and as small businesses continue to suffer, millions are being laid off (including myself recently). Worst of all, people are getting very sick, and as a result, some are dying.
Scientists are researching treatments and vaccines, healthcare workers are frantically working to keep people alive, and supermarkets are doing their best to keep us fed. Private companies are donating and even retired healthcare workers are emerging to help overburdened doctors and nurses. Pollution is down and our society is taking a break from its exhaustive acceleration. This pandemic is not only affecting America but the entire world.
For some ungodly reason, people are panic-buying things, like lemmings following one another off a cliff. Armchair experts and keyboard warriors are still tearing each other apart on social media. Crowds of college students were partying on the beaches of southern Florida, despite there being a worldwide pandemic. Some people are leaving masks and gloves littered on the streets. Although it is important to realize the lethality of the virus, many are continually fixated on the death toll, watching it tick away like some horrific odometer. I don’t mean to incite panic by saying these things, but rather to candidly address the stark reality of the situation.
For most of us, this is the first time we have experienced anything like this, and many are struggling to cope. We may feel anxious and helpless. In addition to the effects of the virus itself, we are experiencing the effects of the measures implemented to mitigate its spread. Most of us find ourselves at home, doing our best to occupy our time and minds while something unfolds that is largely out of our control. We’re staring down the barrel of (at least) another month of social distancing and, for many, that is a daunting concept.
While we can all practice social distancing to help flatten the infection curve, most of this is out of the everyday person’s control. Although it is important to be informed, form our own opinions, and even be critical of some things, there are some choices we can make. Is it something you can’t fix or control? Accept it and work to move on. Is it something you can realistically fix or control? Formulate a way and do it. Instead of falling in to a black hole of pointless cynicism and negativity, those of us who have the privilege of life and health should strive to use this time for some reflection and productive change. I, like many others, am hoping we can do our best to focus on the positives right now.
Being the introvert that I am, handling the transition to social distancing was, well, not exactly difficult. My general routine is the same as it was pre-coronavirus (however a large piece of the pie, work, has recently fallen off) wake up/coffee/exercise/lunch/personal projects/dinner/relax/bed. I live with my family and communicate with friends digitally (see: social distancing), but the majority of the day is spent by myself. I value this time because it can be spent on personal growth.
Sure, there are times when “Are you still watching?” pops up on the tv and I catch a glimpse of my empty gaze in the abyss of the black screen. Yes, there are times when I am mindlessly scrolling my Instagram feed looking at memes. I have taken many trips to the refrigerator only stare in to it like something new will magically appear right in front of me. At this point, I can’t tell the difference between a Tuesday and a Friday. Existential anxiety has paid me a few visits. That said, all this time to myself has allowed me uninterrupted spaces of time to reflect. This has allowed to me become more self-aware, plan for the future, and work on some things.
Many who once had their mind and time occupied with a schedule full of external responsibilities and commitments have seen many of these fall away, and are now left with a hell of a lot more free time. These chunks of time can foster introspection, and this is a very valuable thing. Some people are scared of that, and I totally understand. Sometimes, negative thoughts can run around in your head like masochistic little bastards. Those bastards must be confronted and dealt with. Rather than filling most of that free time with empty actions, people should use it to improve themselves. There is a sense of strength and fulfillment that emerges from that. Frankly, it would be pretty disappointing if we came away from this whole situation without at least some form of self-betterment.
You don’t have to live some sort of monastic, meditative lifestyle. Just ask yourself some questions like, What can I do that I know is good but slightly overwhelms me to start? How can I treat others better? When the guidelines are dropped and we return to regular interaction, how should I operate differently? Use this time to break free of things that are holding you back, whether they be people, things, habits, or repetitive negative thought patterns. This period of time allows you to address and figure out how to change these things. Cut the chain on those anchors and leave them behind. You can also take some time to be still for five or ten minutes each day, while just focusing on breathing and being present. It’s amazing what that can do for your brain and mind.
Exercise in your home (if you decide to do so outside, then do so responsibly). Start a book, learn something new, pick that side project back up, reach out to some friends. Maintain a sense of humor and laugh at least once a day. Get some sun. Establish a basic daily routine and maintain discipline. There are so many more things you could do besides turning on the news for the second time in the same afternoon or feeding your ego with negativity on the internet. There is a line between staying informed and letting something take up too much real estate in your head. Remember, we’re all in this shitstorm together.
I fully realize that the time of COVID-19 brings about a ton of problems, whether they be health-related, monetary, social, mental, or physical. I can only imagine what many are going through. All we can do is utilize the available resources and find a way to just get by. Each individual situation is different and we should do our best to either make the best of it or improve it. To avoid spiraling in to despair and self-pity, keep in mind how many have it worse than you. Think about what you have to be grateful for, whether it be general or specific. This will provide you with some perspective and, therefore, help prevent you from going off the rails.
Life is fragile and we are reminded of that now. We all live in our small worlds with our own little shit to worry about, and we too often lose sight of how lucky we are just to be alive; to have the things we have; to have the experiences we have; to learn the lessons we have learned; to have family and friends. When our way of life is suddenly turned upside down, we are reminded of just how good we had it. Life is short, do not spend the majority of it complaining and pointing your finger at others. That can lead to an unproductive and miserable existence. Be conscious of your fleeting time here on earth. Strive for what will make you and the people around you better. If we do, humanity will come out on the other side of this more unified, with a tidal wave of productive creativity and a renewed respect for life.
To all the healthcare workers, first responders and all other essential workers during this time: thank you. You’re holding our nation together. To those of you reading: stay home as much as possible, stay healthy, stay safe and stay informed. Oh, and take it easy with all the damn toilet paper.
Resources:
o General information and guidelines:
Mental health and coping with COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html