It’s only been a few days since we in the U.S. were urged to engage in “social distancing,” but if you’re anything like me, just the thought of being unable to do something makes you want it more.
You might go for long periods of time without ever having dessert, and not craving it, but the second you go on a diet and it’s verboten, chocolate ice cream and cake and cookies are all you can think about.
I’m home a lot of the time anyway, but now that staying in has become more of an imperative, it feels…worse.
Speaking as a native Midwesterner who understands what it’s like to be stuck inside the house during a three-day blizzard in April…I know cabin fever.
Cabin fever strikes when it’s too cold or snowy outside, and you’re generally stuck indoors for long periods of time. Since the CDC is recommending social distancing to keep our healthcare system from being overwhelmed by too many becoming sick at the same time, which could be disastrous, we are due for some Grade A cabin fever, you guys.
While you are staying in, it can be tempting to just sit on your couch in your pajamas, eat junk food, and binge-watch every series ever made. I’m not against TV at all, but too much TV is really bad for you…for many reasons. Because people are more likely to get sick if they’re stressed or depressed, consider it your imperative during this time to be vigilant about hygiene but also have some fun, dammit!
Without further ado, here are some great ideas for some non-Netflix things to do to remain sane, keep your spirits up, and boost your immune system during your time of social distancing:
Be social…safely. Our internet-connected world makes it easy to be social without going out. Video chat with friends and family. Arrange virtual coffees and happy hours. Social distancing can lead to loneliness, and I’m sure there’s somebody you haven’t talked to in a long time who would love to hear from you. Maybe make a pact to only talk about current events for the first five minutes at most. Any longer and you risk ruining the beneficial effects of social contact by increasing your worry and stress. (The New York Times has a great article about breaking the Coronavirus anxiety cycle here.)
Create something! Being creative is great for the spirit and your immune system. So often, I lament that I don’t have time to just play and be creative anymore (it’s not true…social media just eats that time right up). Get off the social media for a while and give yourself the space to be a kid again, and create something. Give yourself permission to suck. It doesn’t have to be good, it just needs to be an expression of your creative self. Even if you don’t consider yourself an “artist,” you probably have a creative hobby. Be crafty. Make earrings. Knit. Sew. Break out those adult coloring books you haven’t touched since you got them for Christmas last year. (Bonus points for creating with others virtually!)
Read. So many books, so little time. Limit your scrolling of Facebook (which is only depressing you anyway, admit it), and read something substantial. Read something to escape. Read something to learn. Or, read something about trying times of the past, and marvel at humans’ ability to adapt and survive the worst of circumstances. (I plan to do all three!) If you’re like me, you probably have piles of books you purchased, but haven’t yet read. But if you don’t, and if you don’t want to buy more physical books or e-books, the Libby app is great for borrowing library books and audiobooks. Just be aware you might have to wait for a little bit to get the book you want.
Learn something. Your Duolingo app is probably sitting there gathering virtual dust. Get it out, and practice your Italian for when the country opens back up. Online courses are great, too, and if you’re trying to conserve cash, YouTube has an infiinite wealth of how to videos and Linda.com is free through many library systems. Maybe by the time this is all over, you’ll finally have learned how to play your ukulele!
Organize your space. Being cooped up in your space can be even worse when your space is cramped, crowded and cluttered, unorganized or filthy, as clutter can cause stress, and stress makes us more susceptible to illness and disease. If you keep meaning to Kon-Mari your dresser drawers or just create some inner calm by getting rid of unused junk piling up in the corners, consider this your call to action.
Get outside! No one says you can’t go outside at all during this time…at least not yet. In a blizzard, it might be dangerous to drive, but getting out to do some shoveling, make a snowman with the kids (or by yourself), or have a snowball fight with your roommates can do wonders for the spirit. Similarly, while you should avoid large gatherings right now, if you can get outside and do some yard work, take a walk, or just get some vitamin D, you’ll feel better.
Sing and dance. Seriously. They’re fun, and they’re both good for your mood and your immune system. These Italians stuck in quarantine are doing it right. Go out on your balcony, belt it out, and try to get your neighbors to join in.
Exercise. I know. You’re cooped up. You don’t wanna. You’re avoiding your gym, because gyms are FULL OF GERMS. You can come up with a million excuses, but trust me, you’ll feel better if you put on a ridiculous Youtube cardio video and at least try to do it. Get out the Wii Fit from the basement. Play catch. (See above, and have a dance party!) Exercise is great for your immune system and your mood. Just do it.
Laugh. Play games and watch funny things. (Like you need an excuse to watch more funny doggo videos on Instagram.) I know I said to limit your TV intake, but if you are going to partake, maybe choose a light comedic film over, say, bingeing five hours of Chernobyl. Watching funny movies, playing games with your fellow shut-ins, and finding silly things to giggle about is really good for you. Even as your lizard brain would rather continue worrying about what happens when you run out of toilet paper, or losing your job, or the apocalypse, try to remember that humor has helped people survive much worse in the past.
Spend time with your pets. They miss you so much when you are at work. Yes, even the cats. Show them some love, man.
Practice self-care. Get plenty of sleep. Eat well, and don’t drink too much. Smoke and vape less or use this time to give it up (smokers and diabetics whose blood sugar is not kept stable are more at risk, as are those with other chronic conditions). It’s not sexy stuff, but it works.
Comment below if you have any other tips to share for how to stay sane during self-confinement, or if you have any songs you want to add to the Coronavirus playlist my roommate and I plan to create.