10 Things Not To Do In Quarantine
These days, we’re all doing our part to comply with social distancing and stay-at-home ordinances. The current pandemic has changed our lives for the time being, and as such we find ourselves quarantining to the best of our abilities.
Whether you’re an essential worker only leaving the house to fulfill your job duties, or you’re unemployed and only scooting out to grab groceries, or anything in between, by staying home as much of the time as you can, you’re doing your part to help the world flatten the curve.
I think we’re pretty much all overwhelmed and exhausted, and not knowing when exactly we can return to normal has us feeling more anxious and burntout than ever. It’s easy to get caught up in all that we should be doing, but have you thought about what you should try to avoid doing?
While you’re spending more time at home than usual, try to keep the following things in mind:
1. Don’t hoard things.
Supermarkets are still being stocked every single day. There’s no need to panic stock up on toilet paper, canned goods, or antibacterial soaps.
Yes, it’s wise to have enough to get by, but before you clear out a shelf, consider your neighbors. There’s more than enough to go around. Let’s remember to be human first and foremost.
2. Avoid DIY beauty decisions.
It’s likely safe to assume that most of us are in desperate need of a haircut, wax, facial, or other spa pampering service.
Before you grab your kitchen scissors to give yourself a trim, take a deep breath.
We’ve ALL seen what can happen if you try to give yourself bangs too hastily. If you can get by, consider holding off until the economy and stores open up so a professional can help you out. If you really can’t wait, do as much research as you can before you make a mistake.
3. Don’t put pressure on yourself.
Yes, you’re home more often than you normally would be, and perhaps you’re feeling inclined to train for a marathon, write a book, or learn a new language.
Sure, take on a new hobby or learn a new skill. But don’t pressure yourself to do everything under the sun.
It’s perfectly fine if you do all, some, or none of these things as long as it’s what you want. Being quarantined does not mean you have to prove anything to yourself or to the world. If you’re just trying to get through each day, that’s more than enough.
4. Avoid overdoing it.
This goes along with tip #3. It’s important to maintain balance during this tumultuous time. Get some fresh air, exercise, read a book, eat your greens, and all that jazz, but make sure you’re not overdoing it.
Don’t push yourself beyond your limits. Don’t succumb to overeating or abusing your body. Everything in moderation, right? Take care of yourself, treat yourself, and make sure to listen to what your body needs.
5. Don’t break social distancing too soon.
The best way to keep ourselves and everyone around us safe and healthy is to keep at a distance. This has been REALLY HARD. But, as we continue to learn about the virus and wait for the waves of illness to decrease, it’s best to stay physically distant to avoid catching, passing, or spreading the virus.
6. Don’t forget about your resources.
We all need emotional, mental, physical and financial help sometimes. One good thing about the internet is that it helps us share information and resources.
Need some help unwinding? Try the calm app for meditations. Want to do a workout? Check out YouTube! Need Financial help? Check with your county and state as to what resources are available to you.
7. Don’t get stuck in the 24-hour-news-cycle.
This is easier said than done. I found myself obsessively refreshing my favorite news websites waiting for any updates—partially I think for a sense of hope and clarity because this pandemic and quarantine has been hard to wrap my head around.
Finally I broke the habit and while I check the news once a day, I put a time limit on it to prevent the feeling of being overwhelmed by all that’s going on from bringing me down.
8. Don’t ignore your community.
It’s easy to feel Zoomed-out, especially if you’re an introvert, but make sure to stay engaged with your community. Not just to check in on others, but to give yourself support, too.
I try my best to avoid talking about the current situation when catching up with friends, instead talking about new recipes we’re experimenting with based on what’s left in our pantries or shows we’re discovering on Netflix.
It gives me a sense of normalcy to be catching up and “hanging” out with friends rather than just spiraling around our feelings and anxieties. BUT it is important to remind people you’re there for them, and to ask for help when you need it.
9. Don’t forget how resilient you are.
Uncertainty is the biggest trigger for most anxieties, and right now we have a lot of it. Remember that you are strong and capable of getting through anything. And going through things does not mean that we do not also feel scared and anxious at the same time. It just means that we can do hard things and still come out the other side ready for bigger and better things.
10. Don’t forget to let loose every once in a while.
It is a really serious, scary time right now, but that doesn’t mean we have to let go of our inner child. Might I suggest trying to learn a TikTok dance, having a Star Wars marathon, or seeing who in your family can perfect the “Risky Business Sock Slide.”
Stay healthy and sane during these unprecedented times, friends. We’re all in this together.
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