Coping with Quarantine

This open-ended period of quarantine and social distancing presents a difficult task: coping with isolation. It’s a challenge we’re all facing. Actually, this thought makes me feel less isolated. Even though we are physically apart, we are pushing through this together. It has been so heartwarming to see the creative ways people are using technology to remain connected and look out for one another. I’ve really appreciated seeing people share what they are doing to cope. 

Below are five things that have helped me this week, I hope they help you, too!

1. Watching Virtual Improv Shows

If you want a good laugh, check out The Magnet Theater’s virtual improv shows. Watching live and joining the conversation in the comments is a fun way to feel connected to the other audience members. All the videos are available for later viewing if you can’t make the live stream.

2. Puzzles

A relaxing activity to do whether you’re quarantining solo or with others is a jigsaw puzzle. I personally took this opportunity to whip out the Golden Girls puzzle I received for Christmas, and it has been delightful.

3. Discovering New Music

I love exploring new music which is why I’ve been working my way through NPR’s list of the “150 Greatest Albums Made by Women.” It’s been a cool experience to discover artists I might not have otherwise been exposed to. Another great list is Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.”

4. Starting a New Reality TV Show

There truly has never been a better time to start a reality show. I’m a big fan of Bravo shows like The Real Housewives (Available on Hulu) and Vanderpump Rules (Available on Hulu). If you’re looking for something more soothing and heartwarming, I recommend The Great British Baking Show (Available on Netflix) and Queer Eye (Available on Netflix).

5. At-Home Workouts 

Exercising has been a great way to boost my positivity and release stress. Two workouts I love which can be done at home are the New York Times’s “How to Build Muscle in 9 Minutes” and “The 9 Minute Strength Workout.”