Reflections on 5+ Months of Quarantine Life
Early in the pandemic, an article circulated compelling readers to embrace this “Sacred Pause” that this once in a lifetime event has provided. As the weeks dragged into months with no end in sight, I have kept the author’s words in the back of my mind. I’ve taken note of what I truly miss, and what I really don’t, in hopes this will guide a more intentional rebuilding of my life, time, money, energy, and relationships when we one day return to “normal”.
It’s Okay to Feel what You’re Feeling
How I first imagined using this time social distancing has had to change and evolve as news and my own reactions have changed (translation: I have NOT cleaned my baseboards). The effects of this pandemic are hitting everyone, and it affects people differently depending on different stages of life, personality types, family structures, socioeconomic status, occupation, living alone or with others, what was already going on in your life, etc.
It’s okay to feel what you’re feeling.
How a Therapist Deals with Coronavirus Pandemic Anxiety
My graduate school training did not offer a class on navigating pandemic anxiety. In fact, much of therapists’ training surrounding anxiety treatment has to do with things that are irrational, unlikely to happen, and blow out of proportion. And yet here we are in a global pandemic that requires serious attention & communal behavioral change, all without panic.
It’s a hard balance, right? As I write this, we in the Bay Area are in a 3 week (possibly longer) shelter in place ordinance. The news, social media sites, and conversations are absolutely saturated with COVID-19 updates, predictions of economic recessions, and fear. A lot people feel overwhelmed, including therapists.
Here’s how I’m dealing with my pandemic anxiety:
Why You Should Unfollow Your Ex on Social Media
Break-ups suck. Every little thing reminds you of him. You constantly have to stop yourself from texting him. You will feel sad for a little while as you say goodbye to the relationship and to the dream of your future together. Getting over an ex is hard enough, there is no need to make it more painful. So please, do yourself a favor and unfollow your ex on social media.