It seems like most of the things we hear on the news or social media nowadays is about COVID-19. This virus has consumed every part of our world, and it can seem like there is no escape. Even though there have been bigger headlines recently, COVID 19 is still around, and not going away anytime soon. I try my best to not watch the news because it just sends a wave of anxiety through my body at the thought of how our world seems to be crumbling around us. My goal for writing this is not to make it another discouraging news story, but something that provides hope and ways to cope with the unknown, and improve our mental health.
For me, it seems that my mental health has been suffering the most during this time, even though it’s our physical health at risk. For those who don’t know me, I’m a planner (you can read my blog about planning and productivity here). I live by my agenda, color-coordinating, and knowing what my day and future are going to look like. Of course, all of that has been turned upside down with these recent events. I don’t know what my future is going to look like. I don’t even know what next week is going to look like. This has been a huge struggle for my growth and mental health.
It’s OK not to be OK
Something that I want to address is that every day is going to look different right now, but not in the sense that you may think. In the physical sense, every day is pretty much the same for me. I wake up, practice my yoga, eat breakfast, work on my computer, eat, workout, eat, and so on. The difference that I am talking about is my mental state and how my mood will take me through the day.
Some days I wake up hopeful and feel like I can take on the world. Other days, I wake up and don’t want to talk to anyone, get ticked off by every little thing, and have anxiety about what our world is becoming. The hardest part for me is that I can’t even quite put my finger on what makes that flip switch in my head. In the beginning, I kept thinking that something was wrong with ME. I thought that I wasn’t coping with this situation well enough or I wasn’t dealing with my emotions in the right way. News flash…no one is.
We are living through a global pandemic people!! Not to be a downer, but my point is that it’s OK not to be OK. This is a first for everyone. Nothing about this is normal, hence it’s alright if our mood isn’t normal. We are used to being around our friends, actually walking to class and not just opening our computer in our pajamas, and especially not having the weight of the world on our shoulders. I have finally stopped blaming myself for feeling this way and have just been giving in to it and accepting that what I am feeling is normal. If you feel anxious one day and excited the next, trust me…you’re not alone.
I invite you to recognize these feelings and acknowledge that what you’re doing right now is admirable. If working out makes you feel better, go for it (just not too much)! If eating cookies makes you feel better, then get baking! Some things that I find help me are FaceTiming friends, watching an uplifting show on Netflix, getting outside (such a game-changer), and baking. Find what brings you joy and relief during this uncertain time.
Quarantine FOMO is Real
As we can see, most states have begun to lift restrictions. With more restaurants, beaches, and businesses opening up, this can lead to an influx of Instagram stories and Snapchats of your friends living it up, while you’re still at home, living through a pandemic.
Personally, I still do not feel safe going out to eat or being around people. The thought of sitting inside a restaurant or being less than 6 feet apart from someone seems so out of reach and nerve-wracking for me. But then, I look on my Snapchat and see people I know hanging out, going to the beach, and acting like everything is normal. Should I be doing the same?
NO! Even though your state may say that it is safe to go out to eat, that doesn’t mean you HAVE to go out to eat. Don’t think just because your friends are hanging out, that you have to do the same. I have been struggling with this a lot. I see people going out to bars every-night, constantly around people, and definitely not social distancing. While this may be okay for some people, it’s not for me. And that’s okay.
Don’t feel pressured to rush into social gatherings if your mind isn’t ready for it. Take your time. This is a scary thing we’re dealing with. Our futures are at stake. Our college career is at stake. If you believe that hanging out with your friends and going to the beach will jeopardize that, then don’t do it. Now I’m not judging you if you are ready to take that step. Like I said before, everyone will handle this experience differently and go at their own pace returning to normal life.
Something that has helped me deal with “quarantine FOMO” and poor mental health is not going on social media. I know, I know…easier said than done. It’s impossible to stay off social media totally, but at least try to limit the amount of time you spend on it. Instead, try reading a new book, going for a walk, baking a new recipe, or calling your friends. All of these activities spark joy in my soul without feeling like I’m missing out. Whatever activities work for you, make sure you find and pursue them.
You’re Doing Great
Lastly, I just want to say that you are doing great. This has been a new experience for everyone in the world. If you are reading this, it most likely means that you recognize that mental health needs to be looked at just as much as physical health right now, which is huge. Keep doing what brings you joy and find the moments in life that make you smile. Lastly, WEAR A MASK!!
xoxo
