How I'm getting through Quarantine (and how you can too!)

Quarantine is probably the time that our generation will remember for the rest of our lives. Our generation, like the WWII generation, will be defined, at least in part, by COVID-19. This is because it's the singular most annoying thing that has happened in recent memory and will happen anytime soon. We're living in unprecedented times, and unfamiliar territory can lead to a difficult experience for many, if not most, individuals and families.

So how can we stay sane? Well, I have a couple of things that I have been doing pretty consistently that help turn away the tide of boredom and frustration. I think my own experiences could help some of you as well. So, without further ado, here they are:

1. Talking to friends

This is a HUGE one. I would not be nearly as tolerant of this situation as I am right now if not for the presence of my friends. Every school day, without exception, I have facetimed one of my friends. In an age where human contact is at a premium outside of family, just a little face to face contact goes a long way.

I would suggest you try to contact your friends as often as possible. Try to avoid texting, as actually hearing their voice and seeing their face is much more beneficial. If you have any excuse to talk to a friend, take it. Even though you are probably all with your families, I know, from personal experience, that they can get tiring after such close contact for so long. If you have to hole up in your room, so be it. It'll help you out in the long run.

2. Music

Whether it's learning a new instrument, trying out singing, or just listening to it, music is already so good for you. I have no clue as to where I would be in my own life without music. So it only makes sense that music can be beneficial during this tough time (In fact, Bobby Bare just came on on my playlist as I write). I cannot overstate the role music has played in helping me so far. Not only do I find both joy and significant time passed by playing trombone, but I also spend a lot of time listening to music while I do whatever, or I try to play riffs from songs I like on the keyboard. Music has the ability to bring you out of whatever funk you're in, and I don't think enough people utilize that.

Any recommendations? Well, I have been listening to a lot of the same stuff (Dire Straits, Aerosmith, Trampled by Turtles), so those are all recommendations. The Avett Brothers are also a great option (I promise I'll hop back on the Song Reviews sometime. Sorry for not finishing those up). Use this time to listen around and you might find something you wouldn't have found before. If you do play an instrument, practice, play for fun, or work on technique. Not only will you get better, but the time will pass and you'll feel better. I guarantee it. If you don't already play an instrument, it might be hard to get one if you don't own one. Try singing, or if you happen to have an old instrument lying around, try that out. You might surprise yourself.

3. Get a Hobby

I'll admit, for a while I didn't really have a hobby to go off of right now. But recently we put of an archery target in the backyard... now it's a regular part of my day. The funny thing is I never would've found it if not for all this free time. Archery wasn't that appealing to me, but now I'm doing it almost every day, and I keep losing arrows, but I'm getting much better. If you take the time to pick up hobby now, not only will it help you get through this whole thing, but it could help afterwards. If you start now, all this time could actually be beneficial, and you won't look back on quarantine as a nightmare, but as a fulfilled opportunity.

4. Read or Write

When I started this blog all the way back in March (feels like a lifetime ago), I couldn't have imagined how much it would help me out. Being able to just write about things I'm passionate about or am interested in helped fill the gap of all the things I can't do. Now, I am 100% sure that this blog will last past quarantine until... who knows when? Hopefully for a long time. Anyway, writing is good for you in a multitude of ways. It keeps you busy, keeps you invested in what you're writing about, and it'll improve your mental health and writing ability. I definitely feel like my writing skills have improved from this blog, and that will likely prove beneficial later on in my life. So start a blog, or write a book, or keep a journal, or something.

The other half of this is reading, which is just as important. A good book will immerse you, pulling all of your attention away from your problems. I can't count the number of times that my inability to sleep because of my fears and worries was staunched by a Rick Riordan book (pretty sure I've read each series at least 4 times now). In addition, reading will help you later on, whether with your profession or in school or on a standardized tests. Books are also great time-wasters, which makes them high-priority during quarantine. So pick up a good book, whether you've read it before or not. You won't regret it.

5. Be Outside

I know not everybody is as lucky as me, because I now live in the middle of nowhere. It's not hard for me to go outside and play basketball, or do archery, or just sit around. You might not have those kind of options because of your living situation or proximity to others. But if you do, take it. Fresh air and time in the sun works wonders for your mental and physical health. Go for a run, sit and sunbathe, throw things... do something outside. You'll feel better.

Thanks for reading! Hopefully you and your families are staying safe and healthy. If you enjoyed it, feel free to like the post, and subscribe for email updates when I drop a new post. Hope you enjoyed!

Emory