Keeping Busy!
I've started three big things during this quarantine that have been good for my mental and physical health. Instead of focusing on all that’s been going wrong in the world, I’ve chosen to use this time away from society and ordinary life as a form of self reflection and growth. My biggest thing has been spending time outdoors. Even just ten minutes spent outside have lifted my spirits. My new favorite outdoor activity has been going to the creek down the street from me. I often go there to journal or draw to clear my head (all the while practicing social distancing, of course). In addition to this, I’ve started gardening. My windowsills are lined with seed starters and clippings from herbs that I’ve propagated. Learning to nurture plants has taught me a lot about how to nurture myself and others. This new practice requires patience and consistent care. It’s something that was lacking from my normal routine prior to quarantine. Finally, I’ve been rollerblading. It’s always been something I’ve enjoyed throughout my life but everything tends to get so busy that I fell out of habit. But as of late, it’s become my favorite form of exercise. All these things have been keeping me busy on my own.
Staying Connected and Finding Unity
Social media has been a great advantage during this time. It’s helped me stay connected with my peers and senior class. I’ve also bonded with a community of people who are all experiencing the same fears and questioning through social media. For example, one of the poets I follow on Instagram started a page called “Girls of Isolation”. It demonstrates a series of black and white portraits of girls in their safe places. It’s supposed to be an example of embracing your living environment and creating a space you love to be in. My picture actually got featured in one of the collages. You can find them on Instagram by searching "Girls of Isolation"or using this link:
https://www.instagram.com/girlsofisolation/?hl=en
This is just one of the many ways that society is being united through this time of struggle and uncertainty.