Social distancing. It’s become a new social norm.
Ask any of my close friends and they’d tell you I’m an “introvert”. I think the introvert/extrovert terms are crude, because the concept is a dynamic spectrum—but basically, I’ve always found quiet, alone time with my own thoughts to be enjoyable and energizing. This past week, I learned two things. First, maybe I’m not as much of an “introvert” as I thought. Second, oddly enough my home-schooled background is helping me adjust to this new lifestyle.
- maybe I’m not as much of an “introvert” as I thought.
My mom likes to remind me (and she’s right, even when I don’t listen) that “no man is an island”. We need people. We crave human connection and honestly, 9 times out of 10, constant, open communication leads to better, closer, happier relationships.
I need that human connection not only for self-affirmation—to feel heard and loved, but also to play devil’s advocate—to challenge my thoughts and opinions. Otherwise, I find it easier to spiral into this weird place of self-doubt and simultaneous belief-rigidity. I’ve found a few things that have worked for me and maybe they can help someone else too.
- Skype / facetime with your friends or family. I realize this may not be practical or possible for everyone, however if it is, I highly recommend it. Reading body language (even just through facial expression) is so important to communication for me. I always feel I can relate to someone 1000x more when I watch their expressions and subtle movements. Adding Netflix Party or RPGs is also a fun addition to this.
- When you do go out and find yourself interacting with another human (at a safe distance), ask them how they’re doing. Smile to the people around you. This may confuse them at first, but they might start smiling too and feel a little happier. If you know someone in the particularly vulnerable population, maybe offer to get supplies for them and leave the bags at their door.
- If you’re able, go for a walk or run outdoors. Watch the birds, look at the trees; I find this so peaceful. Especially now that my gym is closed, I think it’s really been important for my mental health to run (walking works too if you can’t or don’t want to run). It’s also important to occasionally open a window and let in some fresh air.
- my homeschooled background is helping me adjust to this new lifestyle.
For some background, I was homeschooled from ages 3 through 17. My undergrad was a combination of in-person and online classes. While working toward my undergrad, I had multiple bizarre part-time jobs. I’d work through the day and on weekends, come home and /or take classes at night.
- Establish a routine. What I learned both through high school and college was that routine and self-discipline are super helpful to me. A routine isn’t something that someone else has to make for you. Sometimes it works out that way, like at a 9-5 job, but you can make and stick to your own. Now that a lot of us are working from home, we might be able to make our own schedules with more control over working hours than before. So, I’m taking as much structure as I can. Get up, run, make coffee & check emails, read literature/write/analyze for x hours or until x time, eat lunch & respond to texts, write some more until x time, eat dinner & skype a friend. You get the idea. Obviously, there should always be room for changed plans, but having a framework is something I find really mentally stabilizing—to know what I’m going to do ahead of time. It helps me prepare psychologically and physically. There are pre-made scheduling formats and options online if you’re new to this.
- Keep up the routine. Now here’s where the self-discipline comes in;) Keeping routine comes naturally for some people and not so much for others. Maybe that’s ok, but it’s helped me. If it doesn’t work for you, that’s ok, too.
- Eat well and not while working. Ok this is one I’ve struggled with, but I’m getting better. If you have access to a kitchen with appliances, I highly recommend meal prepping. This can be a cheaper option than some take out, and often healthier since you know exactly what ingredients you used, etc. Again, this doesn’t have to be expensive. Especially if you have storage room in a freezer/cupboard and can buy “family” sized and use it to prep multiple portions. Cooking can also be a relaxing activity and an outlet for creativity.
Growing up (even though most days we didn’t leave home) mom would always make us get dressed in “school-appropriate clothes”, have our breakfast finished, with dishes washed and put away before we did any work. When school was over, we did chores (the laundry, take out the trash, etc.). Never really thought I’d find myself reverting to my homeschooling days, but here we are. Well, there you have it—basically an entry from my diary. But I realized it may be useful to someone else, so I’m sharing. I hope you’re staying safe, sane and healthy.
P.S. Remember that rest is ok—actually rest is super important. It’s ok to take time off. It’s ok to not be as productive as you were in the lab. If you feel overwhelmed or anxious, please find someone to talk to, speak with your supervisor, find the support you need to prioritize your wellbeing. You are not alone in this. Below are some photos of GSAN members work & play strategies.
by: HS
Self determination will get anybody through anything. My grandparents and my parents passed on their knowledge and skills to us kids as we grew up. They always taught us, and said “give it a try, be serious with it, make a fun thing out of it, because you never know if you’ll have to use that knowledge when you get older”. If you fall, pick yourself back up. We can make a difference for ourself and others.