It’s April 2020 and it feels like the year has already overstayed its welcome. With everything going on with COVID-19, the despair that the whole world is feeling is palpable. Depending on where you are in the world, depending on your life circumstances, and your own personal battles, how we’re all experiencing the pandemic may differ. For me, it’s been a rollercoaster of emotions and mental gymnastics to try to lift myself up and out of depression. As a fresh college graduate, looking for a job that aligns with her preferred career (whatever that means), who also needs visa sponsorship to stay in the U.S., the past two years have not been easy. Now, it seems like the new coronavirus is only making things harder. So, even though it’s difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel and I’m truly terrified of what the future may bring, I thought I’d share how I’m trying to survive and cope with it all.
Remind myself everyday that I have so much to be grateful for.
Get fresh air -- whether that’s taking a walk (while following social-distancing rules as mandated by Governor Inslee) or hanging out on my balcony.
Check in on friends and family regularly to make sure they’re doing okay.
Watch TV shows, movies or YouTube videos.
Practice self-care! I caved and bought the Function of Beauty custom shampoo and conditioner and am loving it.
Find the joy in the little things -- get excited about the fact that you ordered overpriced beauty products and now can use them in your regular personal hygiene routine, get excited about eating yet another pizza made by your boyfriend.
See what all the hype is about internet trends like, whipped dalgona coffee.
Relax. This is easier said than done, I know. I’ve been doing all sorts of things to try to calm my anxiety down by listening to music, meditate and just let myself enjoy what I’m doing in the moment rather than worrying myself sick about what I can’t control.
PRACTICE SAFE AND HYGIENIC HABITS: social distancing, washing my hands religiously and cleaning my apartment.
Remind myself that I don’t have to be productive all the time and that it’s normal to feel like my energy, focus and motivation has been robbed. So, I nap a lot.
With that being said, it’s okay to not be okay. The number of times I’ve cried or had to breathe through panic attacks because of this is unreal but it’s a normal way to feel. We’re living through a scary and difficult time -- give yourself a break and let this be a time of grace. I have good days and bad days -- sometimes I’m super productive and other times, I’m stuck in bed all day. It’s okay to not have a plan, it’s okay to not have your life together. I know it’ll all be okay, as long as we’re all in this together. So, take care of yourself and remember that you’re not alone!
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