I think it’s safe to say that everyone is extremely eager to go back to their everyday lives. Who would have guessed we’d be spending so much time at home, needing to adapt to an entirely new way of life? I would like to start off by acknowledging that everyone has been affected by this pandemic in different ways, so I am sharing our own experiences while being mindful and sensitive of what the world is going through. Alison and I have been lucky enough to be quarantined together, where we grew up in New Hampshire. This is the first time in seven years that we’ve been together in the same place for this long. It’s definitely one of the many silver linings I’ve been able to take from this time of slowing down.
Sanity Check:
I have always prided myself on my ability to look at life with perspective. I’ve been good at not sweating the small stuff, not worrying about things I can’t control, always realizing that my situation could be much worse, and to be grateful for everything I have. I have been able to keep most things in perspective during this time—I am so grateful to still have my job, health, and the feeling of security once this is over. I certainly have not been sweating the small stuff knowing there are medical workers and patients in war zones all across the world. During this time I think it’s easy to let your mind wander and think the worst. I have definitely fallen victim to extreme worry and sometimes panic over the last three months. Needless to say, this whole situation is completely uncharted territory for everyone. Anxiety is heightened and the stress of the unknown has taken its toll on most people. As someone who prides myself on the before mentioned “strengths”, I have certainly cried and had sleepless nights after watching the news. As we all try to navigate through this scary time, it’s important to focus on your mental health, check in with yourself and loved ones, and let yourself feel these feelings.
For me, focusing on the positive things that have happened because of this situation is really helping me get through the hard days. I feel like there is a lot that I wouldn’t have done, appreciated, accomplished, or realized without this time. I have been reading more than I have in over five years, I’ve been spending quality time with my loved ones (my family I am quarantining with), and really focusing on my mental and physical health. Sometimes I find that staying away from the news and social media for a few days has helped clear my mind when I am feeling overwhelmed. I have been having so many more phone calls and conversations with my grandparents, something that is so important to me but sometimes I don’t make time for it the way I should when I’m in Boston and so entrenched with the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I have spent so much time reconnecting with friends via Zoom and Facetime. Overall, I feel so much more connected to the things that really matter to me. And that, is all the silver lining I need.
Routine:
I made my way back to New Hampshire mid-March and have been here ever since. Alison and I agreed early on that for our own sanity, we wanted to try to maintain a normal/consistent schedule as best we could. I have been lucky enough that most of my day to day work activities can resume remotely and I have adapted to doing my job from home. I travel a lot for work so it has been a nice slowdown in that regard. Working from home has never been my forte. I have always struggled with productivity and my overall happiness when working remotely. I am an extrovert to a fault, so I was concerned about this WFH order at first. Alison and I have set up a space that we use as our office and being together day in and day out has provided some normalcy. Weekdays we wake up early, make our lattes and breakfast, and set up our area for the day, before logging into work. For us, it has been crucial to separate our “working” space from our “living” space since it is all the same these days. I have maintained my regular working hours and really try to sign off and close my computer when the time comes. I also have taken two personal days since March when I felt like I needed to reset—I highly recommend as it helped me feel recharged and renewed my motivation.
Another way we have both been able to maintain positivity and a clear mind is exercise. Exercising during this quarantine has been a necessity and something that I now look forward to everyday. Fingers crossed that this feeling lasts! We have been doing a lot of home workouts, a few of our favorites have been the XHIT Daily and Blogilates. Both are quick and straightforward, but they burn! We go on walks every single day the weather has permitted. I just recently started Kayla Itsines BBG 12 Week Program (blog to come on this experience—8 weeks left).
I have also been able to focus on some smaller goals I set for myself at the beginning of the year. By making intentional changes every day, I have adopted some new healthy habits. Alison and I have been doing a water challenge since March and are both more than tripling our daily water intake (much needed). I also started a new skincare routine that is much more involved than what I was doing in the past—which was comparable to a 12-year-old boy’s skincare routine. I have been able to regulate my sleep much better and have stayed consistent with bedtime and wake up. I decided to work towards a bedtime routine that was the same every night to help my mind and body get ready to unwind. I have been making decaffeinated green tea with honey every night, getting into bed much earlier, and reading instead of watching TV or scrolling on my phone.
Explore:
In addition to trying to keep our day to day as normal as possible, we have tried our best to get out in nature as our local restrictions permit. Prior to the Maine boarders closing for non-essential reasons, we visited Fort McClary in Kittery, Maine a few times. This is a beautiful historic site right on the Maine/New Hampshire boarder that has a beautiful view of the coast. It was nice to get in the car and drive up the seacoast and walk around in the fresh air—I recommend visiting this area if you ever have the chance! Each time we went to Fort McClary we’d drive over the bridge back into New Hampshire to visit the neighboring town of Portsmouth. We’d stop and get sandwiches from The Works in efforts to support a local business and eat at Hilton Park, right on the water. Overall, these small outings have been a perfect way to get outside and switch up the scenery.
Another great way to stay active is hiking. Alison and I have tried our best to get out and hike different areas in New Hampshire that have allowed it during this time. One of our favorite hikes was Stonehouse Pond. We got out and did about five miles through a few different trails. This hike lends itself to gorgeous views—it felt so nice to be out in warm weather! All in all I think getting out in nature has been great for both of us. It has help clear my mind, got me up and moving, and the fresh air definitely helps me sleep better at night!
Overall, we have both been very encouraged by the silver linings and small victories this situation has lent itself to. Don’t get me wrong, there have been days that have been an absolute wash, unproductive, and full of questionable choices—and that is okay. Hopefully our lives will start resembling a bit more normalcy in the months to come, but until then, try to look for the bright side as best you can. I know I have certainly set a new goal to maintain this mindset and newfound habits once I get back to the city!
Post Note: We are both sending warm thoughts and prayers to anyone who has been affected by Coronavirus in any way.