How to Keep Sane in Self-Isolation

Style

Mar 14

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from the Mirabelle in Savannah, Georgia.

In the past week, life in New York has gone from pretty normal to widespread isolation, and rightfully so. Because proper social distancing is a challenge in a city of over eight million people, it seems like everyone who can stay home is staying home - myself included.

I’m sure you know about the importance of washing your hands and flattening the curve and stocking up on household and pantry staples. While those things are the true essentials for slowing the spread of the virus, many of us will be left with some long (and hopefully very boring) weeks at home.

If you’re lucky enough to be developing a case of ennui instead of a viral infection, how do you stop from going totally stir-crazy? Besides adding tons of shows to my streaming queue, here’s what I’m doing to keep sane while we’re cooped up.

Pick a News Source
There’s so much information swirling around out there that it can be quickly overwhelming. I’m sticking with this live page by the New York Times (it’s free even without a subscription) to keep updated on things. Sure, I still find other information throughout the day, but I’m not intentionally keeping up with anything else right now.
Stay in Touch
Surprise: isolation can feel isolating! Thankfully germs can’t transmit over WiFi, and feeling more connected is pretty easy in our digital age.
Take some time to call or FaceTime family and friends - especially anyone that’s staying home solo. Over the past couple days, I’ve already noticed that I’m sending more texts, snapchats, and direct messages.
Laugh a Little
A bizarre number of people seem to be watching Contagion lately, which just seems crazy to me. Instead, I’m adding some funny favorites to my streaming queue - like Paris When it Sizzles and perennial favorite The Office. Err more towards heartwarming with Modern Love (also a podcast), Gilmore Girls, and the kindness comments on this blog post.
Have a game app on your phone? Play long-distance if you can, like with Psych, Words with Friends, and Snapchat or iMessage games. It might be worth the entertainment to buy a board game gone digital like Life or Ticket to Ride - but maybe skip Pandemic: The Board Game?
For a COVID-19-related laugh, try this video of an Italian Nonna’s Coronavirus Suggestions. Re: Heartwarming Coronavirus Content, see (and hear) how quarantined Italians are singing and playing music together from windows and balconies.
Keep Active
My regular studio classes seem like an unnecessary risk at this point, but as long as you’re feeling well it’s good to keep moving. Here are my favorite at-home options:
- YouTube Videos: 20-Minute Pilates, Ballet Beautiful Bridge Series, Yoga by Candace channel, 10-Minute Arms, 10-Minute Abs, Foam Rolling.
- Apps: DownDog is a great yoga app, and they recently released apps for Barre, HIIT, and the 7-Minute Workout. I use the free version, but for the month of March all premium subscriptions are free!
- Online Studios: SkyTing TV has online classes from my favorite NYC yoga studio - and a free 7-day trial. Another NYC favorite, Ballet Beautiful, is offering 75% off their streaming subscription with the code BBNYC, or a free two-week trial with code 2WTRIAL.
Make Fun Food
Yes, make sure you have pantry essentials on hand - but don’t forget the chocolate! While I see lots of oatmeal in my breakfasting future, there’s a 100% chance I’m also making chocolate chip pancakes. Make some tea in the afternoon and have some girl scout cookies. It’s not like you’re too short on time to make something special!

I’ll be keeping this post handy for myself - doing each of these things once a day seems like a good plan for giving some structure to the days, no? I’ll also be blogging and designing away over here (plenty of safari posts are coming your way!), very grateful that I can work from home.