So we all know that this time, right now, is one of the most unexpected, uncertain and unimaginable series of events like ever. Since 2020 started, COVID-19, the coronavirus, has been spreading all over the world. A lot of people, myself included, didn’t think much of it and figured as long as people were just washing their hands it would be over soon and not affect me at all. Well, that obviously wasn’t the case. At such an unexpected rate, just so quickly, this all became so serious and the world became almost apocalyptic especially in New York City. First schools went online, then people started working from home and non-essential businesses closed and then if you went out it better only be for an ABSOLUTE necessity or else stay the hell home. It’s hard to believe its only been about a month of this. The best thing we can do right now in hopes of ending this as I hope you all know, is to stay home! PLEASE. We need to stop this spread and end this pandemic soon to saves lives. Now, I’m writing this because being in quarantine myself and talking with all my friends, I know this time has just been so difficult on everyone. I can’t say I have a cure all or that I’ve been super great everyday but I’ve found some ways to deal that I definitely want to share and also this a way for me to express my anxiety. I know it’s so hard to stay home, believe me I am the epitome of an extrovert but if we want a healthy future we have to. I also know, a lot of our mental healths are suffering so lets talk about it.

I can’t express how much I miss being in NYC with my friends, just going to school and LIVING MY LIFE. My classes have gone online so that gives me things to do and work on of course, but I’ll be honest I don’t have that same motivation as I usually do to study. I thrived on having a busy schedule from going to class then the library to study then home to do chores then to the gym then have some dinner to end my day at dance practice. I loved having something to do every minute of every day. I guess I would love to plan my week around having something fun to look forward to on the weekend. But nowadays, with nothing to look forward to really, I’m losing motivation. Anyone else feel that way? I know it can’t be just me. What I’ve been trying to do is every night I make a to do list for the next day of things I want to accomplish. For example, it would be like this:

• Do 2/3 science labs
• Finish peer review of paper 2
• Put away laundry
• Film so and so Tik Tok (latest obsession LOL)
• Organize camera roll
• Do abs workout

This is just an example that is based on a list I’ve had one day. I’m telling you a list is great to give you a sense of accomplishment! It can literally be just 3/4 small things and it’s nice to check them off throughout the day. I feel it makes time go a little faster. You can balance it out to have some school/work related things, maybe one workout related thing, a fun activity to do and some chores. I try to come up with something to do that I haven’t had time for before like making photo albums or trying out new makeup looks. I am definitely not saying you should try and discover a new hobby because I know that’s hard right now (which if you have the motivation to do, that’s great more props to you) but just think about some more feasible things to do like delete things you don’t need from your camera roll or back up your photos. It’s okay to sleep in I promise and it’s okay if you do nothing some days. Staying home will make a difference and when this is over, it would have been worth it. Anyways, try doing a to do list! It helped me a lot. Some things to try: new dishes to cook, make fun tik toks, make a photo album, do a craft, catch up with an old friend.

Another thing about quarantine, is that being so alone and so not busy, gives us WAY TOO MUCH TIME to think about like everything in our life and in my case, quite a bit of overthinking. I haven’t quite found away around this to be honest except to try and distract myself, call up or text a friend, watch something or most importantly, try to remind yourself you’re only overthinking because of all this time you have but in reality you’re okay and lucky to be safe. I know that is SO hard to do but I find if I don’t do that, I’d be crying 25/8. With everything happening in the world right now, it makes you think of every possible worst case scenario whether it be for the world or for your personal life. This pandemic got me thinking, after this is over who will even care about anything and will things ever be okay? I mean yes, things will change but I have to remember the people that love me will still be there. ALSO, I don’t think its fair for people to say that now is a test for those who love you, friendships and relationships. I don’t think that’s fair because everyone is just trying to survive right now and not crack, so don’t judge people for being distant (online) from you right now. I feel it makes me go crazy thinking about what everyone is doing and worrying about my friendships. Everyone is dealing the best they can and I promise they haven’t forgotten you (Well at least I tell myself that lol). This is a totally unforeseen time and not a time for harsh judgments. Let people cope how they can. Yes, note those who check in on you but don’t roast on the ones who don’t. Everyone’s trying their best and I know you are too.

One last thing I want to say, is to read the news with a grain of salt. I know everything is super depressing right now and it is so hard with so many people dying and more and more people knowing someone affected by the virus but I want to say that there is good stuff happening in the world! People do recover from this and can survive. China is doing so much better now and Italy as well. Even for me, I find it hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel and fear this quarantine will go on forever but I try to look at China that is doing better and believe the US can too. I know being in New York right now is especially hard as it is like ground zero for the US. My dad still goes to work to run his pharmacy almost everyday, and it makes me so nervous. I just want everyone to remember that you are not alone and everyone is going through this with you. After such bad times, super good times are BOUND to come. We have to believe that. I know the news and social media have like all the worst case scenarios being projected which is so bad for our mental healths. Remember they are the WORST CASE. There is a good chance that that doesn’t happen especially if we work together. It helps to talk to people and express your anxieties just to know again that you aren’t alone. Most likely, your friends and family feel the same way.

I really hope all of you reading this are safe and as well as you can be during this time. I am so grateful for all the essential workers out there, doctors, nurses, grocery workers, delivery men and more who are risking their lives so we can be safe at home. Everyone, you have to stay home. It appalls me to see some people still hanging out or going to beaches/parks for fresh air. YOU HAVE TO STAY HOME. It will make a difference and this can end soon. I know I’ll never take my daily routine in the city for granted and I hope you all remember the things you’re thankful for. If any of you want to talk or want to be friends during this, I am so open. The only way we can get through this is together. I know this virus has ruined so much that we were all looking forward to but I have to hope even better times are ahead. I know the days are molding into one long never-ending day and it’s hard on our mental healths. Try some of the things I mentioned and don’t hold your feelings in. IT IS OKAY to feel sad right now, this is such a hard time. ALSO, complete random side note but if you’re trying to order groceries the app Instacart is really good, you just sometimes have to come back and refresh for delivery times.

Anyways, if you guys need anything, I am here! If you just want to talk or join a Netflix party or play some Ludo star! Just let me know. What are you guys doing to stay sane during all this? Please let me know! Also follow me on Tik Tok, @TheRealRumiya, for some prime quarantine content hehe. I feel like there is so much more to say but also don’t want to write a novel that is too long to read LOL. So stay safe everyone, it will be OK someday.

-TRR