As COVID-19 rapidity spreads around the world and we are tucked away in our homes with friends and family, it’s essential to understand what social distancing means and how to keep our mind, body, and soul sane during this pressing time.
We have all heard the term “social distancing” time and time again, but what does this actually mean? Unfortunately, I feel like I have to explain this because several people are either in denial about this pandemic or young people believe they won’t get the virus or spread it. According to the CDC, social distancing means “remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintain distance” whenever possible to limit the ability of the virus to spread. However, with many states mandating a “stay at home” order, individuals feel the need to flee to the stores and stock up on necessities right away because they think this means that they need to stay in the house at all times. This has been a common misconception. You are allowed to leave your home to get medical supplies/ food or to do an outdoor activity like running, walking, or just enjoying the fresh air. I would highly recommend utilizing the outdoor activity exception, since it will improve/ maintain your mental health during this hard time.
Before I get into ways on how to beat boredom while social distancing, I want to highlight two critical issues that I have seen during this pandemic. Many people have been “blaming the media” for Coronavirus fears. While it is easy to use the news media as a punching bag for our lives shifting so quickly, you need to remember that it is our job to give the world the facts and what is happening around them. You may not always like what you are hearing, but you can’t blame the journalist for merely doing their job to keep YOU and your FAMILY safe. I would like to ask everyone to put their political views aside and just watch the news for the simple facts. Whether you are watching FOX, CNN, ABC, or NBC, I can promise you that all of these networks are reporting on the big picture: the coronavirus is spreading, the numbers of deaths have been increasing, and how to self-check before jumping to conclusions. The media is leaving it up to you on how you want to perceive this issue…I challenge all of you to use your common sense when exposed to hard-hitting news stories like this one. We have the opportunity to put our differences aside and come together to face this virus head-on, don’t make it political.
Lastly, if you are an influencer/blogger, I hope you will use your medium and voice to spread positivity into the world right now.
END RANT.
Now, here are the top five ways to utilize your time during social distancing.
Join a Book Club:
I have never been much of a reader, but my New Year resolution this year was to read a different book every month. Thanks to the pandemic, I am already on book 4! So, instead of Tik Toking, scrolling through Instagram or Facebook, I challenge you to join a book club. My big sister Marie, the blogger behind ThePreppyMAG, just launched her first book club, and you can start today! You can buy the books below. ⇣ ⇣ ⇣
March: Followers by Megan Angelo
April: Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
May: The Jetsetters by Amanda Eyre Ward
Home Workouts:
Gym-goers around the world have been getting creative with their at-home workouts while social distancing. For instance, people have been using household items for weights… Unfortunately, this type of exercise won’t get me the beach body I want. I find motivation in YouTube videos, William Murtagh, the athletic trainer behind WillPower Strength & Nutrition, and grabbing a buddy to go on a long walk or run with outside.
Get Creative:
This is the perfect time to channel your inner creativity. Have you always wanted to start a blog, podcast, website, or business? Well, this is the ideal time to hit the drawing board and start brainstorming ideas. If you are interested in starting a blog and don’t know where to start, I will be more than happy to answer any questions and guide you in the right direction.
Blogging Help: Talkingattiffanys@gmail.com
Facetime with Family and Friends
I am currently self-quarantining with Jerid in Chicago, while the rest of my family is together in New York. It has been absolutely killing me that I am not with them during this difficult time, but having the ability to facetime them has kept me stable. So, pour a large glass of wine and cheers via facetime! Remember to check on loved ones frequently because we are all handling this situation in different ways.
Spring Clean
Spring has sprung, and it’s time to do some cleaning! This is a fantastic time to go through your closet and make donation bags. If you are not ready to clean out your closet, rearrange your house or room. Decluttering could also help with stress and anxiety levels! Listed below are some nonprofits you can donate to in New York and Chicago.
New York City
New York Cares:
65 Broadway, 19th floor, New York, NY 1006
(212)228-5000
Goodwill NYNJ Store & Donation Center
258 Livingston St. Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718)923-9037
Long Island
Patchogue-Medford Youth and Community Services:
390 Bay Avenue, Patchogue, NY 11722
(631)758-4100
The Salvation Army:
110 Bellerose Ave, East Northport, NY 11731
(631)754-4449
Chicago
Cornerstone Community Outreach
4628 N. Clifton Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
(773)-303-0119
White Elephant Resale Shop
Supporting the non-profit Children’s Memorial Hospital
2380 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60614
(773)883-6184