Over the past month or so I haven’t gotten out much. I think some of you can relate. I’ve never led the most structured life, though. I tend to enjoy the freedom to switch up what I want to do with my personal time at a moment’s notice. However, now that my available options for socializing have diminished significantly, I’ve noticed a big hit to my general mood and energy level. I was surprised by this since I’m not all that extroverted anyway. My default plan for the weekends has always been to sleep in, watch a little TV, and drink a bottle of wine. In the land of the quarantined, the introvert is King! Except, I don’t feel like royalty. Not having the option to go meet some friends at the bar or grab dinner really takes its toll. I didn’t even notice how much so until I left my house for a client visit and got to interact with human beings outside of the person delivering my Pork Tonkatsu (who is a great guy). I felt rejuvenated.
Most of my time in quarantine has felt like a time loop. With no significant variation in my daily activities my brain has been unable to create substantial markers in my memory. Time and space become jumbled and blurred. This was a great excuse for forgetting Mother’s Day (luckily my brother, who is much more on-the-ball reminded me the day before, so Mom got her call). It’s not a great excuse when you have deadlines and work needs to be completed. So, what can be done?
For me, it is a balance between maintaining routine and creating variance. It doesn’t have to be much. Call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Switch up your work from home spot. Definitely get outside if only for a brief stroll, even when it’s raining. One of my neighbors began fostering dogs for some company. Maybe stop watching Fox or CNBC round the clock, or at all.
And remember, the Birds are here for you, and even if you are calling in because you can’t print. We are desperate to hear how you, our fellow human, is doing. So go ahead and let loose.