How to stay sane during the COVID-19 pandemic

I write to you from the comfort of my own sitting room, where I remain tucked up under my Hedwig blanket, with a cup of hot tea in my hand.

As well as being understandably frazzled by the never ending stream of news coverage on COVID-19, I am frankly quite bored.

I have never had so much time on my hands, and in some ways, its actually a bit of a dream. I would be lying if I said I had never woken up for a 9am lecture with a beseeching wish that would see college lectures banished from my life temporarily, so I could at least sleep until 10.

And now I am here.

Back in Mayo with my family and my toasty bed, and I am slightly regretting the day I ever wished that college would be over. Although the onset of actual cabin fever has yet to arrive, I am already twitching.

But, hope is not unfounded, as I have my Netflix account, more tea bags, plenty of bickies, and my neighbour’s cat Luna assured me she would come and visit often to help make up for missing my friends.

SPECIAL THANKS TO LUNA FOR POSING FOR THIS PHOTO

I’ve spent some time drafting a few ideas on how I can fill up my free time over the next few weeks, and how to make the most beneficial use of the free days as possible. So here I am, sharing with you my genius ideas that I dearly hope will help all of you too.

(1) Clear out your wardrobe

Why not use your free time to do a good old-fashioned Spring clean on your wardrobe? You could reorganise all of your clothes by season, colour or event, and simultaneously get rid of any cr*p that you don’t wear anymore. Maybe consider donating the items to a charity shop (once this period passes) and make yourself feel super selfless at the same time.

(2) Get fresh air in creative ways

We are advised not to mix with people at this time, but that doesn’t mean you should lock all your windows and creep under your bed. Make sure to go outside into your garden on a regular basis to clear your head. You can simply walk around your garden for a bit, or practice some yoga or meditation on the patio if its not too cold. Make sure to wrap up though, as the threats of the ever changing Irish weather are still rampant as well as the corona virus.

(3) Binge watch a Netflix show you’ve been meaning to watch for a while

We all have that one show we’ve been meaning to get into since January at least. Well, here is your opportunity to do so. Mix your binge with some fresh air in the comfort of your own garden and with some intellectual reading for some added diversity in your everyday routine, but don’t be too tough on yourself.

(4) Paint, draw, write or play

Lots of action words mentioned here, and that’s the key to my fourth point.

Action. Don’t just sit on your sofa like a lump for the next two weeks.

Get creative and get busy! Grab a pen and paper and write that short story you’ve been on about for years, or even just write about how you are feeling right now. It can be therapeutic as well as an effective time eater. Alternatively, you could teach yourself some new songs on your guitar or piano to liven up the silence and ultimately end up with some more talents to add to your bow. If you’ve got some painting materials, get PAINTING, or even some sketching can fill your time and leave you with that wonderful feeling of self-satisfaction.

(5) FaceTime your loved ones

Technology, eh. What a wonderful thing. It will allow you to keep in contact with other family members and friends who are all going through the same thing as us. It isn’t as good as being in their actual presence, but it is the best we can do at the moment, and will make you feel more uplifted.

(6) Catch up on some college work…slowly

I relate to that dreaded feeling of the whole college world crashing down on you just as you week 10 emerges around the bend. Where has the time since Christmas gone? I feel like it was only last week I was pulling down the decorations with my mom during my post-holiday-breakdown, whilst shovelling the last of the mince pies into my mouth. Admittedly, I have a lot of reading to go over, and the best way to do this is bit by bit. Don’t try and cover everything in one day, because the fact is you won’t. Make a timetable and stick to it.

Making a timetable applies to everything at the moment. Try and stick to a sleep schedule too, even though lying under the duvet all day seems a little bit tempting. Don’t forget to eat good food and keep hydrated at this time too. We need to keep our best foot forward.

Remember can-collegers, we are all in this together. (HSM reference: check) Keep in touch with each other, and mind your mental health just as much as your physical health. This will all pass.

Happy house sitting!

Much love

xoxo V