Breaking the mould

Photo by Jazmin Quaynor on Unsplash

“The dust had settled. Television was turned off (bar Netflix) and news anchors talked to a vacant audience. All was well.”  

This was how I felt three weeks into my lockdown. Now on week six, the calm storm has bruised itself into more than my writer’s block: quarantine block. 

With all the chores finished and sleeps caught up on and university coursework sent off, it can feel like we have exhausted all possible means of boredom or coping mechanisms. And we probably have. But not all.  

Cooking 

My new best friend. My secret accomplice. My tiresome enemy. It is my favourite method of destressing when I get home, or I have drained my social battery. Now that home has become my permanent vacation, cooking is easily the brightest joy. To create flavours that can be devoured by your loved ones (or if you’re like me, yourself). Experimenting with recipes. Coming to grips that baking is a science we never learnt in school. Cooking offers creativity beyond the page and screen.  

Journaling

For some, knife to chopping board does the trick. For others, pen to paper is just fine. Journaling has helped me filter through my thoughts; not just the days’ events – not much goes on nowadays – but when conversation doesn’t seem to be enough. A dialogue written as a monologue. A true self check-in, if you will. Whether first thing in the morning or last thing before I go to bed, journaling sets the pace for the day. 

Connecting with Mother Nature 

As the weather improves, the more inclined we are to venture out. Of course we can’t so here’s the next best thing: grounding. Walking barefoot in grass for five minutes has been shown to have a significant impact on one’s mood; boosting serotonin – the happy hormone. Plus, fifteen minutes in the Sun is enough vitamin D for the day… you are welcome to stay longer. 

Films and Books 

For as long as I can remember, my first method of escapism was and continues to be through visual and literary art forms. Maybe today we find out who killed father, or we explore loneliness. Maybe we dive back to the Spanish Civil War. There is no better pastime more immersive than cinema and a wonderful novel. 

These are my coping mechanisms while in quarantine. My toolkit for the past six weeks. Some days are good. Some not so good. It helps get me through most days and stay motivated but more importantly not lose hope. There is a better outcome that awaits us all.