Isolation tips from a lifetime introvert

It’s no secret COVID-19 has just about reached the point of world domination. In an effort to stop the spread of this virus, the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and just about everyone on Twitter is advising us to stay inside and alone.

I feel like I’ve got this. My years of being an introvert, dealing with chronic pain and having to fight off anxiety and depression have prepared me for social distancing or self-isolation or whatever we’re calling it. Here are some things I’ve found to help combat the loneliness and boredom that will inevitably rise up and hopefully help you enjoy your time:

• Go on a hike

• Listen to a podcast

• Create something! Do origami, collage, paint, draw, coloring pages, make jewelry and friendship bracelets. You don’t have to be an artist to craft

• Cook or bake something

• Read a book, an ebook or listen to an audiobook

• Aside from your online classes, learn something new: documentaries, interesting news articles, Duolingo

• Go hammocking

• Catch up on those Netflix and Hulu watchlists

• Have a picnic. This can be grand and romantic with wine and cheese or as simple as a PB&J in your backyard

• Take a canyon drive

• Make playlists, create collaborative playlists with your friends or create them for people

• Exercise at home

• Catch up on the presidential election and politics unrelated to COVID-19. Remind yourself that the world is still moving

• Write in a journal

• Go on a bike ride or a walk

• Clean or organize for fun. Clear out your pantry, go through your clothes and donate or sell what you never wear.

• Become an expert on something. Read all the books and watch all the documentaries about it you can find. Then once you’ve formulated your own ideas and opinions on the topic, write about them!

• Call, text or Skype your friends. We’re doing physical distancing, not social or emotional distancing.

• Make Pinterest boards of things that make you happy. Go back and look at them on rainy days

• Marathon all the movies in a franchise (Star Wars, Harry Potter, Marvel, Lord of the Rings, etc)

• Start a Dungeons and Dragons (or whatever RPG you please) campaign with the people you live with. Or over Skype!

• Find something (or lots of things) and become a master at it. Learn how to do it, take the time to practice and become insanely good. When this all blows over, which it will, you can show off this cool new skill. I might learn to read palms…

• Open your windows and let in some fresh air, even if it’s raining

Most importantly, keep a routine. Having a stable and reliable routine is the best way to fight off the depression and anxiety that will undoubtedly creep in during these times of rapid change and uncertainty. You’re not alone. This will pass. The world is not ending. If it helps at all, just think of how great of a story this will make in 30 years.