how to stay sane amidst fear & today’s news cycles

my parents, among many others, have been anxious about the coronavirus since the day its existence came on the news. at the time, people said they were overreacting but as news of it worsens, the general population’s worries grow. in typical type 7 fashion, i try to brush any negativity off because what does it do to dwell? but saying the news doesn’t affect me would be a lie. i quit my job due to my parent’s worries and pleas; events i planned on attending have been canceled; the amount of COV-19 emails from companies/brands “reassuring” me makes me more anxious; and there’s a cloud of worry every time i go to public spaces. on one hand, i want to wear a face mask to protect myself. on the other, i don’t want to face racism due to being chinese — never mind the fact that i haven’t visited china in over four years. 

so yeah, it’s been distressing. but we’re doing okay. i’m making this list as a reminder to myself that not all is lost, and for others who feel lost. 

01. take an information break

i’m very glad that i decided to take a social media break this month. i don’t think i’d be able to take it!! and feel more stressed/angry at myself for not being able to take it!!!! but also: because i’ve been off socials, i’m opening the NYT app more often which means an influx of news. the past few days have been increasingly distressing, so i created an app limit for that as well. while it’s good to stay updated, it’s also important to take a step back when necessary. if the news or social media or whatever you consume is taking a toll on your mental health, please limit it!!!!!!

02. indulge in something you enjoy

since you’re consuming less information, you can use this time to indulge in something you enjoy. for me, that’s been stardew valley, cooking videos, and spotify playlists. these are all little things, but they’re important when everything seems a little hopeless. 

03. make art (or do an activity to destress)

would highly recommend!!!!! there’s something calming about doing something that isn’t “useful.” previously, things like painting, journaling, cooking, baking, etc etc were pushed to the end of my to-do list because it doesn’t really “help me” in any way. it doesn’t further my income; it doesn’t make me “more successful” (whatever the fuck that means!!!!!!). 

however, doing these things gives you space to separate from work, school, or anything that is likely STRESSING U OUT. so go do that thing!!! paint your nails! try a new recipe! make bad shit! go to the gym! do whatever you need to *chill out*.

04. take necessary precautions

okay back to world of coronavirus. be smart about what’s going on. (these are also things you should be aware of normally, like basic hygiene…..) 

1. wash your hands often; if you wash it to the chorus of Don’t Wanna Cry, that’s 20 seconds YOU’RE WELCOME. if you can’t wash your hands, use hand sanitizer.
2. avoid touching your face
3. try to avoid unnecessary travel or large events
4. stock up on food, water, and other things in case your area becomes quarantined
5. if you get sick, be a decent person and avoid people so you don’t get others sick

05. reach out to friends

friends are truly the best!!!! i say this often and will continue to say it again and again. since being off socials, i’ve made more calls & started penpal-ing. back to the 90s, baby!! there’s something about hand written letters that makes me feeeeeel things. call your friends; text them if you can’t. check up on people you care about – rather than simply double tapping a carefully curated photo for the world wide web. be a little kinder than necessary.

06. continue

ah last but certainly not least. sometimes i get down on myself and wonder what the point of anything is. and it gets worse at times like this!! like, what’s the point of making ~content~ and putting together an outfit when schools & businesses are closing, countries are in quarantine, the economy is dying, US election is a mess, and everything is going to shit? y’know?? @internal self: NO PLS STOP. 

i have to remind myself that i must continue. because i want to live life, not just avoid death. there’s nothing for me to do aside from try my best and continue. we must continue. there’re plants to water, ideas to implement, and an animal crossing village to take care of. so if you’re feeling down, stressed, or hopeless, know that you must continue!! stay safe, my friends. i love y’all very dearly.

xx alexandra