Kavya
I love hugs. I love talking. I love partying. I love people in general. But these statements you can tell that I am an extrovert and man this lock-down was hard for our kind!
What I really miss is the window for random conversations, listening to folks talk about their experiences in person, observing their micro-expressions, and silently observing the city when it’s teeming with activity. The part of me longs for the spontaneity and freedom that existed in the pre-pandemic world when one could meet friends at coffee shops and malls and simply be out there in the world. Also, I can’t hug people anymore?!
Through this article I want to tell you what I did to keep myself sane during these trying times:
- Recognizing that I am missing out on small interactions with people and the energy boost they provide aid. Then it’s time to get creative with ways to interact with others while remaining physically separated.
- Checking in on your neighbours and friends by deciding to leave a handwritten note on their door or chatting with them on the sidewalk. If anyone needed help that I was physically capable of providing, I did it right away because ‘a friend in need is a friend indeed’ and how bad can it get?
- Making a weekly or daily video call to check in with friends, catch up with someone I haven’t spoken to in a while, or share different skills with people online.
- Exercising is a tried-and-true way to expend energy and increase endorphins — and you can add a sense of novelty by varying your routine. Make a video of yourself dancing and share it on social media. Then you can continue to reply to comments all day!
- Do stuff! God knows what dumb stuff I have started doing during the pandemic. I started a podcast (stopped immediately), started a YouTube channel (currently on pause) and tried to write books online. Though all my attempts were futile, they were still something. And maybe you could fare better than me?
- Hug yourself! Cuddle with the pillows and basically, show yourself some love. Everything will be alright.
And if you have an extrovert for friends, please call them and keep them engaged to the best of your ability.
