I’ve seen a mixture of messages floating around on social media since quarantine began. Be productive! Use this time wisely! Start your side hustle! Learn a new skill! Organize your entire home! And then the opposition – it’s okay to barely make it through the day, don’t try to do anything, just keep swimming.
You’ve probably seen one, if not both of these circulating….
These memes, combined with my own thoughts and experiences, and conversations with friends over the past 3(!) weeks have inspired this post.
This time – quarantine, staying at home, whatever you want to call it – is going to look different for EVERY SINGLE PERSON.
Maybe you’re unemployed and childless? (oh hi, it’s me!)
Or you’re trying to work full time from home with children?
Maybe you’re an essential worker and having to stay separate from your family?
Or a student or teacher trying to figure out virtual classes?
No matter what your situation is, no one’s experience is going to look the same.
There is no RIGHT or WRONG, we’re all simply trying to do our best and navigate through uncharted territory.
You don’t have to feel like you should DO ALL THE THINGS.
Because guess what I realized? Even with my newfound time, I still don’t want to clean out my car, clear off my Macbook, or paint the trim.
This time isn’t your typical “time.” Yes, it is technically still time, but emotionally it is SO MUCH HEAVIER than that, especially for anyone who already struggles with a mental illness. [reminder to check in with people!] Not to mention, time does NOT equal capacity. Even if you physically have the time to do something, mentally you might not have the capacity. This has been my biggest struggle lately.
The country (and world) are grieving. If you haven’t read this article on COVID-19 and grief yet I highly recommend you do. For some people (myself included), each day feels like an emotional roller coaster. Wake up, sun is shining… we can do this! Watch the news, read articles, get overwhelmed with work or family…we cannot do this. This range of emotion is normal. It’s okay. This is new for many of us.
If you want to get dressed, then get dressed. If you don’t want to change out of sweats, then don’t. It’s your choice! Personally I am getting dressed Monday-Friday because it makes me feel better. That’s it. Not for anyone else, and I am absolutely not judging if you’ve been wearing the same sweats since Monday. Doesn’t matter.
But, you shouldn’t feel bad if you’re able to capitalize on some of this time.
Maybe you’re mentally doing pretty well and have the capacity to work on your side hustle, clean your attic (still on my list), or learn a new skill. That’s great. It really is. I still went ahead and made myself a goal list for April, I am still trying to workout and eat healthy, I still want to be somewhat productive during this time period. But I’m working to give myself a lot more grace if the motivation or capacity simply isn’t there some days.
We need to be understanding that every single person is going to view and process this time differently, through their own respective lens.
This isn’t a time to judge, or compare, but rather a time to simply do the best we can that day. We all have different coping mechanisms and activities that help us feel the best. Remember – we’re all working toward the same goal – to get through this.
If you’re interested in more about this topic, here are two other articles along the same vein:
It’s okay to be unproductive during quarantine
You’re Allowed to Feel Joy Right Now
It’s OK If You’re Not Being Productive During The COVID-19 Pandemic
That’s all for today, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this as well. I have been struggling to be creative and productive lately so I’m hoping to take some time offline to help with that.
xo, Maddy
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