LANSING, Mich. — The pandemic has made it so we can’t hang out with friends or go out to eat as easily as before. But scientists say this whole thing is affecting some people in an opposite way too. Chris Conte shows us the other side of being cooped up and ideas to help manage the pressure no matter your situation.
A once in a lifetime pandemic has suddenly planted us into a dramatic shift in routines.
Working in her garden, Mary Rose Steele reflects on the past few months of isolation. Some days with her three kids and husband prove more difficult than others. "I say the hardest part is we can’t see our parents, so the kids can’t see their grandparents and they really miss them."
Families across the country are having to take creativity to new heights to maintain sanity. Mary Rose has taken quarantine in stride. But like many moms, sometimes she just needs a minute. "This morning I took a break, I just walked out of the kitchen and took a shower."
Craig Smith says "We’re spending a lot more time together than we use to" Craig is a psychology professor at Vanderbilt University.
Even introverts he says are struggling with social isolation.
"My son is introverted, and he tells me that his biggest problem with what’s changed, is that we never go away"
For families or couples quarantining together nearly 24/7, Craig has this advice for the tougher moments.
"Reach out and talk to people and when you talk to people about your struggles one of the things, you’ll learn is other people are having the same struggles"
This is usually my dinner table and coffee table all at once
Staying at home means something entirely different for Andrew Connor. He lives by himself in Seattle. His kitchen, is his office and is also his gym.
For this 32-year-old who was always on the go this has been a tough transition.
"It’s like the ultimate mental test, you’re forced to slow down, forced to think about thing, prioritize"
To keep himself focused Andrew has created lists on his bathroom mirror. Reminders of things to be grateful for. It's helped him stay grounded.
"I started writing in a journal everyday of things I’m thankful for and what keeps coming up is I still have a job"
"I think trying to monitor your feelings as best you can is a good thing. If you’re feeling loneliness, reach out"
Mary Rose shared that "I’m getting to enjoy my kids, I love them, there are hard days, but I love spending time with them"
Managing the pressure of this pandemic often means taking each day as it comes.
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