1. How are you feeling today with regards to your experiences living in a world of social distancing and Covid? Today I am feeling a bit tired of staying at home. It is my friend's birthday and I would have done more than wish her a happy birthday through text. We have been quarantining for about 6 months now and I have missed celebrating so many birthdays this year already. I just want to be able to be with my friends and do things I have not been able to do in the past couple months because of the pandemic.
2. What/who are you grateful for? I am grateful to have amazing friends who have kept me company and sane throughout quarantine, especially Sarah, Kori, Shayla, Anna, Emily, and Zoë. They have helped me through my slumps the past couple of months and talking to them helps me feel less alone. They always remind me that I am doing okay and my productivity does not determine my worth, which means a lot to me because sometimes I need that reassurance. I do not believe I would get through this pandemic without them by my side.
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3. What did you experience today that is different in terms of what is no longer normal? Something I did today that is different than normal was going to pick up my textbooks. This year I had to go by car and wear a mask while picking them up. Before Covid I would have gotten my textbooks the same day I got my schedule and with much more people there.
4. What expectations of “normal” am I letting go of today? Something that used to be normal for me was going to the mall every weekend and hanging out with my friends whenever I wanted to. This is something that I am letting go of today because coronavirus cases have increased and it would be inconsiderate of me to go out while people are suffering. It would also be very risky for me to go out because there is a chance I could catch the virus, and I do not want to spread it to my family members.
5. What are you doing to promote self-love today? In order to promote self-love today I will take care of myself by not skipping meals, going to bed early, and going on a walk to clear my head. I have been overwhelmed with school work, so it is good if I take a break for myself today. I will also stop allowing one inconvenience ruin my entire day.
What are some struggles that you know people around you are having with regards to the effects of Covid? Because of Covid, the unemployment rate has been increasing and people are struggling to make ends meet. People have lost their jobs and several businesses are hurting due to the decrease in customers. 20.6 million Americans have lost their jobs due to the pandemic, which is more than 2 times the amount of jobs lost during the Great Depression. Economists predict it will take years before the country will recover from the loss of jobs. Unemployment has left many people wondering how they will pay bills, rent, and other necessities during this time. The uncertainty of when the pandemic will be over and how they will get their jobs back are huge concerns for many.
What advice can you give them? I am unsure if there are a lot of solutions to this problem, but I believe it is best if people check if they are eligible for unemployment benefits. People should also try their best to stay indoors and go outside only if it is necessary, assuming they want the pandemic to be over sooner. It may be difficult, but having an optimistic mindset during this time is important. You can wake up saying affirmations out loud to yourself that things will work out for you and allow time to help you through this. Also, learn to save your money! If money is scarce for you right now, do your best to save it and only spend it on essential things. My last advice is to not be too hard on yourself; this is something we cannot control and it is okay to feel however you are feeling right now; just remember to take care of yourselves.
What resources do you know of where they can get support? Many different resources have been created to help people struggling through the pandemic. Specifically for the unemployed, people may be eligible for unemployment benefits like stimulus checks where one may receive up to $1,200 and additional $500 for children 16 years and under. The purpose of the checks are to help families or individuals pay rent, bills, and groceries. There are also organizations and food banks such as Feeding America that help provide meal programs and food to those who need it. To the families that have children, some schools offer free lunch to each student. If being unemployed is stressing you out, there are many resources to help you deal with your mental health. There is a "Disaster Distress Hotline" you may dial if you need some support or advice on your current situation. Not everyone reacts to these situations the same and the pandemic is hurting us all; it is very important to seek help if you know you need it.
