How’s everyone doing? In California, we’ve been sheltering at home for a few weeks now, and adjusting to all the changes. If you’re looking for something to do, or new resources to help you cope, I’ve found a few (below).
Writing
Lots of people have been finishing their novels while staying at home. If you have a book you’ve been meaning to get out, now may be a good time. For some help in staying motivated, you can try NaNoWriMo’s StayHomeWriMo. I joined my regional group, but haven’t yet put any words on a page. However, if you do join, you can use their daily writing prompts and get support and feedback from people near you.
(If you’ve already published a book and maybe you have a platform and email list, there are plenty of examples of brands that are sending the right kinds of emails during a crisis.)
Reading
This isn’t the first plague humans have lived through. It’s been really interesting reading Lapham’s Quarterly’s Roundtable, which includes Samuel Pepy’s records of the Plague in London in 1665.
If you want to talk about the books you’re reading, there’s a number of virtual book clubs you can join, or you can also start your own.
And for no reason in particular, I found this article on how physics explains why time passes as you age very interesting.
Listening/Watching
If you’re tired of Netflix shaming you, there are other things to watch and listen to. One of them is Stupid Old Studios Presents, a series of ongoing live and on-demand comedy shows supporting artists affected by COVID-19.
And if you want to contribute to someone else’s listening enjoyment, consider taking part in The Unexpected Joy Project. From their website:
You Record… We Publish!
A podcast about unexpected joyful experiences we are having throughout the Corona Virus / Covid-19 Outbreak.
A moment alone?
A moment with your child?
A moment on the phone?
A moment in nature?
An act of kindness?What Did You Notice?
Stress Relief
If you’re feeling stressed, there are resources to help, including Headspace, which offers “meditations, sleep, and movement exercises to help you out.” California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response also has a helpful website with tips and resources for stress and emotional health.
Stay healthy and safe out there!
