First things first: I hope you and your loved ones are healthy and safe. It's a crazy and unprecedented time and we're all in this together!
As a writer for the last 20 years, social isolation is something I've practiced willingly and often. Most days, it's a real mark of achievement if I change out of yoga pants and put on makeup. But most healthy people do not and should not practice this brand of introvertism, so know that it's going to take practice. Here are some quick tips from an experienced social isolationist:
1. Create a daily schedule
You might have seen the schedule floating around for school children. But adults need schedules, too. A daily schedule allowed me to launch an author career when no one was standing over me telling me I "had" to write. Create a quick rough schedule for yourself -- include meals, exercise, work, breaks, fun time -- and you'll feel less discombobulated when you're wondering "What should I do with myself now?"
2. Make lists
Along the same vein, write down meals you want to eat, things you want to bake, ways to pass the time as a family, games you want to play. Sit down and brainstorm this stuff for an hour. Having these lists at the ready will provide calm and ease frustration when you're just not sure how to fill the time.
3. Exercise
I know. This is obnoxious. When do people NOT include exercise as something you should do. But don't worry about your weight or waistline -- I certainly don't! 😅 🍟 Instead, think about easing that anxiety we're all feeling right now. A few jumping jacks, a walk around the block or the yard, or a quick online exercise video are a great way to work out some of that stress juice we're all producing in excess amounts.
4. Be patient with yourself
Give yourself a HUGE break. This stuff is so hard. And you can only Netflix and chill for so long. Forgive yourself for feeling bored, stressed, terrified, frustrated, impatient, or whatever negative emotion you're having. Everyone is feeling something they'd rather not. Pet your cat, hug your housemate, or hug yourself. Be as kind to yourself as you'd be to the person you love the most.
5. Healthy distractions
So many institutions, businesses, and creatives are offering free distraction online right now. Take advantage of them! I realized that as a person who promises escapism for stressed-out and hard-working adults, I needed to put my money where my mouth is. So, this week, I'll be live and online three times offering what I hope is some entertaining distraction.
TUESDAYS, 6 p.m. ET - Live readings on Twitter
Join me on Twitter at 6 p.m. ET every Tuesday, when I'll be doing #LivingRoomReadings. A writer friend suggested the hashtag and I think it's a wonderful way for authors to offer a little diversion and entertainment. I'm hoping to do them every week at the same time, reading from my own stuff as well as from some favorite authors.
WEDNESDAY, March 18, 9 pm ET - Interviewed by Kenya Goree-Bell on The KGB on Instagram
I'll be with author friend Kenya Goree-Bell on Wednesday on Instagram. Kenya has hosted a popular author interview show on Facebook and Instagram for awhile now. We'll talk about the book, craft and all kinds of mischief authors get up to.
FRIDAY, March 20, 6 pm ET - Happy hour with the hubby on Facebook Live
We're all going to need a drink by Friday. #Amiright??? Hubby and I will be hosting a Facebook Live at 6 p.m., where we'll be talking about how we did during our first full week of social isolation, what was good, what was challenging, and the counting how many wine bottles we still have to survive this thing.
If you miss one of these live events, don't worry. Most of these services allow me to save the recording, so I'll be posting them to here.
Together, we'll get through this. Remembers, hyperromantics unite!