If there was ever a better time to blast Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On", mind your business and drink your water, now would probably be it. With the news of "the 'Rona" running rampant across the country, life as we know it is shifting hard and shifting fast. And in light of major sporting events, musical concerts, giant festivals, mega movie premieres and even the ultimate Girls' Night In being affected, some may be wondering: just WHERE are we supposed to go and just HOW are we supposed to handle this?
Well, whether you choose to sage and meditate, enjoy all your fave quarantine snacks and watch Netflix, or sip wine and twerk to Meg Thee Stallion in the mirror, there are numerous ways to cope and get a handle on your anxiety during these trying and uncertain times. And if you haven't quite found what works for you just yet but you're tired of coronavirus upsetting you and your homegirl, check out some of the ways a few of our xoTribe Members are dealing with the pandemic pressure.
Savannah Taider
Age: 24
Occupation: Freelance writer & assistant
Where were you when you first heard about coronavirus/COVID-19?
"I first heard about it in early January. I was visiting a friend in Atlanta and I remember him standing in front of the TV watching the news. He briefly joked about the virus but I honestly didn't pay attention to what was going on. I absolutely hate watching the news and discussing it isn't really my cup of tea. I want to talk about positive things."
Are you self-quarantining?
"I am but that's because I'm a homebody. Ironically though, I live in Belgium and now that the whole country is forced to quarantine, I suddenly feel the urge to go out and party. All jokes aside, things are getting pretty serious and everyone is freaking out here. Almost all stores are closed, some people are forced to work from home, so I'd rather be social distancing until the situation is resolved."
Are you able to work from home?
"I am, thankfully! But truth be told, I'm taking advantage of this crisis to rest and work on my new book."
What's your quarantine self-care routine to alleviate stress?
"My curtains and windows fully opened to let the fresh air in, a long hot shower to relax my muscles, a lot of naps, books and binge-watching my favorite TV show (Jane the Virgin). I'm also trying my best to avoid social media. I had enough of COVID-19 already."
What's on your "Quarantine Self-Care" playlist?
"Vedo - 'You Got It', Phony Ppl ft. Megan Thee Stallion - 'Fkn Around', and ocean sounds. I've been listening to a lot of ocean sounds. It helps me relax."
Quwana M.
Age: 37
Occupation: Admission specialist, Higher Education
Where were you when you first heard about Coronavirus/COVID-19?
"I think I was at work when I first heard of pandemic originally [detected in] China."
Are you self-quarantining?
"Yes. I'm self quarantining."
Are you able to work from home?
"Yes. I'm working from home and hate it."
What's your quarantine self-care routine to alleviate stress?
"I don't have a stress reliever quarantine routine. But I'm in dire need of something, my anxiety is through the roof. The uncertainty of tomorrow is real!"
What's on your "Quarantine Self-Care" playlist?
"Podcasts are my go-to heavily this week. Expeditiously, Earn your Leisure, and xoNecole Happy Hour."
Teisha Leshea
Courtesy of Teisha Leshea
Age: 33
Occupation: Claims Processor for a children's hospital
Where were you when you first heard about coronavirus/COVID-19?
"I've been hearing about this since last December. I didn't really think anything of it so I was probably living my life as normal. With the 24-hr news cycle, days can run together. I was probably at home."
Are you self-quarantining?
"No, I'm an introvert so my life isn't different from three weeks ago. I've always had healthy hygiene habits but as of late I've been disinfecting and wiping down everything even more."
Are you able to work from home?
"No."
What's your quarantine self-care routine to alleviate stress?
"Setting boundaries and not allowing my mind to be engulfed in the wrong information."
What's on your "Quarantine Self-Care" playlist?
"Nipsey Hussle, Summer Walker, Ari Lennox and of course xoHappy Hour podcast."
Courtney Clardy
Age: 29
Occupation: Counselor/Therapist (Social Worker)
Where were you when you first heard about Coronavirus/COVID-19?
"I reside in Nashville, TN and the day before, I heard about a case of COVID-19 being in a surrounding county. My county, as well as others, were affected by a very vicious tornado. I was at home when I saw the news about the case via social media. I will admit that I heard about it vaguely way before it hit the US but never paid much attention to it."
Are you self-quarantining?
"I am, in variations. I currently provide therapy services in a shelter to women and children who are survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking, etc. However, I've found balance in going to work, staying home, and being socially engaged. Social engagements are very slim during this time. So I'm mainly home and at work, however, that is mainly my everyday routine."
Are you able to work from home?
"At this time, I'm expected to report to work until further notice."
What's your quarantine self-care routine to alleviate stress?
"When I am able to self-quarantine, I spend time talking to friends and family, binge-watching Hulu/Netflix, prayer, meditation, and affirmations. I also give myself the space to go out if I feel led to. For example, I went to dinner with friends yesterday to celebrate a birthday. Finding this balance and honoring myself in the balance allows me not to be overwhelmed by worry or fear."
What's on your "Quarantine Self-Care" playlist?
"It depends on my mood. It can range from worship music, R&B vibes, or Meg Thee Stallion ratchet."
Dayana Preval
Age: 26
Occupation: Healthcare, but my passion is in content creating.
Where were you when you first heard about Coronavirus/COVID-19?
"I don't remember exactly where I was, but most likely I was at home scrolling on social media. It became more serious to me when I went to work and people started testing positive for the virus."
Are you self-quarantining?
"I still have to work, but I am off four days a week due to my schedule. For the most part, I stay home and only leave the house for small things where I know there won't be a lot of people."
Are you able to work from home?
"No, I'm unable to work from home."
What's your quarantine self-care routine to alleviate stress?
"Honestly, I don't think I really created a self-care routine during this time. If anything, I'm stressed and trying to remain positive because there's a lot of transformations happening in my life. And this virus has put a halt on the world."
What's on your "Quarantine Self-Care" playlist?
"I've been keeping busy with creating, so I've mainly been listening to Jhene Aiko's latest album and The Photograph soundtrack."
Longing for a sense of community in the midst of social distancing and self-quarantining, click here to learn more about how you can join our new xoTribe Members Community app today!
Featured image by Shutterstock
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