{"id":41816,"date":"2020-03-30T17:55:49","date_gmt":"2020-03-30T09:55:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.pikaland.com\/staging\/?p=41816"},"modified":"2020-03-30T17:56:59","modified_gmt":"2020-03-30T09:56:59","slug":"how-are-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pikaland.com\/staging\/2020\/03\/30\/how-are-you\/","title":{"rendered":"How are you?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It\u2019s the third week of enforced movement restriction in my country, and I\u2019m sitting at home alone, working on my laptop. From the outside in, things may look the same, because it’s a routine that I go through everyday. But it isn\u2019t, not anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s like watching a horror movie slowly unraveling itself in real time. Thousands are getting sick, and it’s spreading like wildfire. Country and borders are on lockdowns (or movement restrictions, like mine), with extensive travel restrictions in place. Hospitals and health care professionals are working in overdrive to combat the first global pandemic of its kind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
What my everyday lunch looks like: minestrone soup, bread and cheese<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re scared or anxious, you\u2019re not alone. I am too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I remember this time last month, when the situation wasn\u2019t as worrying yet; when it hadn\u2019t yet tipped into a situation where alarm bells would be rung. People still went on their lives as usual, with the exception of increased hand washing\/sanitising, interspersed with news of how pharmacies were running low on stock of face masks and hand sanitisers (and toilet paper). And now? I have no words to describe how surreal it all is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The uncertainty of what\u2019s happening, or what going to happen is unsettling. I\u2019m physically separated from a loved one, because we both want to do the right, responsible thing. Sucking it up doesn\u2019t mean the situation doesn\u2019t suck \u2013 it still does, but it\u2019s important to us that we do the things we can. And so here we are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m fortunate to be able to work from home, but I know so many others aren\u2019t. Businesses are experiencing a slow trickle, and some have come to a grinding halt. Everyone\u2019s scared because we don\u2019t know what the future will look like when the world finds its way back to a new normal. Plus, right now with social distancing being our best bet to flatten the curve, it can get a little lonely. Aside from working, here’s a list of things I’ve done so far that’s helped me feel a little less hopeless:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Spending time with my dog, Jojo.<\/strong>\u00a0Fur-aphy is real and a thing.<\/li>
  2. Cooking.<\/strong>\u00a0I\u2019ve been cooking in batches,\u00a0eating light<\/a>, and oh, making lots of\u00a0chocolate granola<\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>
  3. Gardening<\/strong>. I\u2019m very lucky to have a garden; it\u2019s where I tend to my edible plants. (So I can eat them later, ha!)<\/li>
  4. Pinterest.<\/strong>\u00a0Looking at pretty things makes me feel that things are normal… at least for a few minutes, even if I know it’s not, and won’t be for a while.<\/li>
  5. Exercising<\/strong>. The gym is closed, and with it comes experimenting with new workouts using only my bodyweight (I miss lifting weights).<\/li>
  6. Texting, calls and video calls with loved ones.<\/strong>\u00a0Reaching out and talking to people, family and friends helps me feel connected in a time where being physically disconnected is painful and real.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    But enough about me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What about you<\/em>?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How have\u00a0you<\/em>\u00a0been?\u00a0How have you been coping? How is it where you are, and what\u2019s your form of self-care? Share stories, updates, and your ups and downs with me, and feel free to vent if you\u2019d like. I\u2019m all ears (and<\/em>\u00a0I read every comment and email<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Your digital pen-pal,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Amy<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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