On Lock(e)down: Part I
Tales from quarantine in NYC.
We’re living in a strange new world — one where major cities like New York, LA, and SF have effectively shut down and gatherings of 10 or more are outlawed.
One where people strap on Hannibal Lecter-style masks to go to the grocery store.
One where thousands of people have been laid off, and millions more fear they will be too.
And perhaps most mind-bogglingly, one where toilet paper rolls have all but disappeared from store shelves around in Manhattan.
It’s been a little over one week since New York City began “social distancing” in earnest. In the last week, headlines have filled our airwaves and Twitter feeds with news that ranges from far-out to frightening. We’ve heard about NBA players, members of Congress and the Senate, and celebrities testing positive for the disease; the woes of working from home, for those of who are lucky enough to be able to do so); weddings being “live-streamed” so family members and friends could still bear witness; people talking to their loved ones in nursing homes through windows since they’re barred from entering.
It’s truly felt like, as many have pointed out, we’re living in an episode of Black Mirror.
I walked around the streets of Soho yesterday, and it feels… well, like the apocalypse if I’m being honest. Streets that are usually bustling with people, restaurants with their doors open, parks filled with families were completely quiet, save for a few people walking, most of whom had masks on.
To get a coffee from a café, I had to download an app on my phone and order and pay that way. The barista popped her head and put down the coffee cups on a little table right outside the door on the sidewalk. I had realized I forgot to tip her on the app, so I handed her a wrinkled $5 bill. It felt like I was handing over something forbidden—she even seemed a little frightened to touch the cash.
Sure, people are still running along the Hudson River, walking their dogs, playing with their kids. But the atmosphere in the city has changed.
Personally, I’m doing okay so far. I know I’m one of the lucky ones — I still receive a salary, I have a comfortable home to work from, and I can afford to stock my fridge, and even purchase online workout subscriptions. So far, I’ve had to cancel some superfluous plans—a ski trip out west that I was really looking forward to; a visit from my mom to NYC for her birthday this coming weekend—but nothing life-altering. And so far, all of my loved ones are healthy.
Still, it’s the very beginning. And when I think about that—and how much more is to come that we can’t even imagine—is when I start to get a bit freaked out.
If I may voice a complaint, I’m worried I’m going to get lonely. I haven’t been so far, but like I said, it’s just the beginning. Yesterday, I went online to fill out an application to foster a cat (may as well become a crazy cat lady at this point!) — but the shelters in NYC have been so overwhelmed by requests they’re not taking any more applications! (Who knew that shelter animals would be the biggest winner in this apocalypse?!)
I also wish I could be with my parents during this time. It’s funny, hearing some people lament about being quarantined with their family, or having to homeschool their kids (which I’M SURE is a huge challenge in itself—don’t get me wrong). But I’d give anything to be able to be with my parents right now. (Okay, 98% of my desire is to be with them, but I’ll be honest, 2% is to soak up that Florida sunshine and heat as it’s a dreary day here in NYC…)
I also fear that I’ve been too…carefree. (Which is saying something as someone with anxiety and a type-A personality.) I guess that’s not a bad thing. I’ve worked so hard on my mental health and fortitude over the past few years. I’ve been through some personal lows that changed the way I think and feel, and I’ve also been able to turn my life around and feel happier and less anxious than ever before.
In short, I’ve found strength — both emotional and physical—that I didn’t even know I possessed over the last few years. It’s serving me well in the midst of this, and I guess that’s something to be grateful for—not another thing to worry about, right?
Speaking of mental health, while it’s important to stay informed (and STAY INSIDE), it’s also crucial that we don’t only watch the news and read COVID articles. It’s essential that we keep holding on to the things that make us feel good: the simple pleasures of life. Good food, friends, yes, even wine. Traditional self-care. (Face masks, exercise, good food.) Untraditional self-car. (Scrubbing surfaces, doing laundry, keeping my apartment neat.)
So today, while things are still feeling under control for me personally—and I hope, our nation and our world will feel that way soon—here are a few of the simple things in life that are bringing me joy:
- The scent of the first cup of coffee in the morning
- The fact that I can roll out of bed and start working with no commute
- These veggie kits I found at Whole Foods
- Whole Foods in general (even if they’re not delivering…)
- Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s press conferences (especially the powerpoints)
- FaceTimes with family (also in lockdown) over in Europe
- CorePower yoga on demand
- All the other online workout programs I’ve discovered and am excited to try! (I’ve compiled a list here.)
- The evening light in my apartment
- Houseparty trivia games
- Inspiring Instagram posts (as cheesy as they may be, I like ‘em!)
- The fact that I’m slowly but surely getting into running after a long hiatus
A note on fitness (as a health coach I would remiss not to address this!): In the midst of this scary reality, exercise might seem like an afterthought. It might feel selfish, or even uncaring, to worry about your workouts right now.
But to me, it’s not silly or self-centered at all. We have to take care of ourselves so that we can be better prepared to take care of others — whether it’s your kids, parents, friends, or coworkers. And of course, exercise will help keep you well, and working out can improve your immunity far more than spending the equivalent amount of time sitting on your couch.
To that end, over the weekend, I compiled a list of 14 workout programs and special offers that I’ve heard about through PR emails or word-of-mouth (ahem, Instagram). You can find that link here, if you’re curious.
Stay well, y’all.
