Coronapocalypse: Handling Life Under Lockdown With The Coronavirus Outbreak

​*Subject to change pending updates on regulations amid the Covid-19 outbreak

Considering I work in news full-time, the last thing I feel like talking about right now is the Coronavirus. That being said, one of the industries hardest hit by it has been travel. From vacations cancelled or postponed to temporary travel bans, travelers are learning to make due with a new way of life in the midst of an outbreak. Add on to that the stress of being out of work or trying to find a babysitter for your kids because their schools are closed for the next few weeks. It’s a tough time all-around. 

For the majority of us, we’re under self-isolation. We may not have the virus, but we’re trying to stay home and away from others as much as possible to help avoid spreading it further. It’s called ‘Social Distancing’ .

Now, while some folks are handling this outbreak gracefully, there are others who seem to think “shitting yourself non-stop” is a symptom. Newsflash: it’s not. People hoarding toilet paper and hand-sanitizer right now are the real-life version of the token asshole in every disaster movie. 

With travel virtually obsolete and our social scene bleak, it can bring up feelings of boredom and frustration. So, what are some positive things we can do to help us get through the Covid-19 outbreak? 

1. Save up for your future travels
Believe me, it can be SUPER tempting to book a plane ticket right now. The other day I saw a $46 round trip ticket from Detroit to New Orleans, and I seriously considered taking a weekend getaway. The thing is, you can run the risk of your flight getting cancelled, especially if things continue to get worse. What you CAN do though, is use this time to put away extra money for future travels. If you’re not out spending money because everything is closed, then save up! This virus won’t be around forever and we’ll get to travel again. In the meantime, we can save up for adventures to come.

2. Get out in nature
Social distancing just means staying away from other people; it doesn’t mean you have to stay inside though. Personally speaking, nature is one of the best ways I can lift my spirits and exercise at the same time. If you’re feeling unsure of hitting the gym, go on a hike! You’ll feel better and won’t have to worry about being around any crowds.

3. Help out someone who can’t go out
If you’re young and healthy, consider running some errands for folks who are considered high-risk if they get the Coronavirus. Be the person who asks “What can I do for others?” instead of “I’ve got mine. You’re on your own.”

4. Stay in communication
Being physically isolated doesn’t mean you have to stop talking to each other. Thankfully we live in a time when technology is very helpful during an outbreak. Facetime, phone calls, texts. It’s important that we still remember to reach out to each other so we don’t feel so alone.

5. Find the funny and the good
Coronavirus – or any outbreak for that matter – is a serious thing and I would never aim to maliciously make light of that. However, these things can leave us feeling stressed out and perhaps in a state of panic. Memes and videos can help us relieve some of that. And hey, IT'S OKAY TO LAUGH. You’re not a bad person for laughing at a Coronavirus meme. It means you’re human and trying to not lose your mind from all the negativity that you’re also hearing. There are a few viral videos out of Italy that I love. One shows people under isolation playing music together from their individual apartment balconies and another of an opera singer serenading his neighbors in Florence. When times are tough, it's okay to seek out things that lift us up.

6. Watch your favorite travel films
Feeling bummed you can’t actually take that trip to Paris right now? Let the movies bring you there. They can inspire you, so that when this does blow over, you’ll be even more ready and excited to travel again.

And P.S.,
​If someone you know is buying up all the toilet paper from stores, feel free to send them a bottle of Miralax.