What's a Grad to do During Quarantine?
Hey yall! This is Gabrielle (but my friends call me Gabby) and I’m here to chat about some things we can do during quarantine. Just for historical context, I, and most of the country, have been in self-isolation in response to the Corona Virus, aka COVID 19, aka ‘Rona, aka “The COVID”. I don’t think anyone ever thought that something like this was possible. A virus has essentially taken over the world and has forced us all to take a seat. There have been plenty of jokes, videos, and memes, but it is important to remember that thousands of lives have been taken by this virus and families are struggling if not through grief, then financially. It is truly a tough time and we all need ways to protect our state of mind. So I’ve concocted a few things to do while being at home.
For my recent grads, WELCOME TO THE PARTY! My thoughts and prayers are with the Class of 2020, who did not get to partake in the graduation experience. I’m not going to blah blah about my own graduation because that wouldn't be fair. But I do want to welcome you to Post-Grad Survival and post-grad life. It can be scary at times, but I hope this blog brings you some support. Please check out my earlier blog posts for some good old fashion adulting comfort.
Alright! What have I been doing to keep myself sane while at home??
Handwritten Letters to Friends
Pretty early on in quarantine, one of my very best friends (hey Bailz!) sent me a text and asked for my address. I’m like “girl, for why?”. But a few days later, I received the CUTEST postcard from her. This is probably an experience that many of us never had or haven’t had in a long time. Someone took the time out to get a card, write a note checking in on me, got a stamp, and snail mailed it to me. I thought it was the sweetest thing! So I went to my own little office space, lit a candle, and wrote back to her. Even while writing the letter, I had such a sense of calm and happiness, anticipating her reaction when she gets it in the mail. So why not become penpals with your best pals? Sure, a text is quicker. But a small letter in the mail packs so much more sentimental value and will guarantee to brighten your bestie’s day.
2. Try Some DIY’S
I was scrolling through Insta one day, and on my discover page, someone was doing some amazing DIY projects. Now, I'm not one for DIY projects because before quarantine I was working 3 jobs. So any free time I had was spent with friends, turning up, or at church. With all 3 of those options as nonfactors, I now have plenty of time to try some DIY’s. BUT I didn’t want to have to buy a bunch of materials. I feel like that defeats the purpose of both quarantine and a cheap project. So I found a project that I could do easily at home while also recycling, aka SAVING THE WORLD.
I repurposed Bath and Body Works Candles into storage containers!
I had a bunch of candles that were pretty much down for the count and usually I would just have to throw them out. But I found a method that clears out the left over candle wax and gunk and allows you to put whatever you want in a beautiful, clear container. I loved it! Hot, boiling water brings all excess wax to the top so you can just pop it out. Rubbing alcohol removes residue and that black musk that comes from the flames. Windex gives it an awesome finish. All these materials I had laying around the crib! I now have my bracelets and earrings beautifully organized on my vanity and I’m just obsessed with how cute my candle jars are now! Give it a try and tell me what you think! Some of my friends have also used the candle containers as pots for plants, container or cotton balls, pipe cleaners, and makeup brushes.
3. Journaling
Let’s keep it real. After 3 suggestions, we start to tap out so I will leave you to your Netflix bingeing after this one. Journaling. Who would think there is so much power in just writing? Wild, right? As you probably know from my previous posts, I was an actor in college. And in many of my acting classes, we had to keep a journal either to write about our experiences in class or to write as our characters and build a sort of life before the play. Some people found it to be a chore, but I loved it. There’s something cathartic about putting pen to paper and pouring your thoughts on the page. During a time like this, many of us are feeling a lot of things and rightfully so! But it’s important for me to not allow my emotions to fester, especially in close quarters with people that I love. I’m human and therefore I get angry and upset, but instead of engaging in a screaming match it is always a better option to take a break and write it all out. I always feel better when I do. I also believe keeping a journal during this time will allow us to be truthful about this historic event. No one will be able to downplay what happened because I have a record of how I felt as I experienced it. Who knows? Maybe our experiences will be quite valuable to someone one day!
Well, these are just 3 things I’m doing during quarantine to keep my mind occupied and to spend less time in front of a screen. I hope these are helpful and bring some joy to your heart and mind. I’m sending prayers out on the daily and Post-Grad Survivalists are on that list. And I am truly believing for an end to this so that we can enjoy the upcoming summer! Drop a comment about what you’re doing to stay sane or your summer plans! Stay safe and stay positive, friend.