To say that we’re living in stressful times would be a ridiculous understatement.
With a pandemic still raging on, Americans have been facing isolation and an ever-present dread as we begin our fourth month of quarantine and social distancing. The murder of George Floyd has shone a light on the racist violence Black Americans face from the police, leading to a surge of protests and activism as people grieve and fight for justice.
Living through so much upheaval can take a tremendous toll on one’s mental health. Finding ways to practice self-care is vitally important, especially at a time like this, but it can be difficult to figure out what to do as we are all essentially trapped inside.
I interviewed a few members of the Survivors to Superheroes team to ask what they’ve been doing to find some joy and comfort in the little things in their everyday lives.
My good friend and Survivors’ Treasurer, Sandy Chilson, has been getting into art. She said:
“I’ve taken up painting again recently. I haven’t painted in a long time and it’s something I’m fairly good at. I’ve been painting things that I find particularly pretty lately and I’ve been using this time to just make art without worrying about whether or not it’s good. It helps me use up some of my free time and is good practice in being kind to myself.”
I love that idea–making art without worrying if it’s “good.” As an artist myself, I often find that making art for fun can actually be quite stressful for me. Though I love to draw and write, it’s very easy for me to get completely caught up in whether or not what I’m creating is “good,” trapping me in a creative standstill. I’ll definitely be taking Sandy’s words to heart as I continue trying to make art in quarantine!
Other people have been finding comfort in various forms of media. Though many of us (myself included) have been falling down the rabbit hole of binging TV and movies on different streaming services, there is a lot more out there to enjoy. Our Director of Research, Emily Strayer talked to me about her love of reading. She said:
“I’ve recently started reading a lot of books that I’ve put off beginning because I was so busy. Reading brings me a lot of comfort. I enjoy reading memoirs the most and learning about others’ lives helps distract me from everything going on.”
For those looking to do some reading whose public libraries have been closed due to Covid-19, I recommend going to your local library’s website and checking out their e-books. Through services like Hoopla Digital and OverDrive, you can access e-books and audiobooks for free–with your library card!
Other people have been finding comfort in nature. Our Vice President of Content, Jamie Tortorello-Allen, talked to me about her experiences in the great outdoors. She said:
“I’ve been making a conscious effort to get outside every day. I’m tremendously fortunate to live in an area with woods, ponds, flowers and lots of wildlife. In the past weeks, I’ve spotted snakes, frogs, deer and even a heron. Connecting with nature reminds me that the world still has beauty and peace, if I take the time to look for it.”
If you’re able to, going outside and walking in nature can be a wonderful destresser. It’s a great time to clear your head–and get some exercise while you’re at it.
I personally have started dancing a lot! I’m not a good dancer by anyone’s standards (ten years of dance classes were thoroughly wasted on me), but it’s something I really have fun with. Having a little dance party with myself every night has been very comforting. It’s great for staying active as well as just taking my mind off of everything for a little bit.
Also, I’ve been stress baking. Like, a LOT. But, hey, I’ve really perfected my chocolate chip cookies!
How have you been finding joy in your daily life during quarantine?
Laura Browne
Hi, I’m Laura! I’m a 24 year old artist, performer, and educator from Westchester, New York. I joined Survivors to Superheroes because I believe we need to get rid of the stigma surrounding talking about sexual violence. I want survivors to feel supported and heard. With my articles, I hope to open the door to honest conversations about sexual violence in the world around us. Beyond my work with Survivors to Superheroes, I love to bake, draw, and write comedy!
