It has been a very long six months and I have spent most of it cooped up in my house, only leaving for medical appointments.  I have felt very lonely and isolated during this time, missing my friends and family. I have watched others start going back out to restaurants and even Disney, and I feel a little envious. For someone with autoimmune disease on immunosuppressants the risk and complications of getting COVID is too dangerous to chance venturing out. Even with masks, sanitizer, and social distancing, I still do not feel completely safe. In an attempt to maintain my mental health at home, I’ve had to get creative. Here are my tips for surviving the pandemic:

1. Start a journal/diary. Its a great way to express your feelings, and an excellent way to document everything that is going on. Can you imagine reading it years from now?

2. Pick up a new hobby, or even an old hobby. For me, it has been writing.

3. Use apps such as Zoom or Houseparty to connect with friends and family. I especially love Houseparty because you can play games with your friends.

4. Go for a walk. Its great exercise and the fresh air is so good for our well-being. I just started taking my baby for walks in the morning, and I feel energized for the rest of the day. 

5. Learn something new. I’ve spent a lot of time reading during the quarantine, and I’d like to think I’ve gotten just a little bit smarter over these past few months.

What are some of your tips for surviving the pandemic?