How I’m Preparing for a Quarantine Winter
Photo/Illustration by Molly Ferguson for Stat
I’ve seen a bunch of articles out about preparing for a Covid Winter, so here’s how I am personally tackling this upcoming season. Maybe it’ll be easier than I expect because I’ll feel less inclined to go out and cozying up inside will be more desirable, or maybe I’ll feel lonelier around the holidays and as the sun sets early. Who knows. This isn’t some major breakthrough or new information, but it’s how I’m personally going to manage this upcoming season.
Stocking the Pantry (and bathroom)
This is an obvious, but I’m slowly stocking the pantry and bathroom. If you saw how bad things were in March-May at the store, I would learn from any past mistakes and stock up on what you can. No, I’m not preparing a nuclear bunker, but I am stocking up on some items that I found difficult to find then — including toilet paper. I’m lucky to only have to buy for myself (and some shared items with my roommate). Stocking up what I can now will save me some peace of mind for if things go really bad once again, or even if a snow storm hits.
Preparing my Remedies
With winter comes illness, regardless of coronavirus, but now that Covid-19 plays a factor we all should be hyper-vigilant and cautious of any illness that strikes. I’m sure there will be thousands of people who will come down with something at some point, so I’m preparing my supplies and remedies early. With the growing trend of increased cases with the impending onset of the seasonal flu and common cold, I don’t want to be caught anywhere with the sniffles. I’ve prepped myself ahead of time with extra bottles of cold medicine, vitamins, etc., that I otherwise would normally just run to the store only if I needed it. I’m going to thank myself later.
Adapting my WFH Routine (And Space)
Perhaps you naturally change your routine as the seasons change, but I find it especially pertinent to adapt my routine and space for the cold months. From decorating differently to trying a new skincare regimen, I’m trying to find new ways to change up my routine. It’s been a nice treat to turn on my holiday lights early as I’m working, especially when the sun sets so early. It’s easy for everything to blend together, so I want to be able to separate work from home from living at work. I’m not a coffee drinker, but I do need more tea breaks, especially in the winter!
Anticipating & Prepping My Hobbies
Discovering new hobbies and following trends can come and go and I’ll never know what I’ll get myself into a few months from now. Remember in the beginning of quarantine when everyone was baking bread? Or when all the craft stores were out of stock of water color supplies? Or when the online bookstores were backordered for weeks? I’m saving myself some time and preparing some of my materials now, so when the boredom or sadness hits, I have an immediate outlet. The worst thing is when you want to do something, realize you don’t have it on-hand and have to order it, and now you’re waiting for your package to come. OR it’s sold out and you’re stuck.
For me, I’ve gotten some clay, embroidery supplies, and other craft supplies. I also bought stamps! I also want to order a few books for the new year and I should probably prep some baking supplies too.
Accepting the Holidays will Look Different (Duh!)
The holidays for most people translate to large gatherings. While I anticipate still spending it with my immediate family (my already existing bubble), I don’t foresee seeing outside family and friends. For Christmas, my family normally attends Christmas mass/service. Last year, I was also able to throw a New years party and I’m bummed we can’t do any of these things this year. While not a holiday, I’ll throw it in because of December, but I’ll be celebrating my birthday differently this month too :/
Accepting the Cold For What It’s Worth
“There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes,” is what I need to remind myself through this Quarantine Winter. It’s okay to go outside, as long as you are prepared and I really need to remind myself to go outside every once in awhile, even if it’s cold out. I can still enjoy safe outdoor activities, even if that means wearing a few additional layers. Outdoor socializing can still exist! Winter does not mean you have to live miserably, stay perpetually indoors, or get upset every time the sun sets a little earlier than we would like.
Be a Little More Vigilant About My Mental Health
In a way, I’m one of the lucky ones where I don’t typically suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder or “seasonal depression”). I’ve always liked the Fall/Winter seasons over the warmer months. It’s almost like I have reverse SAD, where the warmer months make me feel all out of sorts. However, this year has really just thrown everyone in for a loop, so I want to be more vigilant about recognizing if my mental health is suffering and doing what I can to make myself feel better.