5 Ways to Combat Quarantine Fatigue

mega-sized lucky charm treats are a surefire way to cheer yourself up

Coming to the tail-end of week nine, and I am not feeling fine. It looks like we're in for a beautiful spring weekend here in Boston. People are getting restless, and I'm one of them. I'm ready for the world to open up, take our chances on herd immunity, and see where the chips lie.

I won't be getting my wish anytime soon. And since I'm not a dick and realize this is about more than me and my desire to sidle up to a bar and order an obscenely priced drink, I've come to terms with the fact that this is going to be a lost summer.

I know I'm not the only one struggling with this -"quarantine fatigue" is the catchphrase of the week- so here are some things to help combat the itch to travel/patio drink/hug friends and family/resume normal life:

Take it one day at a time

This will end. Maybe not next month, next fall, or as quick as we'd like, but it will. While we're all accepting that life won't ever go back to "normal," we will get our lives back someday. In the meantime, stop thinking about the 4th of July BBQ you'll miss and wondering if classes will be on campus come fall. Focus on today and how you're going to use the time you have right now. 

Re-create your favorite restaurant

Chances are by this point, your favorite restaurant has opened up again on some level. Support them by ordering a cocktail kit, growler, or the dish you've been missing the most. If your ride-or-die spot isn't open, this is the perfect time to try something new, preferably a local small business. Once you've procured the goods, put the food on real plates and use real silverware and your favorite glassware. Dim the lights and put on your favorite playlist. Eat at the table instead of on the couch (I know, this is a hard one!) It's not the same as going out, but it's the best we've got in the meantime. 

Allow yourself to rest

We were all so hilariously unprepared for this. Remember when we thought it was going to be two weeks and we were all going to work on our best selves? Get that 15-step skincare routine down pat, learn Italian and Mandarin, start running 5 miles everyday? LMAO There's a lot of pressure to use this time to improve. If that's in your wheelhouse, go for it. But don't feel ashamed or embarrassed if you're not flourishing. If your television is constantly on, if you live in your pajamas, if the most mental stimulation you've had is calculating the tip on your takeout. We're all dealing with this the best we can and shouldn't feel like we need to come out of this a "better" version of ourselves.

Reach out to an old friend

This is the perfect time to reach out to someone who you've haven't heard from in awhile, since you have an easy in "Hey! How are you handling the end of the world?" It's not like they're going to be too busy to respond. The connections we have are the saving grace in all of this, so use technology to your advantage and work on your relationships. 

Create new routines 

Chances are, your morning routine is looking a little different these days. I'm a total creature of habit and love having a morning and evening routine to start mentally triggering myself to wake up and quiet down. Whatever your old routine was, try to carve out a new one you can stick with. It's important to give your days some structure, and will make it easier when the transition back to "normal" life starts up again. 

Bonus Tip: Give your self a makeover!

Treat yourself to that sleek bob or those side bangs you always saw yourself with. Don't wait for the salon to open, just YouTube that shit! 

Just kidding, this will only end in tears.