Like many, my family and I have been navigating the challenges of social distancing for over two weeks. When the announcement came that various events were canceled, our previously bustling calendar turned into a vast expanse of free time. Gone were the basketball games and the runs to multiple baseball practices. Errands became unnecessary, and our spring break plans evaporated, leaving us with a week at home devoid of structured activities.
At first, this seemed like a dream come true for an introvert like me. I envisioned cozy days spent with my loved ones, no rushing from one obligation to another. I thought I could finally tackle that basement organization project or finish the book gathering dust on my nightstand.
However, I soon discovered that the so-called “extra time” of social distancing was largely filled with anxiety and constant worry. Sure, I could pick up a book—if only I could distract myself from the relentless thoughts about COVID-19.
Instead of waking up early to get my teenager ready, I found myself waking at dawn, consumed by the latest news updates. I may not have been rushing to children’s activities, but I was endlessly scrolling through news articles. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by a packed schedule, I was paralyzed by anxiety and confusion.
I acknowledge my privilege—I am safe at home with loved ones who are healthy, and our jobs are secure. I enjoy being at home, yet the internet is overflowing with voices urging gratitude and productivity. Many suggest we should organize our spaces, reach out to old friends over video calls, or even embark on creative projects.
What these well-meaning suggestions often overlook is that many of us are grappling with significant anxiety. Some of us struggle with sleep, and even when we do manage to rest, we wake up feeling drained. Many empaths feel overwhelmed by the suffering of others, even if it doesn’t directly affect us. We know we should limit our news intake and social media usage, but it feels impossible to disengage.
These recommendations to “make the most of it” can inadvertently heighten feelings of guilt and sadness. The idea that we should simply be grateful for our circumstances, while valid, doesn’t always consider the complexity of human emotions. There are no “Struggle Olympics”—your pain is valid, regardless of someone else’s situation. It’s entirely possible to be grateful for your life while still feeling lost and heartbroken about the current reality.
I’m not dismissing the idea of finding silver linings during tough times. If you’re thriving and checking things off your to-do list, that’s fantastic! But for those of us just trying to get through each day, that’s perfectly okay, too. These are unprecedented and unsettling times, and self-compassion is crucial.
Allow yourself to feel whatever you need to feel—whether it’s crying once a day for no particular reason or spending a whole day simply staring out the window. There’s no need to hold yourself to a standard of productivity right now; surviving the day is achievement enough.
We are facing challenges unlike any we’ve encountered before, and that’s terrifying. Some are trying to juggle work while homeschooling their kids, while others are battling intensified anxiety due to current events. It’s understandable to require more time to adjust to this “new normal.” Remember, it’s okay to feel that way.
There’s no singular “correct” way to manage life during a global pandemic—aside from following health guidelines, of course. So, be gentle with yourself. If you’re feeling unmotivated or low on energy, you are certainly not alone.
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Summary:
Many people are grappling with low energy and motivation during these challenging times. While it’s important to recognize our privileges, we must also validate our feelings of anxiety and confusion. Everyone experiences emotions differently, and there’s no right way to navigate a global crisis. Allowing ourselves to feel and to take things slow is essential for mental health.
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