One year of quarantine. One year of isolation. One year of having to live through history-making events. 

What a year. 

I think it’s safe to say that being in quarantine has had its ups and downs. I know I’ve had. The isolation has put a strain on my mental health and well-being as it has for a lot of people. 

You can’t talk or hang out with your friends like you used to, can’t go out as often, and can’t really do anything fun. Just the same boring day every single day. 

It’s hard to find any sort of positivity when the world is crashing and burning, but that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s nothing to be positive about. Now I know what you’re thinking—Oh God, another ‘feel that cool breeze and good vibes’ type person.” 

Don’t worry, I’m not going to tell you to start journaling or something. 

Personally, all the standard things you’re told to do to be happy don’t work for me. I can’t sit still enough to meditate or do yoga, my apartment isn’t big enough for me to get all my energy out, and I just get bored so easily. 

Thankfully, despite the difficulties in doing standard positive things, there are some things to do. Something I found really helpful during all this was watching movies and TV shows. We pretty much have all the time in the world to catch up on shows and movies and to escape into meaningless entertainment. Even though it may seem like a lazy and unproductive positive, you have to give yourself a break to just enjoy something. 

My family has been a big help throughout everything. We’ve definitely had our downs in the past year, but as always, we get through it. Not everyone’s family is like mine, but hopefully you have at least one person to talk to or bother. In a time where we can’t really connect with anybody, it’s also a great time to connect with each other. 

This quarantine gives opportunities to be more open. It’s better to talk to someone about what you’re feeling and letting it out than holding it all in, especially in a time like this. The last thing anyone needs right now is even more stress and absolutely no one to vent to.

We can’t really go out for fresh air anymore for obvious reasons, but it’s still a good idea to at least go on a walk or run every now and then. We all need a breather, and getting your body moving after a stressful day can help a bit. Sometimes the streets are pretty empty, which makes going on a quiet and peaceful walk (with a mask on of course) such a good feeling. 

What was only supposed to be two weeks turned into a year, and we’ve all gone through so much within the span of it. We all deserve at least five minutes to just smile and be happy about something. 

Yes, it is difficult, but difficult doesn’t mean impossible. I know the feeling of all hope being lost in darkness, but sometimes, it’s only us who can really find our way out. 

Happy one year of quarantine—here’s to it hopefully ending soon.