Now more than ever, it’s really easy to get caught up in the negatives. We sit at home, bored and isolated, longing to see the people we care about outside of our immediate families. This is not a period of time in which life feels meaningful—or even interesting: sports leagues are suspended, school is out for the remainder of the semester, parks are closed and activities are hard to come by. But it’s because of this fact that it’s even more important to keep a positive outlook and maintain a connected, healthy lifestyle. 

It’s difficult to imagine the COVID-19 pandemic 30 or 40 years ago. The internet affords us so many opportunities that are widely taken for granted. We can call our friends up at a moment’s notice; instant entertainment resides at our fingertips; classes can proceed online. Though currently there is a lack of tangible aspects of life, it doesn’t mean that reality has to be mundane and tedious. 

I found myself stressed out over the idea of quarantine when the virus first made its way into Missouri, and that was only amplified with the suspension of school and sports. I thought I’d have extreme difficulty staying busy, but within a few days I had picked up enough hobbies to enjoy time inside. I played guitar frequently, caught up on Netflix I had yet to binge and strangely enough, I opened myself up to talking to new people. It’s refreshing in a sense. New conversations are always exciting; people chat and find similar interests; they share stories and comment on social issues, all in an environment that isn’t as busy or stressful as everyday life. I was able to connect with people I hadn’t talked to in years over baking and music; politics and boredom. 

There isn’t one method to navigating life indoors, just like there isn’t to life outside, but accepting the circumstances and committing to a routine is certainly a dominant factor. No one knows when the fear of a spreading disease will be quelled, and this sentiment was echoed in the decision from Gov. Mike Parson to close all Missouri public and charter schools for the duration of the school year. Because of the uncertainty, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the anxiety of the situation, which is why it’s necessary to pick up something to stay busy. Text or call a friend, reach out to an old acquaintance, check in with your extended family, dust off the instrument in the corner of your bedroom, watch a movie you’ve been wanting to see, get in a set of pushups and sit-ups. It may seem like we’re trapped inside, but understanding that it’s for the greater good is important. Everyone has to make the best of the situation, not for themselves necessarily, but for the health and safety of those around them. Just because action is limited doesn’t mean the outlook has to be bleak.