BALLARO: Pandemic advice for 2021
Column: Hindsight is 20/21
I think many of us, myself included, have the desire to escape from the trauma of last year. That said, there is some benefit in looking back for figuring out how to move forward.
In other news, I got the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) back in December 2020. I had really underestimated the toll it would take on my body. I am still recovering from the ever-present fatigue even as I write this article.
As my body deteriorates as fast as my brain in isolation, I figured I could share some tips that I have come up with in the aftermath of 2020. After consulting many friends along the way, here is a list of tips I have compiled that actually work (not clickbait) for surviving 2021.
For those of us living with our parents, it is not always easy. When one member of the house tests positive for COVID-19, living in close quarters presents a challenge.
There are many ways to reduce the spread. Every time you think about leaving your bedroom cocoon, ask yourself, is it really necessary?
Every time a family member thinks about saying their unique political hot take, tell them to close their mouth to avoid spreading droplets in the air. Signs and symptoms of political opinion toxicity overdose may include delusion, paranoia and acts of sedition. Consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for further explanation.
If you are feeling lonely, stop going over to “hang out” with that one guy from high school in your hometown. He is a bum, he has no future and you deserve better.
When texting with a newfound cyber date, know that yes, there is a difference between the two kissing emojis. The one without the heart is chill, but the one with the heart means it is serious. Tread with caution.
At the beginning of every day, set a very achievable task for you to complete. Do a few dishes, and only a few, not the whole sink. Take a walk down the driveway. Currently, I am reading a wonderful book. I might only be reading one page a day, but that is one more book than what I was reading before.
Get some eco-friendly light bulbs. If you are going to be in the house all day, you might as well try to lower your carbon footprint and save some cash on your electricity bill.
Maintain your personal hygiene routine. And your beauty routine for that matter. You might not be leaving your home lately, but that does not mean you have to look like a mess. Roll up to that next Zoom meeting with a cut crease, a 501 lash and 6-inch acrylics. And do not forget to glue down your eyebrows and contour. Okay, what I am saying is this: Just get into full drag before your synchronous class.
Or at least just try to get in one shower a day and brush your teeth. Better yet, just brush your teeth while you are in the shower. I know on some days even showering feels like an insurmountable task, but just remember you are capable of so much more than you think. If showering is all you can do that day, then that is good enough.
It is okay to press pause on life every now and then. I will even write the email for you: “Dear Professor, I will be unable to attend class today due to mental health reasons. Best, (insert name here).”
Try taking care of something that can die. Focusing on the fragile mortality of something else helps take your mind off of your own fleeting existence. And it does not have to be something big like a dog or a kid — pick something with low stakes. House plants are great for this.
Accidental negligence on your part is morally neutral with plants. Remember, plants exist on a different plane of sentience than us, so they are incapable of comprehending pain. That and they make great home decor additions to liven up any room.
Absurdist humor aside, taking care of something or someone helps make life more meaningful when things feel dark. Helping others can give you a purpose
Shameless self-promotion, but try writing for The Daily Targum. It gives you something to do. And I do not care if you say to me, “Writing is not my thing,” or “Anthony, stop messaging me about this." All you need is a strong opinion and 700 to 900 words that form a coherent message. It looks great on a resume and you can walk around the house with the self-importance of an opinion columnist.
And for my last piece of advice, please, take the COVID-19 vaccine when you become eligible. Do I really need to elaborate?
Anthony Ballaro is a School of Arts and Sciences senior majoring in classics and public health. His column, "Hindsight is 20/21," runs on alternate Thursdays.
*Columns, cartoons and letters do not necessarily reflect the views of the Targum Publishing Company or its staff.
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