Living in a capitalist society that demands we are productive non stop, even while in the midst of a global pandemic seems problematic to me. Let's challenge that notion.
You have permission to rest. Your mind + body will thank you for it.
Unless you are living under a rock and have no access to social media, you've heard about "quarantine productivity". Let me explain further. Quarantine productivity is the act of making sure to use every second of your free time to be productive while many of us are at home due to the pandemic. The idea is to make extra money, create a side hustle or start some sort of at-home business during the pandemic. I’ve even seen some memes that go as far as saying “if you come out of this quarantine without a new hustle or skill, you're doing it wrong”. This meme also shines a light on toxic positivity. I have such an issue with this type of thinking that is common in our society, but It’s usually innocent comments because of mass ignorance. I’m used to people saying things like “cheer up” when I tell them I’m depressed or “things could be worse” when I explain my Chronic Lyme Disease and Arthritis symptoms. In my opinion, the line has officially been crossed when it comes to pressure during a global pandemic.
I’ve even seen some memes that go as far as saying “if you come out of this quarantine without a new hustle or skill, you're doing it wrong”.
To make families who are already anxiety-riddled feel like they aren’t doing enough or they aren’t doing the right things is very harmful to our mental health. I don't know about other countries but Americans are workhorses by design. Conditioned to think that once you graduate college, get a prestigious job and make a certain amount of money, you have officially made it. Money and success are synonymous for many Americans. Think about this, the entire world is currently experiencing a pandemic. Instead of YouTubers, the media, bloggers, and friends promoting staying mentally and physically health, exercising, or self-care, they are promoting the "you'll sleep when you're dead, money is the only goal" mentality. This toxic tactic seems like it would create more panic and anxiety for everyone.
Although I am a huge introvert and am fully enjoying the quiet “break” from normal life, I even felt uneasy and guilty for not being at work or laying around watching Netflix. I quickly realized that the guilt was a useless emotion and gave myself permission to take a step back.
I'm still a work in progress in every aspect of my life but I'm pretty sure I've mastered the quarantine balance (for me).
You do not have to be productive, run 6 miles, homeschool your child perfectly, repaint the kitchen, and meal prep all before 6 pm. I repeat, you have permission to relax.
You do not have to be productive, run 6 miles, homeschool your child perfectly, repaint the kitchen, and meal prep all before 6 pm. I repeat, you have permission to relax. Actually, I'm demanding you relax. In my mind, this is a perfect time for us to all recover from life as much as realistically possible. Or am I the only one who needs to recover? Could you afford to or be allowed to take a month or two off of work before the pandemic? Would you have had as much time to try new recipes before the quarantine? When have you ever had this much undivided time with your children? When have you had this much consecutive time to connect with your partners and loved ones? Maybe it's just me but I am taking full advantage of this downtime. Instead of rushing to get up and get the day started when I wake up in the mornings, I take my time. I write down things I am grateful for, I make a cup of peppermint tea, browse Facebook and warm my body up for yoga. This slow start to the day makes me feel like I am free, in no rush and the only goal is to be mindful and present. After I do yoga and massage my back using my massage gun, I go outside to sit in the garden (I realized not everyone has this luxury). My favorite part of the day is cooking. If my mom or boyfriend ever reads this article, they will faint in surprise. I hate cooking. Well, before the pandemic I hated cooking. Now I am starting to think that I actually like cooking. Previously, I just didn’t have enough time in the day to cook and work full time. I don't understand how anyone does that regularly. In the past, I would meal prep on Sundays and only because I absolutely had to. Since early March 2020, I have been cooking full meals almost every day.
COVID has been devastating and unforeseen but are you thriving through self-care or drowning in productivity?
As I mentioned before, I am taking full advantage of this downtime and I’m receiving so
much positive reinforcement at the same time. It’s a beautiful thing. I try to nap during the
day (never works) and run errands/grocery shop only if necessary. There is no set schedule, I still make a list of things I would like to get done but I don’t beat myself up if I don’t get to it. My Quarantine style is: one day at a time, and I must say it has been a success.
Maybe it's the chronic illness talking, maybe it's the introvert in me but I am fully invested in taking care of myself. For right now and for the future when things go back to "normal". If you are working yourself sick right now because the media pressured you to, you'll feel terrible when the time actually comes for us to resume “normal” work hours. COVID has been devastating and unforeseen but are you thriving through self-care or drowning in productivity?
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