I’ve been on social media way more than usual right now because I am trying to get some idea of how everyone else is coping in our current coronavirus quarantining reality. There are many times it’s felt so surreal that I almost can’t believe it’s happening. Then there are other times I think thoughts like, will I wear shoes again? How clean are my groceries? Do I have to scrub up after collecting the mail? And then, of course, there are the horror stories I am reading in the news. It’s a lot.
I want to know how other people are doing in their quarantines. I am hungry to hear how others are adjusting, what they’re doing, and how they’re feeling. Instead of spending my time endlessly scrolling on social media, hoping I’ll come across the answers, I thought I’d pose my questions right here, to the community of people who read this blog.
How are you doing?
What’s happening in your city? Are schools, restaurants, etc. closed?
What’s getting you through this right now?
If you’re interested in participating, leave your answers in the comments. It’s so helpful and even reassuring to know we are in this together.
To kick things off I’ll go first.
I am doing okay. So many days I feel like I am treading water, vacillating between trying to take care of kids, trying to be productive at my writing and blog projects, and reading too many news stories. I am honestly not sure what scares me more, the virus or the economy. We both still have our jobs (for now) and I am thankful but worried. I have many healthcare professionals in my family and among my friends. I am most worried about them.
I’m in Portland, OR, and our state is under a ‘stay home, stay safe’ order. Only ‘essential’ businesses are still open. That means restaurants can only do take out or delivery, while salons, the malls, even playgrounds are closed. Our schools have been closed for almost two weeks. (this week is ‘Spring Break’)
The small things are getting me through this. Coloring with fresh colored pencils. A workout. Taking dog walks with each kid for some one-on-one time. A TV show at the end of the day. Reading a good book.
Shout out to Bridget of Tales of Me and the Husband, who first shared this idea on her blog.
Hope to see you in the comments. 
I am doing ok. I live in Edinburgh, in Scotland. Life in Scotland has been totally interrupted. The only shops are supermarkets and little shops that sell food and newspapers. All restaurants, pubs and cafes are closed. Schools and nurseries are all closed. One of my boys was going to have exams in May but for all young people in Scotland they have been cancelled. I am not sure what this will mean for the future. Right now my teenager is quite relaxed about the whole thing. Things that are keeping me happy are connecting with family using skype, I miss seeing people’s faces when you talk on the phone. Doing yoga video’s online is a good start to the day. Having work to do, e books from my local library and sending silly messages to friends helps to keep a sense of humour during this difficult time.
Hi Rowan, it’s so interesting to hear a snippet of what a teenager thinks. They are probably experiencing this in a very different way than the rest of us. Old enough to understand, but young enough to have fewer responsibilities. Agreed with using skype (for us it’s Zoom and FaceTime). Those simple means of communication have become a lifeline to others! I am so thankful.
I am much like the rest of you and just feel okay. What has really helped lately is limiting my news intake. I listen to npr for about an hour every morning and that’s it for the rest of the day. We are on spring break. I think next week will be better when we start distance learning ,so that we get some purpose to our days. The key for me is not to think too far ahead.
Jamie, I keep thinking back to what you said about ‘not thinking too far ahead’ I think that is so key to survival right now. Thank you for sharing this nugget!
I’m doing pretty well. I live in Madison, WI, where the schools (and our child’s daycare center) have been closed for almost two weeks. We were ordered to shelter in place starting yesterday. My husband and I both have full time jobs and trying to stay on top of work while caring for a 3 year old is not an easy feat! But it could be worse. At least we both have our jobs and we’re able to share childcare. I’m finding peace and joy in long walks, Skype dates, and focusing on the many things I’m grateful for (living very close to a lake, the ability to work from home, my family’s health, getting to spend extra time with my goofy 3 year old, online workouts, and our new slower family rhythm). One of the hardest questions for me right now is whether or not to continue trying to get pregnant (we’ve been trying for a year with no luck yet). I’m turning 40 this year, so it feels like hitting pause on trying might actually be hitting stop. It’s hard to know how to proceed with that decision right now. The uncertainty of what lies ahead is real, but that’s always true (if we’re being honest with ourselves). Overall, I’ve been surprised by how much I’m enjoying this new norm and I feel really fortunate. There are many people who are worse off and we’re going to need to find ways as a community to all get through this.
Thanks for sharing Courtney, so many interesting perspectives here. I love your gratitude. And such a good point, we truly never know what tomorrow will bring, and this (current pandemic) is a massive reminder of that. Best of luck as you decide what’s best for your family, moving forward.
Oh Andrea. You’re so sweet to ask this. I’ve been loving your mix of honesty/checking-in content with outfit content! It’s been exactly what I’ve been needing lately. Both meaningful connection AND distraction/hope for happier, warmer days OUT of the house!! In real clothes AND SHOES! haha.
This post couldn’t have been more timely, because I am struggling today. Working full-time with no childcare just feels not sustainable at all, and I’m honestly having a very hard time. I feel busier/more stressed out than ever, because there is just NOT enough time and energy to get everything done in the day. My coworkers are kind of understanding, but it’s tough because those without kids (which is most of them) are able to be more productive than ever right now (not that things are easy for them, just that they can really focus), whereas my productivity/creativity/brain have all been completely fried. I feel like I keep trying to start each new day with a new perspective/strategy on how to get things done, spend quality time with jack, make sure I shower and maybe get a little time to myself to walk or run, keep the house semi-picked up, and stay in touch with family and friends (especially a couple of my best friends that are single and therefore REALLY struggling with isolation right now). Oh and cooking, haha! I don’t know man. It’s like my life was already SO full, and I loved it, but I REALLY relied on my routine and separation of work and family time to feel sane. Now that everything’s jumbled together and I’m really trying to DO IT ALL, with of course the additional stress, fear, sadness, overwhelm by everything going on with the virus/our economy at the same time….it just feels really impossible. And I don’t know what the solution is. It’s like anything that we’d typically turn to to keep our sanity during a tough time (routine, quiet time, time with friends, workout classes or gym routines, etc.) is just all, POOF, gone. And dude, I’m in the most fortunate 99.9% of people right now! We will be ok financially even though we’re going without my husband’s salary for a bit. All of my friends and family are healthy, which is incredible considering how many cases of covid there are in NYC. I have a nice apartment with a dishwasher and washer and dryer and a roof deck for my kid to run/scoot on. And yet, DUDE! So hard! Trying to give myself grace while also offering up many, many prayers for those that are sick, struggling financially, without a home, without food security, etc. etc. Hoping for a better attitude tomorrow, but right now I’m just like THIS SUCKS I AM ANXIOUS MAKE IT ALL STOP. hahha. <3
Hi friend! Thank you for the kind words and feedback about my content. There is just so much to process right now, I can’t help but doing it real time with everyone else.
Your words are really ringing true for me. I feel like I’ve never been more swamped in my life. Trying to get all the household, kid and work things done makes me feel exhausted by the end of the day. Like you said, my productivity/creativity/brain is fried. Things are taking me twice as long than they normally would. But alas, as you said, it could be so. much. worse. Perspective is key right now, even if my perspective is on a rollercoaster. Hugs to you guys!! Stay safe in NYC. Good luck! Being at home with a 3-year-old (AND working) is in no way easy!!
I’m in Utah and right now while social distancing is strongly encouraged and schools and restaurants are closed we are not under any sort of shelter in place orders. I am a stay at home mom to one toddler so really my day to day isn’t terribly altered- at least not to the extent of most people. My husband is a school teacher so his employment is secure- but who would have ever guessed he would be working from home?!? Even though I haven’t had any MAJOR disruptions to my life it’s still so strange to be tucked away at home among all this uncertainty. I had a pretty good first week where I made sure to get out and hike and walk most days but this week the weather has been poor and so has my mood. We also have the responsibility of taking care of my widowed mother-in-law who does not want to and will not stay home. We are having her over for dinner and Sunday at-home worship and just hoping that only seeing each other still keeps us safe because what else can you do?? My biggest struggle honestly is trying not be judgmental of the next-door neighbors who have friends over, the gobs of people in the Best Buy parking lot, or even family members who think it’s okay to break quarantine when they get bored enough. I’m trying to practice compassion and hope I can turn this into a learning experience in that regard!
Hi Aub, I’ve had a few friends with young kids at home say the same, that it feels a little bit like more of the same. I hear you on the the shift from last week to now. I felt like I did a better job at getting dressed and having a positive outlook, where this week I just feel like I’m dragging a bit. I am glad to hear your husband’s job is safe, that is huge.
You make such an interesting point about not being judgemental. I’ve totally been doing that, it’s so easy to judge when I see people in my feed headed to the beaches, and getting together with people and basically, doing the opposite of flattening the curve. I need to do better. Thank you for that perspective.
I live in Philadephia. Much of the state of Pennsylvania is under orders to stay home, with only essential stores (groceries, pharmacy, etc) open. We’re supposed to stay home as much as possible except to purchase essentials and for outdoor exercise purposes solo or in family groups. I’m working from home and so is basically the whole firm I work for. This has been a reasonably easy transition for us, as many of us worked at home once a week or occasionally, so we had the laptops, software, etc that we need. It’s strange to be working from home everyday but it’s also nice to have some structure. I live alone and I’m finding the weekdays to be mostly ok. By the time I work, get some exercise, feed myself and my cats, I’m pretty tired and ready for couch time to knit and watch tv or read in bed. But the weekends are tougher. I’ve never spent this much time alone before. Last weekend I swung from totally okay to wildly anxious and back again almost all day Saturday. I’ve picked up a puzzle and a paint by numbers in the attempt to have more stuff to do around the house just to distract myself. I’m cognizant that I’m really lucky. I am still working, getting paid, can afford to buy what I need plus some extras to distract myself. It’s just a very strange time.
It is such a strange time. In some ways I envy all your productive work time! And I can relate to the wild swings. I have found myself on the verge of tears many times over the oddest things, and other times feeling grateful and content. It’s just a lot. I am so glad you have a job where working remote is easy and you have cats to keep you company. All of the animals are coming in clutch right now. I have hugged my dogs sooo many times. Thanks for sharing Maureen!
We are in NYC. Yes the epicenter of it all. We have been in self-isolation since March 14th. My son’s teacher tested positive last week and now both kids have low grade fevers, headaches and sore throats. This is real. Luckily our friends who are positive are all recovering at home right now. We cope by distraction: dance parties as we wash our hands, online videos for exercise (the kids love GothamGymnasticsLive workouts on IG for girls and boys), Science podcasts, audio books and fashion blogs. The best part of the week is happy hour “drinks” on Zoom with my girlfriends who are spread across the US and Canada. We have a theme for our next happy hour: Style a bandana. Being silly makes things less scary. I am wondering how the world changed so drastically overnight. I am wondering how kids will ever go back to school without a vaccine. I am wondering how my single, newly unemployed friends and neighbors will survive the unknown. Each night we pray for our doctors, nurses and hospital workers who are our hometown heroes keeping our city together. New Yorkers are made of the tough stuff.
This gives me goosebumps Jessica. Wow, thank you for sharing a true peek inside. It’s a good perspective to get. Love that you are praying for your hometown heroes
, they need it. We will add our prayers too. I love that you and your family (and friends) have found levity in this. It DOES feel like everything changed overnight. The distractions and little bits of normalcy are so life giving. Much love from Oregon. Thank you for sharing. 
Thank you for giving us this space to open up about our lives in this moment. If you and your readers have time on your hands and want to feel productive here are some of the things my friends are doing right now: sewing masks for hospital workers and the elderly, making meals and delivering them to the doorsteps of seniors with a note from a child, deliver a bag of groceries to someone who has lost their job, bake goodies for friends etc. One of the best thing New Yorkers are doing is painting/creating rainbows in our windows so kids can spot them on their daily walks. Check out: https://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/map-rainbow-windows-are-connecting-new-yorkers-during-coronavirus-social-distancing.
Stay safe and wash your hands folks :)))
Thank you so much Jessica!!
I’m also in WI so under the “safer at home” order like Courtney. I’ve been working from home for over a week prior to that starting so I already feel adjusted to this new normal. I’m feeling incredibly grateful that I’m able to work remotely and that my employer is considered an essential business so will stay open. Work has been a great way to feel productive and like I’m still contributing to society. I really feel for those that are struggling with financial uncertainty right now on top of everything else. Outside of work time I’ve been focusing on non-tech hobbies as much as possible so that I get distance from screens–I would highly recommend this, especially for those not able to work right now. Doing something creative is a wonderful break from the constant information consumption we are tempted to do. I only allow myself to check the news once per day because I find it too inflammatory but I still want to know any major updates for my area. Bottom line: I am incredibly fortunate because this has not impacted my job, I am not at high risk, and I’m very introverted so it’s had almost no impact on my social life. I am much more concerned for the health of my relatives and older community members than I am for myself.
Hi Kaylee, thanks for a peek inside your world. Such good advice about the non-tech hobbies and getting distance from screens. I am finding myself increasingly hooked to the news, and you’re right, it doesn’t help. I really admire your discipline!
You know how I’m doing (I think). Actually I’m not even sure! Haha. Hanging in there. But I mostly just wanted to say I love you.
Love you back friend! Thankful to have you to share my highs and lows with.
I live in Honolulu, Hawaii. We have both a city and state mandate to stay at home. The governor also mandated a quarantine period for anyone flying in from out of state. I’m essential at work but I try to work from home mainly but go in one or two days per week. Like you, I’m worried about the health impact to loved ones, our healthcare system but also the economy. I work for a NFP and I’m in management. I’m feeling stressed and worried about all of our employees. There is difficult decision making each day and quick turnarounds to implement new laws. It’s been intense each day. I’ve had anxiety about my loved ones since starting menopause a year ago (I have a small circle and I started to feel anxiety about losing them). So I have to be very careful to take care of myself during this time period (exercise, keep a routine and not read too much news ) or I could easily go to a very freaked out insomniac place. We are allowed to exercise outside and I’ve found a one hour walk each day has been invaluable. I also alternate work and doing housework throughout the day (frequent breaks).
Thank you for sharing Michi (and the insight to menopause too). I am glad you have some routines and safeguards that help keep you in a good headspace. We have been exercising regularly, and that makes a huge difference. I am struggling with too much news intake, but it has a clear correlation with my mood, so I need to do better. I hope things go okay at work, I can’t imagine what a burden (other people’s jobs) that must feel like. Sending you much love.
I’m in Ohio, and we’re also under a stay at home order. Restaurants are closed other than carryout. Only essential businesses are operating. Schools have been closed for two weeks and will remain closed for one more, but I’d be surprised if we went back this school year. Our spring break was last week so I just started remote learning with my 8-year-old. It’s challenging but also a welcome distraction. I’m also spending a lot of time on social media and with school being mostly screen-based, I feel like it’s constant. Trying to give myself grace because there’s no right way to do this. Bike rides and time spent outside are giving me life right now. (That and staying away from the news.)
Hi Dara, I feel the weight of the school stuff! I would be extremely surprised if any of our kids went back before summer. But like you said, it’s kind of a welcome distraction. I feel like my kids are already getting addicted to the screen time from school and that is hard. Bike rides and less news sound amazing!!
I’m in Kirkland, WA, which was the original epicenter of this whole thing; I live about half a mile from the nursing home that was all over the news at the beginning of the outbreak. Our schools have also been out for 2 weeks (and will be out at least until the end of April, likely longer). Similar to Oregon, we are under “stay home, stay safe” orders so only essential businesses are open and restaurants are take out only. Honestly, my mood vacillates wildly. My husband and I are both healthcare providers in local hospitals, plus we have two
small children (and elderly parents). Balancing childcare, homeschool, working (and worrying about our health and our exposures) and trying to assist elderly family from afar sometimes feels too much and I get a little jealous of all the people who “get to” quarantine. I know it’s hard for everyone! But this is a time when being a healthcare provider married to a healthcare provider adds some extra stress, for sure.
Oh man, I can’t imagine Becca. You guys are the heroes, going in to do your jobs. It probably feels uncomfortable to hear that, but all the rest of us are so thankful. Adding kids and elderly parents to the mix is a lot. It’s good for me to hear your perspective and try to remember what a privilege it is to be able to shelter at home and not leave. Also, wild that you guys live so close to that nursing home. I bet the media set up shop around it for weeks. When all that started to happen is when it started to feel most real to me. I imagine your hospitals were already prepping before then. Thanks so much for sharing. I hope you can find peace and rest in between shifts, and that everyone stays healthy.
It was totally nuts here for a while! It remains busy but there isn’t the same media presence there was at the beginning. And thank you for the kind words. I’ve been doing this work for almost 15 years and have never felt so appreciated. Take care, Andrea!
I live in rural Herefordshire, UK. We’re being told to ‘stay home, stay safe’. I was a stay at home mum with a 2 year old and an almost 4 year old prior to this anyway, with the 4 year old at preschool 3 days a week, so it’s not been a huge change other than I now have to deal with the threenager every day of the week (apparently she wasn’t ever like this at preschool, go figure!). The 3 of us have managed to stay at home since her preschool shut, made easier by us having a decent garden and the weather being nice, though it is challenging keeping both kids entertained and stopping the older one arguing with the younger. I also worry about what she is missing out on by not being at preschool, all the socialising that was increasing her confidence, all the practical skills she was aquiring prior to starting big school in Sept. I can’t seem to get her to focus on these things at home. My husband is a police officer and has to carry on working and going out into the world. I worry about him, what he’s exposed to, what he’s bringing back to us but am so thankful he’s still earning and also doing his bit for the county. He’s in charge of the food shop too now. We used to get our food delivered weekly but that’s not an option now as all the slots have been reserved for the elderly and vulnerable (rightly so). We figured having just one of us potentially being exposed is better than all of us, reducing potential viral load and hopefully making it easier if/when we do get sick. Our community is amazing, there is a team of volunteers who make sure all our elderly residents are well looked after. Our greengrocer and independent food shop is still open and can prepare food boxes for you so you have minimal contact when you pick them up. We even have a little zero waste shop that is starting to deliver laundry and personal hygiene products. For all that I am thankful. When I read things on social media and the like I try to read the positive stories, about the research into tests and vaccines, about the people who have had the virus and got better. If I start reading about the not so positive cases and people suffering loss and also about the idiots who are still behaving like normal when they could avoid it, putting so many lives at risk, I get extremely anxious and angry. The more I can stay in my little family bubble at home the better!
Hi Lucie, your community sounds amazing. And I love the idea of greengrocer boxes and laundry/personal hygiene products from a zero waste shop. Reading the good news is such a great idea. I need to do more of that. Your comment about the ‘threenager’ made me laugh out loud, that is SO TRUE. Three is the hardest age. Thank you for giving us a peek inside life where you’re at in the UK. I am so glad you have a yard, that makes a huge difference! xx
I’m in Charlotte, NC. My kids have been out of school for two weeks and distance learning for a just over a week now. Our county (but not our state) began a shelter in place directive yesterday, but we’ve been social distancing for two weeks already.
To be honest, I’m really struggling. My brother is an ER doctor in Detroit, where they are getting absolutely slammed with covid cases on top of the usual ER stuff (drug overdoses, shootings, stabbings, etc), and I am beyond terrified for him and his family. I’m also filled with existential dread and worry that our lives will never really go back to normal after this. I’m having a hard time keeping up with day-to-day things like cooking and cleaning my house, and I’m constantly worried that my kids aren’t keeping up with their schoolwork and their extracurriculars that have thoughtfully been moved online. I feel like a failure because they spend so much time on various screens, and I can barely get them to do anything other than act like zombies. On top of all that, the five of us (and two dogs) are living in a small townhome while our house is being renovated, which means we are constantly on top of each other. My husband and I have said multiple times that we’d be doing so much better if we could just be in our own home right now. Fortunately, our contractors are so far able to keep working (home repair and building services are considered “essential” and exempt from the stay at home order), so hopefully we will be back home in a few months.
What’s getting me through this? Silly things like new games I put on my phone, online window shopping for clothes I might wear if I ever leave the house again, and dance parties to the “Descendants 3” soundtrack with my kids. Also, lots of walks with the dogs and kids, a constant group text with my mom, sister, and sister-in-law. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude on a pretty-much daily basis for all the people who continue to show up for my kids and our family – their teachers have been hosting daily zoom conferences; their taekwondo studio sends weekly videos and holds one-on-one video calls; my daughter’s dance studio posts weekly age-appropriate technique videos online; and their chess club has an online platform that allows them to practice and learn new things. It’s been really amazing to see people show up for one another in new ways.
Hi Anna, I feel you so hard on all the feels. That’s really clever that your kids’ activities have moved online! The only thing we are keeping up with here are piano lessons. It truly is amazing the way people are showing up for each other in new, digital formats. It’s kind of blowing me away on some days.
I struggle with that concern of never going back to normal life. At this point, normal life is starting to feel like a fairy tale and that is overwhelming and sad.
I’m glad your house is still being worked on, and that it sounds like you have good, regular communication with your brother’s wife. Healthcare providers are our new heroes. I hope your brother continues to stay healthy.
I just wrote a post last night about how it’s going here in San Francisco. We have been sheltering in place for almost two weeks now. Only essential businesses are open here and some small businesses couldn’t sustain the loss in income and are permanently closed. I am a freelancer, so I’m used to working at home, but I’ve experienced a drop in work. Not being able to exercise in certain ways has been bad for my health (I have a health condition) and is making me feel sluggish. I leave once a day to take a walk but it’s not the same. I’m very worried about family and friends in healthcare. They’re not ER workers, but some of them work with vulnerable populations in hospital settings and see patients in person.
Hi Melissa, thanks for sharing your perspectives (I read your blog post too). I agree, it’s kind of astonishing how unprepared we were, even with the basics. We’ve been doing our share of stress eating over here too. Trying to reign it back in this week. If you find any good internet blocker apps, let me know. I need to tone down my intake of all the things. Some days I feel a little obsessed and then it definitely eats into productivity. Sending much love from Portland!