The Big C, Coronavirus or to give the strain its official name, COVID-19, is arguably the greatest pandemic we have seen in a generation. It has impacted, one way or another, absolutely everyone across the globe, many of whom are having to adjust to a new way of living, working and being; self isolation, working remotely and social distancing. There’s no doubt about it, these are unprecedented times.
Every news platform, social media feed and face to face conversation is progressively predictable – everywhere you look there is an opinion, a discussion point, a theory and a tangible fear, all relating to the crisis. Seemingly, there is no escape. Or maybe there is. And it’s inspired by none other than Lizzo. The singer recently led her instagram followers in a mass meditation to help ease tensions and fears around COVID-19.
So we at GLAMOUR decided to talk about our perhaps, small, but impactful coping mechanisms in these uncertain times. From spending time online with loved ones to cooking dishes that bring back childhood memories to taking pleasure once again in the beauty of nature to retreating from the news, here is how we are finding the joy and expelling the fear. In a time surrounded by negativity, we encourage everyone to seek and find joy where you can because, as in Lizzo’s words, “We need healing from fear during this global crisis.”
Dennis Lye – Creative Lead
I’ve actually just ordered some art canvases. I studied fine art at Central Saint Martin but have been too busy to paint or draw in over 15 years so I’m going to be creating my own wall art for my new place. I think it’ll be therapeutic. I’m also using this time to listen to audio books, Marie Kondo-ing my stuff and practising self-nourishment by taking on those delicious recipes that are labour intensive but fill me with memories of my childhood.
Deborah Joseph – Editor In Chief
My joy is an hour’s dog walk every day. I used to take two walks a day – before and after work – but stopped after having my youngest daughter Bobbi, who is now 5. Being around greenery and in nature was my no.1 mental health manager; I’ve been doing it for the past 4 days and it makes me so happy.
Bianca London – Website Director
I’m a massive skincare fan but I’m usually in such a rush to get into bed at night that I scrimp on a proper routine. I’ve been using the time to curate a proper skincare routine using Miranda Kerr’s 10-step organic range, Kora Organics. It might sound laborious but it’s really given me a sense of control in these turbulent times and it’s a meditative ritual I look forward to every night. All of her products are infused with rose quartz and amethyst, known for their calming effects, and while yes, it might be a placebo effect, it has had a calming effect on my mood – and skin!
Lottie Winter – Beauty Editor
Amongst the Coronavirus chaos, it’s all too easy to forget that we are fast approaching Spring. The first cherry blossoms are lining our streets and trees are budding with fresh green leaves, not only reminding us that there is still so much beauty in the world but that we can always rely on nature to bring new life and renew our hope. At the moment, I’m healthy and haven’t been exposed to anyone who is unwell, so I’m taking full advantage of being able to go outside, going for a walk as often as possible to breathe in fresh air, bump up my immune system with some Vitamin D and get some much needed perspective.
Charlie Teather – Fashion Editor
I’m calling my granny every day to a) check up on her health and b) keep her company. She’s lived alone ever since my grandpa passed away almost nine years ago, and keeps herself busy by playing tennis three times a week with friends (she’s 85 years old!), caring for ‘the elderly’ (I know) and walking her dog. I worry about how self-isolation will affect her mentally, so my family and I will be checking in as often as possible. It shouldn’t take a pandemic to encourage us to catch up with our relatives daily, but if we can take one good thing from Coronavirus I think that it’s that. I’m also going on a run/walk every lunch time to break up the day and get some much-needed fresh air.
Rebecca Hunnybun – Video Producer
I am ensuring I’m keeping connected with friends and family. 10/15 min call here and there throughout the day (avoiding the covid- 19 topic) makes all the difference and avoids us feeling as though we are working in isolation! That and exercise first thing; This helps me clear my mind and focus. I’ve also been food prepping, cooking healthy meals in my slow cooker and I’m enjoying getting on top of seasonal spring cleaning jobs around my flat.
Katie Teehan – Managing Editor
After a frankly terrifying visit to my local Sainsbury’s, when massive queues and people fighting over toilet roll made me want to run and hide, I found myself reaching for something on nobody’s stockpiling list: a bunch of colourful tulips. Seeing them sitting on my kitchen table in the rays of some rare sunshine gave me a moment of calm I hadn’t felt in too long. So, to keep ‘Corona Panic’ at bay, I’ve decided to order some bulbs and plant a few pots of flowers to brighten up our garden. I’m hoping that by the time they bloom, the worst of all of this will be over – and we’ll be able to invite friends round to enjoy them.
Funmi Fetto – Executive Editor & Beauty Director
Taking control over my intake of the news has made a huge difference to my levels of joy. I already feel armed with all the information I need in order to make pragmatic decisions about my health and the health of loved ones and I’m fine with that. Stepping back from the news and silencing Corona infused WhatsApp groups has been a wonderful method of self preservation.
James Smithson – Designer
For me this isolation has actually been the perfect opportunity to focus a lot of my time on my online music production course. It’s something I’m usually trying to find a spare moment or plan time to focus on because everything else – work, social life, family – normally takes over. So I have found that I am actually spending time completing my assignments, brushing up on my weekly lessons and practicing a lot. I’m only half way through the course so I still have 6 more weeks left, but I have practiced this week much more than ever.
My time is being spent rewatching classic vines (reminds me of a simpler time!), group FaceTiming my friendship group over wine, and while I’ve been off, I’ve been trying to read a new book every day! Ambitious yes but I’ve recently been tackling classics such as Great Gatsby, 1984 and Lord of the Flies.
Sophie Cockett – Commerce Writer
Up until now, I’ve been going on runs or walks during my “work from home” lunch hour, but I’ve also been doing body weight workouts in my living room. Aside from it making me feel like I’m doing something productive, exercise is my tried and tested way to take my mind off what’s going on and lift my spirits.
Jen Garside – Audience Growth
I’m boycotting my Instagram feed for the foreseeable future. Though there are lots of positive things and funny memes, I no longer want to risk seeing sad posts, Instagram stories of supermarket shelves looking empty and people having rants about social distancing. There are a lot of things that Instagram is good for, and spreading positivity is one of them, but in these anxiety-inducing times its complex relationship with representing reality is even more jarring.
Annabelle Spranklen – Contributing Writer
Since I’m no longer commuting, I’m using the extra time to practice for my theory test – I’m 32 and can’t drive so there’s no better time to knuckle down and spend 20 minutes a day on the Theory Test app, perhaps the driest part of learning to drive. I’m hoping once the virus slows down, I’ll be able to get on the road. It’s something I’ve been putting off for ages so this has given me the time to actually go for it!
I’m trying to get through nostalgic movies that I’ve always wanted to see, but haven’t had the time. So far I’ve watched Erin Brockovich and Thelma & Louise, both movies about independent bad-ass women. I actually hollered and clapped at the TV at one point and for a second I actually forgot about Coronavirus. Next on my list is Girl Interrupted and American Beauty.
Gloria Edokpolo – Beauty and Features Assistant
With this newfound spare time on my hands, I have decided to indulge in more reading (if that is even possible, considering the nature of my job), courtesy of my new Medium subscription. Reading has always doubled as a form of escapism for me. I’m also a huge fan of quotes and love a short and sweet life lesson, Ryan Holiday’s 21 Quotes That (If Applied) Change You Into A Better Person in Thrive Global have served as refreshing epigrams during a time that I need it most. After all, our brain is our most essential organ so we have to keep it thriving.
Josh Newis-Smith – Entertainment Director
With my social life seemingly on lock down I am making the time to catch up with my friends abroad via FaceTime who I never get the chance to speak to as we are always so busy. It’s really brought the joy and made me realise how amazing – and positive – feeling connected to your friends can be. I have also downloaded the app, FIIT which includes hourly live group workouts which only requires your body weight. I’ve been doing classes twice a day to get the endorphins pumping and keeping any anxiety at bay. Both of these things have become my go-to self care rituals. I no longer feel as overwhelmed as I did before and I feel a clarity I haven’t had in months. There are real positives to be taken in the slower pace of life.