By Deanna Reinhardt
Staff Writer
On March 13, Sacred Heart University responded to the growing coronavirus pandemic by sending their student body home to their off-campus residences. Since then, the students have been notified that they will be finishing the remainder of this semester’s courses online.
Shortly after arriving home, all classes were moved online, person-to-person contact was little to none and the stores were scarce for goods, as the world was evidently preparing for the worst.
Initially, the spread of this news brought a common feeling of despair among myself and my peers.
The idea of leaving school was one thing, but the need to quarantine seemed unimaginably difficult. Not only did it appear to be a very drastic step but having to isolate from others would not only leave a lot of free time but be extremely lonely too.
It took some time for me to acclimate to this “new normal” and it most definitely was not easy to do.
However, nearly three weeks into self-isolating, and I have found myself pleasantly surprised.
Now, although this may be an unpopular opinion, this quarantine has allowed me to feel more at ease than ever. I have created new habits and routines that keep me feeling motivated and fulfilled.
Each day, I do my best to incorporate what I find to be the most essential things to keep myself satisfied and content.
With the added free time in my schedule, I’ve learned to organize better, both in accomplishing my day to day tasks, as well as simply tidying up to better clear my mind.
I have picked up reading again being that I now have the time to. I’ve also been drawing, which I haven’t done in years; I almost forgot how much I loved it.
I also have had more time to reconnect with my family as we did when life held fewer demands.
Furthermore, I am becoming more attuned with myself, and getting back to the simpler things.
There is no ignoring the fact that this virus has imposed pain upon us all, but as a society, I can’t help but see this as a potential blessing to which we all need to grow more attuned to.
The time constraints and societal pressures and obligations have suddenly become less pressing. The world around us has finally slowed down, and I am learning to take advantage of it all.
Perhaps this is a sign, a wake-up call even, that it is time to get back to basics. I know I will, and I suggest you all do too.
