Many of our participants were unable to leave their home without fears of infection, often even before COVID-19 substantially changed the day-to-day of life, thus, finding pockets of escape was necessary. This was done by setting technology boundaries, spending quality alone time with oneself, reading and writing, or spending time outdoors.
Writing: I've found that writing is one of my only escapes where it feels like I can be with myself and express my experience without a filter. I'm able to write my own world when the world around me is so unsure. It helps me to process my own experience and what it feels like to be undergoing a health crisis on a massive societal level, versus my own personal health journey like it was before.
I love books: I have read all these books since shelter in place went into effect. I would not be able to survive staying away from the rest of the world if it weren’t for the world I can escape into with books. I spend the entire time during my infusions, reading and escaping into the world these stories create for me. I am so grateful for books.
Neighborhood walks pt. 1: I have made a point to go on socially-distant neighborhood walks whenever the weather permits. Luckily, spring and early summer have been incredibly beautiful and my camera roll is full of pictures of flowers. I have felt a lot more connected to nature and plants during this time.
