I have seen unanticipated side effects from this Covid social isolation. It has been interesting to see how, as humans, we are adapting to this new lifestyle. As we enter the 4th month of social distancing (if you count from March 15th where we went into Stay Home, Stay Safe), I have begun to notice some interesting quirks.
First of all, I am talking to my dogs. Like, out loud. Now, I have always had quiet conversations or thoughts, but never voiced them out loud. I am not engaging them in political rhetoric (yet), but I am asking their opinions of what we should do that day, where we should take our walks. As we walk, I suddenly realize that I am saying things out loud to them, “Ellie, did you find anything interesting in that bush? Milo, how can you be ready to turn around so soon?!” I used to think these things, now it’s out loud. Not sure what to make of this habit, but it reminds me of old people walking their dogs in Central Park.
I have also had an increasing interest in deep cleaning and decluttering. I guess looking at the same piles around me is getting old after 3 months. I just need a change of scenery. So, I texted my daughter today and asked her about notebooks and textbooks she still has from high school (she’s in grad school now) and I have been eyeing that stack of papers from, who knows what, on my desk. I am not so far as to actually get to this deep cleaning, but it is feeling more urgent than it did in month one. Maybe by month 5, I will get to it? I should probably write the projects down before I lose the drive and forget.
Then there was this cool idea I had in month 3 to start a cleanse. So after gorging on yummy treats and nightly wine, I have gone cold turkey. No alcohol and no sugar going on a month now. (Okay, cheated on my birthday). The sad thing is, do I feel fabulous for doing it? You would think I would, but not so much. I am a little envious of those people still indulging, but I am working on positive self-talk about how I will be less far behind when we are back on track than those other folks. It gives me a little solace. Trying to be healthy seems like a better attitude than avoiding getting sick with Covid.
I have found that Covid thoughts are taking less of my day now. The racial strife and Black Lives Matter is moving ahead of my Covid worries. I am remembering the Civil Rights movement from the 60s and wonder how much progress we have really made since then. I think about the freedoms that so many of us take for granted despite our Covid quarantine. So maybe this Covid quarantine can allow us all to slow down, take a minute to take stock of our blessings, notice the in-equities and plan for how to change things. Like my desk and clutter, I am assessing it all at this time and plan to start taking action. One person can make a difference. Rosa Parks made a difference. So take this time of reflection and slow down to think about how you can make a difference.
Karen W. Malm, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Executive Director
Summit Community Counseling
