So. Things are difficult right now, right? We are in the middle of the biggest international crisis most of us have ever seen and the day-to-day varies wildly from existentially frightening to mindbogglingly boring. But the good news is there are things you can do to make it a little easier on yourself.
And because this team only knows how to handle most things through transformative fiction and socially engaging fandom, we’ve put together a little The Witcher-themed guide on How to Survive the #QuarantineLife.
If You Can’t Sleep, Meditate
When we’re stressed, distressed, scared – sleep is hard. There’s a reason for it, and it is the same reason Geralt often forgoes the whole thing while Jaskier (and, presumably, his trusty horse Roach) catches some Zs – when there is a looming threat, we are on alert. This anxiety is to be expected whether it is due to a present threat (like something moving in the shadows around your camp while the bard is snoring) or ongoing stress such as a global pandemic. Instead of deep slumber, Geralt gets rest by meditating for hours at a time (even if it does look like he’s having a little nap). Even though we are only human and definitely need our beauty sleep, meditation can be a way to settle our state of alertness into something closer to the state of relaxation we need in order to get to sleep; it can help us focus on tasks, or just free ourselves from the scary thought spirals we are likely to fall into these days.
Have a Bath
Showers are great, but there is something to be said about luxuriating in a bath when you have the time. And, woah, do we have the time these days. Light some candles for mood lighting, add bubbles or relaxing herbs, and marinate for a bit. These quiet moments are a great time to read, listen to music, or enjoy a podcast (might we recommend Basic Stuff’s own, What’s the Obsession With…?). Perhaps even have a friendly chat with a companion if it’s like that between you (‘ya know, like it’s like that between some Witcher and his bard). Go ahead, rub some chamomile on your lovely bottom and have a bath.
Talk to Your Animals
No one is going to judge you, least of all Geralt and Roach. Pets and friendly neighborhood animals are fantastic listeners, and sometimes you need to vent and the Internet or those trapped with you indoors might not always be the wisest choice. Rather than bottle those feelings up inside, have a chat with your cat (or dog or horse) and let it all out, you’ll feel better and chances are they won’t mind.
Be Kind to Your Bard Friends
If you are lucky enough to be stuck at home with other people, it is very likely that all the love in the world won’t keep your personalities from clashing every once in a while. After all, whether you are monster hunting or in quarantine during an international pandemic, when tensions are high, we tend to get a little snippy with anyone that is close by. Be kind to the people around you; they’re on this terrifying adventure as well, whether they’re constantly humming and strumming new songs, chewing weird, or just typing on their keyboards a little bit too loud. Remember, a companion is more precious than toilet paper right now. Treat them like the precious songbirds they are.
Organize Your Chaos
Before you get all riled up, we aren’t advocating for a Pinterest 30-Day Challenge or telling you to use this time to redecorate your house. However, if the spirit moves you, do actually organize the space around you when the energy allows. An environment you enjoy looking at can help your peace of mind. But organizing and using the chaos we are all drowning in right now is something we can do in a myriad of ways: read a book you’ve been putting off, declutter your bathroom, study something you never gave importance to, sort your mail, organize your Roku channels, finally get rid of all those pens that have run out of ink, leave flowers on doorsteps, perform a ritual, become a witch. Just remember to use the chaotic energy to create and not destroy.
Dress for the Day You Want
It’s time to break out the RenFaire dress you didn’t get to wear, the costume that didn’t make the cut last Halloween, that pinstriped suit that is too nice for work and not professional enough for interviews. Another great way to go about this is having Daytime Pajamas. You don’t have to get dressed like you’re going to go out if you’re not, but get dressed. Switch your XXL Billabong sleep shirt for your partner’s university sweatshirt and slap on some yoga pants, do anything to mark the difference between the time for sleeping in the bed and the time for sleeping everywhere else.
Make Some Art
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never drawn a stick figure or picked up a ukulele in your life, we desperately need little things that shine to be born during this time. The human spirit thrives on connection — with each other, with the world around us, and with ourselves. Make art. Make music in the kitchen, dance on the couch, draw on your spouse, write out the funniest thing you saw today, paint your feelings. Give yourself permission to be terrible at it. Also, give yourself permission to be amazing. Make art. You are here, you are alive, create something. It’ll help your heart.
Scream
It’s okay to not be okay. No, really, it is. We are in the midst of a global pandemic (with the end date TBD), and people’s lives all around the world have been fundamentally changed almost overnight. This situation, frankly, sucks. It’s okay if you need to shout into the void and let it all out. Scream because the world is frightening and uncertain, but that was true before what everyone is calling “unprecedented times.” If you’re feeling a little shy, use a pillow and scream into it. Go to the yard (if you have one) and scream up at the unusually beautiful sky. This too shall pass.
As we focus on trying to make sure we follow CDC guidelines, staying home as much as possible and washing our hands obsessively, we here at Basic Stuff Magazine will also continue to try to keep our fandom families entertained through our various fandom features, rewatches, podcast episodes, and articles. Stay safe.
