Dear Optimist, Vol. 1
An Empath Responds to Daily Dilemmas
I Just Want to Be … Close to You
Dear Optimist,
I am yearning for social interaction. What are some ways to safely reconnect with people?
Our mental health is so important to discuss during this time. Talking to friends is a simple way to feel better. One option for reconnecting physically is to have a socially distant picnic. You can both get whatever you want for lunch, but meet up at a nice spot outside, like Forest River Park, so close to campus. At night, you might download the Netflix Party extension for your internet browser, and watch your favorite movies or shows with your friends. If your friends aren’t around, going to a coffee shop that allows dine-in seating, like Starbucks in Viking Hall, can give you some companionship. Simply being exposed to a social environment registers in your brain that you have been socializing. It’s all about playing it safe while still trying to have fun. And making sure you sanitize!
There’s More than One Magical World
Dear Optimist,
I feel like my childhood has an asterisk next to it, given how much time I spent reading J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books. Lately, she’s come under scrutiny for a perceived bias against trans people, which makes it hard for me to support her future work. I’m conflicted. Should I consider the author separate from the books, or simply move on?
Worry not, dear reader, for there are vast seas of magical, world-building fiction to be sailed. One compelling series in the world-building genre is Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments. Heroine Clarissa Fray’s mom has gone missing; during her search, Clarissa finds out the truth about her parents’ past. With the help of new friends, she gains mastery over her magical abilities, and eventually finds her mother. Note: The movie and TV shows are wretched adaptations.
Another author worth following is Rick Riordan. Many know his series about Percy Jackson, but have you read his other books, like The Kane Chronicles? This series has a similar feel to the Percy Jackson books, but uses Egyptian mythology to influence the story. The Kane Chronicles are well written, with strong character development, and fun to read.
To Get it All Done, Put Self-Care First
Dear Optimist,
All of my classes are online this semester because of COVID-19. I am working more hours than usual, and find it hard to access motivation for my five online courses. What are some ways I can balance my course load and get homework done while I am at home?
A good way to find balance starts with writing down important dates and your shifts at work on the same calendar. This will definitely help you plan the weeks ahead. Then, schedule a day here and there to do what makes you happy. This will give you something to look forward to and build up motivation as you power through your tasks.
Creating a desk area that’s separate from the rest of your space can also make a big difference. Having just one place to do all your schoolwork will help you transition from worker bee to star student whenever you sit down.
But when life gets chaotic, it’s most important to take the time to care for yourself. Busy people tend to put themselves at the bottom of their to-do lists. Taking the time to rest or meditate, and drinking water between tasks will help you stay calm and alert.
Dining Hall or Dorm Room?
Dear Optimist,
Getting to the dining hall on campus can be really difficult, especially as the cold rolls in. I find myself losing the will to walk over there-- and it isn’t even that far! What can I do to motivate myself to go? As an option, what are some easy and filling dorm recipes I can try?
Brrr! I struggle with this one myself, often. Finding the motivation to walk down the road, especially in cold weather, can be difficult to muster. Yet thinking about meeting a friend, or just being in a place with other people these days, is usually enough of a reason for me to leave my dorm.
As for dining in, the microwave is your best friend! There is always soup and ramen, but oh, so much more! The frozen food brand Tasty has some great microwaveable meals like baked potatoes, quesadillas, and omelet in a mug. You can also find microwave recipes on line. Just look up a recipe for whatever you are craving, and you’ll find a microwave recipe for it!
How to Calm a Zooming Pulse
Dear Optimist,
I don't know why, but Zoom calls make me nervous! I love seeing everyone, so I don't want to avoid Zoom meetings. How can I get over my Zoom anxiety?
I know a lot of people who get Zoom anxiety, and they aren’t even the ones teaching the course! I do not know how teachers do it. Perhaps this new experience with anxiety stems from the fact that we are able to see ourselves and everyone else so clearly, and none of us are used to that at all. Anxiety is a hard thing to deal with, but there are a few things you can do to push through it. One is to wear clothing that's comfortable for you. Dressing for comfort can help your brain deal with anxiety easier. Also, when we are being filmed, even if it is not recorded, we feel the need to be “on” all the time, as a way to compensate for not being in person. I know it can be hard to do this when you're scrambling to get everything together, but try to take a few deep breaths and relax before joining the zoom call. The body needs oxygen to perform!
What's got you in a twist? Email your dilemma to redskies@salemstate.edu, with “The Optimist” in the subject line. Anonymity, guaranteed.
*Em Howell prepared this column.
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