By Aya El-kadri

Nothing will ever be the same. It isn’t a matter of things going back to normal–it is about moving passed this moment, so someday you’ll be able to look back at this time in history and say ‘I lived through that. I was there.’

With all that has been happening lately with Covid-19, you may be finding yourself under a lot of stress.

Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed. Just because the world is closing, it doesn’t mean that life has stopped.

Bills still need to be paid, major events still need to be cancelled or postponed and time is still getting wasted.

The uncertainty and confusion that shrouds us all is palpable, and it is a foreign territory for everyone, because no one knows what is next.

Intellectually we understand that, but emotionally it is difficult for us all.

In Canada, there have been 29,930 confirmed cases of Covid – 19 as of April 16, 2020– 1,996 of which were in Alberta.

Self-isolation and social distancing aren’t exactly financially beneficial, especially with work places and schools being shut down, which makes for a rather slippery slope.

Although, the government has offered aid– the aid will not make up for all the long-lasting effects the closures have had.

One would have to live under a rock to miss the fact that there is a world-wide epidemic happening right now.

The Corona virus, also known as Covid-19, originated in China and has since then spread around the world.

The symptoms of the Corona virus mainly consist of cold and flu like symptoms and only leads to death in some cases.

Testing is limited and not all those who are infected exhibit symptoms. If you or someone you have encountered has travelled recently, you are advised to self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days.

On Tuesday, March 3, 2020, Alberta premier Jason Kenney did a live broadcast on Twitter ordering non-essential businesses close indefinitely.

Prime minister Justin Trudeau is under a lot of stress, specifically after the amount of Corona virus cases across Canada doubled overnight, because many Canadians chose not to comply with the regulations that were set to help slow the spread of Covid-19.

Considering the circumstances, Trudeau has been doing a good job making the necessary decisions that need to be made when facing this type of crisis.

Trudeau announced a new Canada Emergency Response Benefit that will provide Canadians with $2,000 a month for four months on March 25, 2020, because of Covid-19.

The benefit may not apply to students or people who made less than $5,000 in the past year, but the people who do qualify will receive aid and Canadians are able to apply using a web portal.

Resources are available, and it is just a matter of figuring out what it is that will keep you going.

Everything happens for a reason, although we don’t always know what those reasons are.

Take it a day at a time. Focus on what you can do and what you can control, because if you dwell on problems that there is nothing you can do about you will always find yourself falling short.

Being cooped up as many of us have been can cause quite the emotional strain—even for introverts.

Depression and listlessness being at an all-time high can be rather psychologically harmful and debilitating.

You need to figure out something to do not only to cure boredom, but also, to keep your sanity and mental capacity at a functioning capacity, so as to keep your sense of purpose and make things easier after things start back up.

Below are five ideas of things you can do if you find yourself feeling out of sorts.

1. Read an entire series and/or have a movie marathon.

There are ways that you can still do something with your friends while still social distancing, such as Netflix party. You can even brainstorm ideas of other things you can do to make it more fun. For example, if you select the Harry Potter series, you can try Pottermore or do some online quizzes and maybe find out what house you and your friends are in.

Several bookstores in Calgary are offering free delivery, so even if you don’t have the book or can’t find it on the Calgary Public Library website, you can still purchase books.

Also, the Cineplex Store is a viable option for newly released movies.

Maybe host a Zoom party and come up with some themed snacks or activities that you can do.

A quarantine book club, or an excuse to binge watch, your choice.

2. Learn something new.

Is there something that you’ve always wanted to learn, but never had the time? If so, now that you do have some extra time on your hands you can knock some subjects off your list.

We are in an era where we have access to so many resources at our fingertips.

Want to learn how to draw a hand or play piano? You Tube has countless tutorials on how to do this or that, whether you are a beginner or not.

If you want to learn more about psychology, history, biology or almost any subject there is a You Tube channel called Crash Course that was started by a pair of brothers by the name of Hank and John Green that is an extremely helpful and fun way to learn.

It is also useful if you need to use their videos to understand abstract concepts, especially with high school level courses.

You just need to look, you’ll find so many educational sources at your fingertips that you won’t know what to do with it all.

Want to learn a new language? Duolingo is one option that can help.

Want to learn why something is the way it is? Google has access to a multitude of resources and there are many ways to learn if only you seek it out.

The Calgary Public Library card can help you gain access to some great free resources as well.

You should never give up on learning something new.

3. Virtual tours.

Many museums and exhibits are offering virtual tours.

Go on a trip to the Calgary Zoo, or tour the exhibits in the Glenbow museum, all from the comfort of your own home.

4. Cook or bake.

Whether you brave the outside world at your local grocery store or use Click and collect is up to you.

Maybe browse Facebook or Pinterest and find something new to try and make.

You can search up new recipes and get the ingredients or get creative and figure out how to use what you have and make a five-star worthy masterpiece—yum!

5. Get crafty.

Get those creative juices of yours flowing.

You don’t need to be an artist to create a masterpiece.

Try a 5-Minute Crafts video and discover innovative craft ideas to get inspired.

Don’t have access to many materials? That shouldn’t stop you!

You can turn anything into a work of art if you put your mind to it.

Stopping Covid-19 completely–that is something not even experts know how to do, but there are some preventative measures that you can take that can help.

1. Wash your hands.

This is something that can’t be stressed enough. Many are making fun of the idea, but it is true.

It is as simple as washing your hands more often or thoroughly, especially if you have been out or before you eat.

2. Stay home.

If you are sick, or you have a cough, don’t go out and get other people sick and don’t visit people that may be at a higher risk of contracting Covid.

Social distancing may seem ridiculous, but it makes sense and it only works if we all abide by the rules.

3. Consult a professional.

If you are feeling sick, have a cough, fever, or feel like it is difficult to catch your breath then seek medical help. Consult a doctor or call Alberta Health Link.

Aya El-kadri isn’t ‘living under a rock’ and has been self-isolated for way too long.

El-kadri, also has a lot of experience struggling with stress and depression.