On behalf of all introverts and ambiverts with social anxiety, we welcome you to the quarantine way of life.
I laughed a little, when I saw a tweet talking about introverts not being affected by the quarantine, and even though that is not wholly true, there is some truth in it.
When I first heard of the Corona Virus, I thought to myself “Oh poor China.”
It did not, at that moment occur to me that the virus would spread so rapidly, and so widely.
Living in Malawi, our privilege in times of global crises like these has been that not too many people fly in and out of the country, compared to the rest of the world.
As of today, there are no confirmed cases yet in the country.
President Arthur Peter Mutharika however declared a state of disaster, and put a ban on all gatherings assembling more than 100 people.
I have seen on social media people celebrating the loophole that they can still hang out in groups of 99, but it would truly be better if we could all just stay home.
We are being advised to observe social distancing, quarantine, and self-isolation dependent on our exposure to the virus, to put a halt to the spread of the virus.
https://twitter.com/MoanerLeaser/status/1241688549969313793?s=19
I’d consider myself a very introverted ambivert. I’m often home. I don’t like stepping out. I don’t like being around people.
The state of a quarantine is obviously joyous to me.
However, I live with an extrovert who freaks out if he has to spend the entire 24hrs indoors. I imagine most extroverts are the same. I have come to respect that way of living.
Right now, you may be wondering what we, introverts, do for fun, at home – and I share this with hope that you will grow a soft spot for some bits of introversion.
Here are some ideas on how you can still feel humanly connected, while on quarantine:
1. Use Social Media
Well, obviously. Social media gives us the chance to virtually engage with people in real time. In my opinion, Twitter is best for the most engagement.
Social media is not all terrible if you learn how to manage it. If you can manage your hours on it, and curate the content you wish to see, it can be a rather pleasant experience.
If it’s company you need, or just some good chats, social media should be it.
2. Read a book
The basic, introversion 101.
Growing up, my mother always advised me to find hobbies which I would enjoy doing by myself without company.
Reading was a culture in my family, and it really is that endeavour which you can hardly do with another.
3. Do your chores!
If you are like me, then you like have some laundry which needs folding. Take the time to clean up your house/room. It can surprisingly take lots of hours, at times even days.
4. Cook… or learn how to cook.
Cooking is also a great pastime if it is something you would enjoy doing.
This also surprisingly takes so much time, and will leave you a bit exhausted and in restful mode for a while after.
You can try out some new recipes, and explore some local cuisines.
5. Watch Films
This might be the perfect time for you to get to the bottom of Netflix.
I am not big on movies/series (strange for an aspiring filmmaker) but do enjoy a good show every so often when I am free; and how much freer can we get?
Perhaps this is the best time to get addicted to some Netflix shows.
This may also be the perfect time to catch up on all your YouTube guilty pleasures, and maybe look for some talking swans. I have never looked that up, but I have much faith in humanity and know you will find something along those lines!
6. Learn a new language
Thank goodness for the age of digital, and digital learning.
There are so many online classes, and learning languages is something most of us try to do – be it because of relocating to a different country, or if you’re like me, are locally exposed to people who speak a different language from you.
Perhaps this is the time to work on that Swahili!
7. Invent something!
‘Be alone. That is the secret of invention. Be alone. That is where ideas are born.’
– Nikola Tesla
You likely have some creative idea which you haven’t given the time or mind cause you’ve been busy.
There is that problem in your society, and you had that creative idea on how to solve it.
Perhaps work on it, and maybe you may just be the next Tesla!
If you are a writer/content creator, this is the perfect time to focus on your creations. Develop those characters. Film those ideas!
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These are just some of my ideas of what you can do to keep your body and mind engaged, from the comfort of your home.
Stay safe, stay at home. We may not yet have a confirmed case, but prevention is always better than cure. Observe social distancing, and remember to wash your hands!
All my love,
Ntha
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