Lauren’s Experience…

I want to start off by saying that quarantine has been a crazy emotional roller coaster. To everyone out there, if you are feeling lost or a combination of super happy and very low days, you are not alone. A lot of us have had exciting opportunities taken away from us. For me, my dream internship and my semester abroad, both disappeared. 

I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and I try to always stay positive. Although this time has been a bit challenging to stay loyal to those morals that I have, quarantine has given me time to reconnect with my “higher self.” The highlight of my quarantine so far has been being able to spend my best friend’s 21st birthday with her and three weeks of quarantine with my “second family.” My best friend, Ali, once told me “when one door closes, another door opens.” I use this all the time and especially now with all of the uncertainty in the world. Every night when I journal, I write down the three best parts of my day and this helps me stay positive. I am thankful for my health and this time to relax and reflect. 

Quarantine has helped me slow down, I tend to overload myself and burnout, so it has been really nice to have this time to chill. I have been reminded how important it is to recover and find time for yourself. The extra down time has made me appreciate the little things and reconnect with my hobbies that I don’t usually have time for: painting, cooking healthy recipes, meditation/yoga, hiking and being outdoors. I have also had the extra time to focus on setting healthy habits that I am confident that will benefit me when I go back to school.

Remember that this is a difficult time for everyone. I also have my days where I feel unmotivated and sad, it is okay to feel down, reach out to those you love. They are here for you!

Lauren’s top 3 tips for dealing with change:

1. Find a routine.

Plan productive things you would like to get done. Checking off your list will help you feel good. Work on yourself. You are your greatest project.

2. Talk to loved ones.

Reach out to friends and family. This is the perfect time to chat with them and they would love to hear from you!

3. Enjoy the down time.

It can be easy to fixate and get anxious about all of the craziness and change in the world. Try to find peace within yourself. Before you know it, you will be busy once again.