As a Scorpio, I am an introvert who can socialize like an extrovert. As a screenwriter and actress, it means exactly the same.
When I was younger, I was painfully shy, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized there is a grand brilliance in being able to socialize and connect with others in balance to having a night (or day or WEEKEND) in to recharge, check in with myself, and relax.
In abiding by this mandatory quarantine that’s taken place for 3 weeks now (in California), it’s been an interesting process of self-discovery.
My introvert-self is so enjoying the amount of writing I’m getting done, the actions I’ve taken to better my professional career, and catching up on some of my favorite shows, not to mention READING again…finally! #BLESS
And then there’s my extrovert self.
She misses meeting friends for coffee. Going to the movies. Eating out at restaurants, taking in-person acting classes, and (most of all) seeing her boyfriend. 😦 (even though he’s only 30 minutes away, he’s staying with his mom who is immunocompromised and we don’t want to risk giving her anything).
*sigh*
I’ve found that since I’ve got nowhere to go except the grocery store these days, I fell into wearing my workout clothes all day (from the moment I woke up) until I actually worked out then shower and put my pajamas back on, wear sweats until I change into workout clothes to workout, or….
I magically get up for the day and put on makeup, actual clothes, and actual shoes.
WTF!?!?!?!?!??!
Yeah.
About 2-3 days a week I do this which actually feels SO NICE! It’s weird how getting ready to go nowhere can help add a little pep in my step. I even make a point of FaceTiming Austin for longer, feel more proactive about getting things done and calling friends, and overall feel like even though I didn’t physically go anywhere, I mentally did and that was great!
It’s like tricking your brain into having a full, productive day out. PLUS, you are camera ready for self tapes (actors am I right?) and vlogs if you do those too! Also selfies. No shame in the self-love photography game!
And I don’t know about those of you who wear makeup, but for me, playing with beauty products and making myself look and feel nice is an act of self care. *snaps* We all deserve to feel gorgeous.
Even if wearing sweats all day makes you feel gorgeous, do it! I’m not preaching one way or the other. This is merely what works for me.
Now how about some other things I’m doing???
Since I’m both introvert AND extrovert, here’s how I’m keeping the balance:
I follow a Weekly Schedule
I’m staying with my mom, step-dad, brother, and pug/sharpei mix, Lucky, during this quarantine and they ALL have online school Monday-Friday. I don’t have my own room here so that means I have no choice but to abide by that schedule. But, honestly? I feel like I’m getting so much done because of that!
I wake up between 7 and 8 AM every day. Eat breakfast by 9. And work on Upwork, apply to jobs, work on personal projects, etc. until 4/4:30 PM ish. Then I go for a run or do yoga around 5/5:30 PM ish. And relax for the night and am sleeping by 11 PM ish.
BONUS: I’m also doing Jay Shetty’s 20 days of Meditation right now and its STELLAR! I either do them early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Everything is fluid depending on my family’s schedule and what they’re up for because we do them together! 🙂 It’s a really great way to digest how you feel in relation to what’s going on in the world.
facetiming Friends regularly
Since the only social interaction we can get is virtual, it feels more like we’re actually hanging out by seeing each other’s faces rather than just calling or texting. It’s also nice to see how everyone’s doing emotionally and learn what fun activities they’ve come up with or schedules they’ve made for themselves, if any. 😉
Going Outside almost every single day
We are all. Allowed. To go. Outside! Not everyone may want to. But I go outside pretty much once a day, whether that means doing work on my mom and step-dad’s balcony, going for a run, a walk, or doing all 3! While always keeping at least 6 feet of distance from anyone who isn’t my family, of course!
Nature and some good ‘ol Vitamin D have proven health benefits like easing anxiety and reminding you to appreciate the little things a lot more. Also, going outside takes off ocular stress from the constant screen time we’re all having a lot more of.
Having virtual dates with my boyfriend
We just started using Netflix Party last night watching Tiger King and it’s RAD. You can type comments next to the video that’s playing as if you were watching it physically together. The video also plays and pauses in sync. Sorry babe about having to pee like a million times last night!
After Tiger King, we’re going to start Mad Men. We also do longer FaceTime calls every now and then to check in and “hang out” like I do with my friends. Ugh, I miss you ❤
And that’s the quaran-tea!
A few tactics I’m using to stay productive and sane during the wild outbreak of COVID-19.
What about you??
I’m always looking to change things up and try new things! Let me know via e-mail, Insta DM, or simply comment below! Stay safe. And stay HEALTHY! Emotional health is everything.
XOXO,
Rebi ❤
rebijord 