Though vaccines have been developed, Coronavirus is far from over as numbers continue to break previous records. Here are some things that have helped my life feel more manageable in this devastating time.

Reading: News about Covid-19 

Though it can be discouraging and painful to remind yourself of the deaths and reality of Covid-19, it is also essential in making sure we are not normalizing the situation. For many of us, pandemic fatigue is hitting hard, and it is understandable for in two months we’ll reach an entire year of not leaving our homes. But it is important for us to remember that the pandemic is not over yet, but is rather worse than ever.

Reading and updating about the numbers, vaccine, and what the next few months and years may look like helps me remind myself why I must keep staying inside.

Watching: Leah’s Fieldnotes

Leah Wei is a Chinese Canadian YouTuber and graphic designer who makes cozy weekly videos about fashion, food, art, and her life. Her videos never fail to make me feel more at peace with the calming background music, bread baking, and qigong sessions. Furthermore, she regularly will incorporate Chinese dishes, and the French and Chinese languages (both which she is quite good if not fluent in) into her vlogs. If you ever need a good background video, or a comforting voice by your side, consider looking into Leah’s channel!

Listening To: If Only by Raveena

Raveena Aurora is a bisexual Indian-American singer and songwriter with her debut album, Shanti featuring If Only released in 2017. The R&B song If Only is the perfect song to close your eyes and sway to by yourself on a quiet evening night. Raveena’s voice has been described like butter and liquid gold, while gently singing about leaving a past toxic relationship. Check her out if you have the time, or listen as you read the rest of this article!

Making: Japanese Sweet Potatoes

Simple and delicious are the two words I’d use to describe Japanese Sweet Potatoes. All you have to do is wash, dry, and put them in the oven at 450 F for 50 minutes, and you have a sweet and scrumptious snack or side dish for yourself. You should be able to find these potatoes at most grocery stores, but it might also be fun to visit Hmart or Grand Asian Market to buy some other Asian produce like persimmons, mung beans, or longan.

Eating: Meeple’s Brew

Meeple’s Brew is a board game cafe in Morrisville, NC with different games and cute decorations to frame the interior. They offer a variety of baked goods, coffee and tea drinks, milkshakes, as well as breakfast and lunch options. It is always a good time to support local businesses, but especially now. They offer online ordering, dine-in, and outdoor seating, so you can choose what you are most comfortable with.

Doing: Writing in my Diary

Throughout the past month, I’ve found myself in the midst of a bunch of confusing emotions and thoughts as tragic news seemed to be never ending. What helped me sort through my overwhelming feelings was writing and reflecting what I was feeling through my diary. It helped me put how my body and brain were reacting onto a piece of paper in which I could reflect and understand even more deeply what was going on. You don’t need a diary to reflect, you can do it on a random piece of scrap paper you haven’t yet recycled, on a private and locked google document, or on the unfinished science notebook from middle school that lounges annoyingly in your closet. 

The world isn’t doing well right now, but we hope you can find peace and contentment in your own ways. If you try any of these recommendations, or have any suggestions of your own, don’t hesitate to contact or send pictures to Aida Guo (she/her) at [email protected]