A New York State of Mind towards the COVID-19 Pandemic - By T Hunter
“For those of us that can be at home, it’s important that we protect the health of those who are not able to.” I wrote this in a caption on Facebook just a few weeks ago, along with some other advice from my personal preference and received a lot of feedback on social media. It was not until after I was furloughed from my job and celebrated my birthday indoors that Covid-19 started to affect my social life.
Anything can happen in a New York minute, and that is exactly how I felt on March 31, 2020. I was sitting uptown in my constricted apartment, listening to the wind chill from the window and debating between ordering take-out or running to the nearest grocery store. Thankfully, living in Manhattan I had a variety of food to choose from, but I had to order online or takeout. During a short period of time, I get a phone call not to come into work and that I would receive further instruction in an email. Later that evening, I read that an article about my company closing their doors and furloughing employees. The very thing that I was afraid of, but mentally prepared for.
I have been told that I am a social butterfly and had an outgoing personality. But for the safety of others and for my own health I knew that I had to stay indoors. These few words resonated with me deeply because I was fortunate enough to stay home the majority of the pandemic shutdown, but my parents did not have that privilege. My mom is a nurse, and my dad has a government job that required him to be present everyday unless he was sick or feeling ill.
It has been nearly a month and I still have not road the train or a bus. It may have been because of the fear of catching the virus and or spreading the virus, if I happened to be asymptomatic. It was unclear of what I was feeling, though many of my friends agreed with my decision. I just did not want to be around people.
Most of the New York City residents rely on the transit system and if not you are driving through traffic on a highway during rush hour to get to your destination. There are 21 bridges in and out of Manhattan, but not all of them are for cars. Some of the 21 bridges are for foot traffic and others are for train lines. Since the pandemic, all the MTA buses have been free, and passengers must board the back of the bus and furthest away from the driver. But, as for the train system you had to still pay with a metro card.
There was an article recently released that the ‘New York City’s subway ends 24-hour service’ The last time I experienced major changes within the public transit system was after September 11th, 2001 attacks. The scariest time to live in this popular city. Another time that I was not presently living there, but still affected emotionally was during Hurricane Sandy October 29th, 2012. Only in very severe cases the city shuts down, and we are now living this reality once more.
In my spare time I created a daily regimen, took out my journals and yearly planner and set long term and short-term goals. My long-term goals included: joining the Coco Fitness community, getting back on track with full body workouts and a healthy diet. As well as being objective for myself, rewiring relationships and creating virtual experiences that can be shared. As I continue to encourage loved ones and friends during this time of separation and grief.
Anyone looking for social distancing online fitness? Take a look at Coco Fitness, an online fitness program with a personal trainer Chanel DeLisser, who I had the privilege of knowing since High School. She created a community online through her social platforms (Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook) and a membership program that you can join. Within the membership you get a customized workout routine to keep you in the best shape of your life, along with a meal plan. Check out the links I have provided to learn more, and you will not be disappointed.
My short-term goals included: Filing for unemployment to gain weekly income, manage finances, invest in black owned businesses that made mask and donated to Covid-19 relief organizations. I enrolled for Fashion Design online classes with M.O.M.A. Planed a virtual shopping party and joined Vogue global Conversations. I also found new recipes that I have always wanted to try and finished a few books that I have not had the chance to read.
The unemployment process was not easy the first time around. It was straightforward after I got passed the tough questions. I would recommend reaching out to someone you trust to go over the questions with you if your unsure. Regularly check the website for updates between the hours 7am-7pm weekly.
Breathing exercises have been helpful, while trying to keep up with my goals that I have set in place since the month of April. I often pray or meditate before and after I start a project to completely clear my mind. “Breath is connected to every emotion in your life”. I heard this quote on an episode of Red Table Talk (Season 3: Episode 3) with two experts on managing anxiety and fear, Dr. Ramani Durvasula and Jay Shetty.
I hope that my experience with Covid-19 can help impact someone’s life and encourage them to pick up a journal and write or have a virtual conversation with someone they care about. I hope that people dealing with grief can share their stories and testimonies with someone they trust. I hope that people living alone can find activities they enjoy.
Lastly, I hope that healthcare professionals take care of themselves mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. We are of no use to anyone if we are not healthy ourselves. The same grace you extend to others, extend to yourself.
Here is a list of some businesses that I have supported through Covid-19 if you are interested:
https://www.instagram.com/cxstyles/
https://linktr.ee/yvonnejewnellny
https://www.instagram.com/yvonnejewnellny/
https://linktr.ee/coco.fitness
https://www.instagram.com/xxcocochanel/?hl=en
