Do I have to enjoy me-time as much as everyone else?

In these uncertain times, taking some time for yourself is crucial for your well-being. Whether it’s through online yoga classes, meditation apps, or reading books, these are highly recommended activities for self-care and personal growth. However, with the pressure to emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever, it can feel like a compulsion rather than a chance for self-discovery.

As the world shifts to online education and many companies reduce their budgets, it’s normal to question the future and feel overwhelmed by the unknown. It can be challenging to stay motivated and find joy in activities when social contact is limited to virtual interactions and motivation is low.

While it’s tempting to push yourself to make the most of the situation, it’s also important to acknowledge that it’s okay to struggle and feel down. The social pressure to be productive and healthy during this crisis can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that it’s perfectly normal to struggle and take a break when needed. Whether it’s through memes, binge-watching TV shows, or taking a break from strict self-care routines, find what helps you cope and don’t be afraid to do what’s best for you.

The STAY AT HOME stickers on social media platforms do nothing to make me feel better any way.

On the contrary: Questioning the construct of social isolation within this crisis is considered a social taboo and only selfish loners would dare to debate it. So, endure. Me-time, how does it work? I try sports. The euphoria of squats á la Rebecca Louise is just shortly satisfying. It’s passé as soon as the next level of bored binge eating kicks in. The only thing that really keeps me alive are zodiac memes and celeb Big Brother. To deal more than ever with the topic of nutrition is also not a nice thing for most slightly eating-impaired people, which I definitely count myself to. As creative as possible, as healthy as possible and eat as little as possible. How is that supposed to work when there is practically no other daily content and the highlights are replaced by meals. It feels wrong to nag, but I’m still sure that there are people who feel the same and who identify with this perfect quarantine routine as much as with Covid-19 itself. Maybe my sullen feelings are also due the Aries season, but still everyone should know that it’s perfectly okay to feel bad and just do nothing.

This time is difficult enough for everyone and even now there is huge social pressure to do everything right. Stay healthy, stay strong and don’t be unsettled and like to drink a little more alcohol than usual. But maybe you don’t have to bend and break to make the best of the crisis – and that’s okay too.


Photo: Wolfgang Tillmans, Like Praying I, 1994