The day has finally arrived! The day that introverts all around the world have been training for all their lives. Thanks to the spread of COVID-19, the world is going on lockdown. Many countries, such as my home and native land of Canada, have recommended (if not outright mandated) self isolation. And now we’re going to see how well people can adjust.

Now don’t get me wrong – I am not minimizing the seriousness of the Coronavirus. Rather, I am coping with it by means of my natural state. Humour.

Thanks to the guidelines put in place, people are being asked to stay at home. I can already see people going stir crazy; feeling trapped and with nothing to do. What advice do I have for these people? Relax and learn to enjoy it. I know that I sure am!

You mean I can just stay in the house and not feel obligated to be social? I can just chat with people via text rather than in person? I can spend an entire weekend just reading books and watching Netflix? This is what my people have been training to do our entire lives!

The best part of this entire situation for me has been obtaining my holy grail – working from home. Long have I dreamt about being able to work from the comfort of my own home. While I would do it on occasion over the past few years, it was usually one random day here or there. As of today, I am working from home until further notice. All it took was a global pandemic.

In all seriousness, for those of you who are self-isolating, here are some ideas on things to do if you’re feeling bored:

• Read a book
• Go for a walk
• Listen to a podcast
• Meditate
• Yoga or other exercise
• Cook or bake
• De-clutter your home (pick one room at a time and make a schedule)
• Spring cleaning
• Watch a movie (or 2 or 7)
• Start a new TV series
• Pick up a new hobby (have you been itching to learn how to play the guitar, knit, juggle or start herding ducks?)
• Write the next great literary masterpiece, or just some schlocky drivel

This may just be start of a prolonged shift to our society. While everyone is saying it’s for two weeks, no one really knows what this will look like in a month. No matter what happens next, just remember to stay calm, be smart, wash your hands and keep your distance if you’re out in public.

This could be a difficult period for some people. Be sure to check in on your friends and relatives via phone, text, email, Skype, FaceTime or any other social media platform. If you’re feeling panicky, reach out to one of your friends. Though we may be isolated, none of us are truly alone.