Editor’s Note

I’VE NEVER MADE a magazine from home before—at least, not since I was a kid, using Elmer’s glue and construction paper. But as we were finishing the final pages of this month’s issue, the coronavirus hit and the world changed. The ELLE Canada team had to relocate to our sofas, kitchen counters and dining tables. We had to sign off on files remotely, have video-conference calls and make the inevitable last-minute changes from a distance. I found it harder to adjust to all the changes than I thought I would.

I’ve been learning a lot about myself during this surreal time. I thought I was a diehard introvert, but my longing right now to be with friends and family is profound. I miss communal meals and group workout classes and the casual impromptu conversations that pop off among the ELLE team during a typical day at the office. I’ve also learned I’m not much of a team player when it comes to sharing the “good” snacks with my family. Reader, when they came for my BBQ Ringolos, they saw a side of me I’m not proud of.

Overnight, everything is different. By the time you read this, it will have changed again. At my house, we might be fighting over the canned pears at the back of the cupboard, my teenage daughter might be reduced to just three words in her vocabulary (“I’m bored, Mom.”) and my husband will probably be working from his car because “the Wi-Fi is better from the driveway.”

I make jokes as a coping mechanism, but I know how serious this is. There are times when I’m hit so hard with anxiety and sadness over what is happening that I’m completely overwhelmed. I’ve found that limiting my visits to news sites to just once a day has helped; I watch TED Talks or comedy flicks or write in a journal instead. If you’re finding things tough too, our therapy guide (page 54) covers everything you need to know about the different types available, and we also explore online therapy with all its pros and cons.

ELLE is here to offer you a break from the noise and a little inspiration. I hope this issue will be an escape for you and that you and your family stay safe and healthy.