Distancing season: Making the most of it
The art of the pandemic meltdown
“Not all meltdowns are equal,” said Elizabeth Bernstein in The Wall Street Journal. No one should explode in anger in a way that hurts other people. But tension levels are high right now, so it’s not uncommon to be holding it together until some small annoyance crops up and “suddenly you’re screaming alone in your car or sobbing to your dog about, well, everything.” Don’t feel ashamed. A meltdown, whether it manifests as rage, crying, or an emotional shutdown, is a natural mechanism by which the body cleanses itself of negative emotions. You might even be able to achieve productive meltdowns by planning for them. “When you start to feel overwhelmed, find a private place where you may feel freer to let your emotions out,” perhaps the shower or a parked car. Loud music or strenuous exercise helps some people. Or try a splash of cold water, which is instantly calming.
Planning ahead for spring’s blossoms
If you have a garden that you’re about to prep for winter, “this is a great time to be thinking about spring-flowering bulbs,” said Beth Botts in the Chicago Tribune. Bulbs should be planted after the first hard frost but before the ground freezes solid, so imagine now what blooms you’d like to see in the spring and place your orders. Consider the soil and shade conditions. “Generally, bulbs prefer moisture in early spring and fall and to be dry in summer when they are dormant.” But some bulb varieties, such as summer snowflake, are moisture-resistant. If you’d like flowers under a tree, choose early bloomers such as daffodils. They’ll achieve their moment of glory before tree leaves come in and block the sun.
How to snack wisely
While working from home amid the pandemic, “maintaining a healthy relationship with food has been a true pain,” said Brittany Loggins in Real Simple. To avoid binge-eating junk food when you’re stressed, bored, or just hungry, start every day with a breakfast that includes protein, fat, and fiber, and hold to a schedule for the snacks and meals to come. It’s easier to eat healthily when you have food breaks to look forward to, and don’t ever get underfueled by letting four hours pass between breaks. “Snacking isn’t a bad thing, as long as you’re reaching for the good stuff,” such as nuts, seeds, a hard-boiled egg, or veggies with hummus. And always stop to enjoy the food. “That way, snack time becomes a small luxury, associated with positive feelings.”