Welcome back to another installment of “Ask Adrian Anything.” This series gives our readers an opportunity to communicate directly with Adrian, a No Boundaries participant, about his experiences in the workplace, living independently and out in the community. In light of the stay at home order due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we wanted to learn how Adrian is copying with being quarantined and if he has any useful tips for the rest of us. Below is our Q&A:  

Q: How are you handling the quarantine?

A: I would say I’m handling it better than most people. I do wish everything would level out and we could get back to our lives, but it’s nice to have some time to focus on me.

Q: What are you doing to stay busy each day?

Adrian in the kitchen.

A: I can finally go through my email inboxes and do some things I’ve been putting off, like typing up all my fictional stories and backing up my computer. I also have been doing some cooking and baking – sometimes for myself, but mostly for my family. I’ve made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, tilapia burrito bowls, and mushroom risotto.

I admit that I’ve been watching a lot of TV, mostly reruns of cop shows like Law and Order SVU, Chicago PD, Med and Fire and I’m even getting into NCIS.  I finally saw the movie Black Panther and I enjoyed it.  I also am a fan of the Disney movies that are streaming on FreeForm. I’ve also been playing video games and writing fictional stories, poetry and song lyrics. My most recent set of song lyrics is “Sneezing, Blow and Ah, Choo!”

 Q: What tips could you share about staying mentally, emotionally and physically healthy?

 A:

• 

  Adrian getting in a virtual workout.

  Exercise – I have been doing virtual workouts  with the gym where I work out, Victory Training. It’s going well.

• Fresh Air – I have also been getting out and walking around my neighborhood, making sure I keep at least 6 feet from anyone Isee. Getting some fresh air is a great way to clear your mind and relax.
• Arts – I have been coloring, writing stories, watching movies or TV, singing, listening to music and updating my blog. All of these things can keep you calm. For example, Johnny Cash’s lyrics to “Folsom Prison Blues” have a calming effect on me: “I’m stuck in Folsom Prison, and time keeps draggin’ on, But that train keeps a rollin’ on down to San Anton.”
• Staying Connected – I have been staying in touch with friends and family. Reaching out and talking to friends and family is helpful when dealing with the emotional side of things.
• Imagination – Sometimes you can find a calming feeling in something poetic to the situation at hand, like playing an end of the world game, getting creative or even turning our situation into an alternate reality. Some people might even be able to pretend as if things are not as bad as they are.
• Following a Routine – Creating a schedule of events can help lessen some inner fears. It can be as detailed as setting time frames for each task.  For example, wake up and get dressed at (insert time here), breakfast (insert time here), task 1, task 2, etc.

Q: What tips could you share when you feel overwhelmed or scared about the current pandemic?

A:

• If I’m feeling at all like I can’t handle it, I turn to my imagination and let my creative side take over. Sometimes when situations look bad, the best way to handle it
  

  Courtesy of zoom.us

  is to turn to a more creative outlet.  Something that gives you a chance to release negative thoughts and emotions and turn them into something with a positive twist.

• Another good tip is talk to someone you trust like a friend and or family member. It’s always good to have people to talk to, especially if you love and trust them. Since you can’t be with people, I suggest using Zoom (Zoom is like Skype or FaceTime).
• Another tip is to remove the news from your life. Even if you love the news, find something else to watch or listen to because what’s going on now is hard to listen to, watch and read about.

Stay well!