The Hit List - An Introvert’s Advice on Social Distancing

I live like a hermit most of the time. A lot of writers do. My interactions are limited to errands, gym time, and phone sessions with clients. I’ve set up my life like this because it suits me.

With the pandemic raging, a lot of folks are being forced to live very much as I do. This has been a hard adjustment for some. I feel your pain, believe me. Growing up in a house filled with extroverts, I know how important it is for them to get out and mingle. Sitting in a cave surrounded by books and cats? Not their jam!

Whether you identify as an extrovert, introvert, or ambivert, this whole social distancing thing is a major reset for every one of us. I thought I might want to share my advice on how to navigate this tricky vibe until things return to normal.

1. Get up the same time every day and go to bed at the same time too. Sleeping in or going to bed at odd hours may seem like the thing to do right now but once you’re back on a regular groove, you’ll have a harder time adjusting back to normal life.

2. Get dressed every day. Resist the urge to schlepp around in pajamas and a chenille robe. Put on your regular work clothes, a bit of makeup (if you wear it like I do), brush your teeth, style your hair, throw on a little bling and cologne. You’ll feel better. Plus, if you need to do video conferencing for your job, you won’t look like a slob.

3. Have a routine for your work. That means regular working hours. I start my day around 7 AM and am always done by 6 PM. (There is a break in there – I’m not nailed to the desk for 11 hours!)

4. Go outside in nature if you can. Take walks, garden in your backyard, stretch on the front lawn, spend time in a park (this may not be possible in some areas). If you cannot go outside, open the windows for a bit every day, weather permitting.

5. Books, movies, music, and board games will keep your mind busy when you’re not working. (This will also keep the kiddos occupied when they aren’t doing schoolwork.)

6. Treat your office like an office. That may mean asking your loved ones to leave you be when you’re getting work done or closing the door during working hours. If you’re cooped up with the family, this won’t be easy but it will be necessary if you want to get anything done. (Alexandra Franzen has this great checklist for folks working at home.)

7. Cook great meals. I have a large selection of cookbooks that I love to pore over for new recipes. I also subscribe to the NY Times Cooking App, which has fabulous recipes. They have a whole section on things to cook from the pantry and I can attest: every recipe has been delicious!

8. Learn something new. For example, start learning a new language, figure out how to work that fancy camera, make an artisanal bread, or study astrology.

9. Keep in contact with folks. A phone call, text, or video chat will keep you connected – and make this time less lonely. (Psst…take some time to write a bunch of handwritten notes – and slip those off in the mailbox. You’ll make someone’s day!)

10. Read the news sparingly. Stay informed but don’t get obsessive.

11. Have a daily spiritual practice. Meditation, prayer, yoga – whatever helps you feel connected to something greater than yourself. Some churches, studios, and temples are live-streaming their services so you can find inspiration online!

12. Look for ways you can raise spirits. This is your time to step up and lead, people. You can do that right from your home too. Share your wisdom and skills, post uplifting stories, host daily live chats, etc. Do your part to help other people feel calm until the storm passes.

13. Lastly, if you are struggling or if the isolation is impacting your mental health, please seek help. Many therapists are offering virtual or phone sessions. Also, you can get support from free services such as the Crisis Text Line or 7 Cups.

I know that this is a challenging period. But do know that we will get through this together – even if we’re apart for the moment.

Some beauty from Hawaii to brighten your day.

Other stuff:

Italian hermit living alone on an island says self-isolation is the ultimate journey.

From Cosmo: 6 Astrological Predictions That Might Make You Feel a *Teensy* Bit Better About Everything.

Some things to do when you gotta practice social distancing:10 Fun Things to Do in Your Free Time That Cost Nothing.

More ideas for the social distancing blues: 25 Fun Things to Do at Home #ShelterInPlace.

At Marie Claire: “I’m Homeless—How Can I Self-Quarantine?”

Here’s a quick tutorial on Moon Aspects.

Check out the Gothmancy Tarot Deck over on Kickstarter. <-There is a Klaus Nomi card!!!

Join me! I’m doing extended Card of the Day posts, classes, and political astrology over on my Patreon account.

I’m having a convo with the Mystical Silver blog about The Mystical World of Tarot Reading.

I adore everything Racheal Cook does. If you’re an entrepreneur, you need to check out her latest podcast: Unsexy Success Secrets BONUS: Create Your Coronavirus Contingency Plan.

Good question: Why Is It So Hard To Get A Coronavirus Test In America?

This man’s birthday GoFundMe raised $16K in 18 hours to help Milwaukee restaurants during coronavirus.

I love this: TV Medical Dramas Are Donating All Their Gowns, Gloves, and Masks to Real Hospitals Fighting COVID-19.

Yes: During the COVID-19 Crisis, Abortion Access Must be Considered “Essential.”

But of course: COVID-19 Spending Measures Stalled by Anti-Choice Lawmakers.

Tarot readers and astrologers! I’ve been saying this for years and it bears repeating: Phone tarot readings are the way to go (email too!).

Here are some good practices for tarot readers.

Check out this podcast from Rachel Rodgers: How to Thrive as a Small Business Owner in the Time of Coronavirus.

Hypnotist Grace Smith has this calming recording for you: How to Activate Your Abundance Mindset [Coronavirus Outbreak 2020].

Emilie Muñiz and I talked about multiple ways to read reversals over on the Tarot Bytes podcast.

WOW: Clever Girl Finance is offering courses free at this time!

What It’s Like to Be a Flight Attendant During the Coronavirus Pandemic.

This is some much-needed funniness: 40 Epic Clothing Disasters.

So cool: This Astrology Account Is Dropping Retro-Inspired Makeup Tutorials Based on Your Sign.

Truth: Coronavirus Will Be the Hardest for Gig and Service Workers in the U.S.

He’s my hero: Chef José Andrés Is Turning Some Closed Restaurants Into Community Kitchens to Help Feed People During the Pandemic.

This looks interesting: Seasons of Moon and Flame: The Wild Dreamer’s Epic Journey of Becoming.

I gotta say, this book changed my life: Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence: Fully Revised and Updated for 2018.

Need: Setting Boundaries Will Set You Free: The Ultimate Guide to Telling the Truth, Creating Connection, and Finding Freedom.

Proud to be involved in this amazing project with Shaheen Miro: The Uncommon Tarot: A Contemporary Reimagining of an Ancient Oracle.

Super excited about my upcoming book: Tarot: No Questions Asked: Mastering the Art of Intuitive Reading.

Get calm, destress, learn some tarot with The Tarot Coloring Book.

Tarot For Troubled Times is a timely book for these challenging times. Learn some tarot spreads, rituals, and self-care practices that will help you navigate the current climate.

Astrology for Real Life: A Workbook for Beginners (A No B.S. Guide for the Astro-Curious) is for total beginners and intermediates who want to learn astrology but don’t know where to start.

Events:

August 30, 2020: Brushes and Stars. Where: Oakland, California. A full-day of astrology and intuitive painting – and yummy food! Join me and Chris Zydel for a joyful, astrology-inspired intuitive painting experience.

May 2-8, 2021: The Tuscany Tarot Intensive. Where: Italy! A full week of tarot immersion. Due to the Coronavirus, we moved the event to next year. Good news: the dates allow for a few extra seats which means you can join us next year! Yay!

Coming soon: Aloha Astrology and Tarot Retreat…January 2021!