Staying Creative in the Time of Corona

By Dedra L. Stevenson

Wow, we didn’t see this coming! How many of us are sitting there each day wondering why we didn’t have any warning that a long-enforced stay at home was going to begin? Stress rules the day as we try to make sense of life in quarantine, and if we’re not careful, the worry will cause both physical and mental health issues in addition to the Corona madness.

How do we get through it?

This is what I think. First of all, let’s take a moment to appreciate the Alcoholics Anonymous Prayer. No, I’m not an alcoholic, nor have I ever been, but there’s enormous wisdom in that prayer at this time. “God, grant me the Serenity to accept what I cannot change, The Power to change what I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.”

What can we change? We can change our habits. We can live a healthier life. Eat healthier food, exercise, get enough water and sleep. You can take the right vitamin supplements to give your body the fighting power that it needs, just in case you do face COVID 19. Becoming healthier is always a good idea, and it can’t hurt. Right?

We can also look after our spiritual health. Regardless of your faith, you can choose to embrace it better now. Pray for those who need help and for those who have passed. You can study and search for deeper meaning in what you believe. You can study the beliefs of others to become more tolerant and informed. Read, study and grow because obtaining knowledge is always a good thing.

While you’re looking after your body and your soul, don’t forget that your mind needs a break as well. Don’t concentrate on the news all the time. Let yourself be creative. When you were 6 years old, you were at your most creative time of your life. Anything sparked your imagination. You could see a tree and imagine it’s a jungle. You could see a swing outside and imagine your in a rocket shooting to space.

Here’s a news flash. That 6-year-old needs to play now and then, or the wrinkles on your face will increase exponentially and your health in the other 2 areas, body and soul, will also deteriorate. Artistic activities of all varieties can achieve this goal. Singing, Reading, Acting, Drawing, Knitting, or other Crafts can be tremendously relaxing. For people like me, the activity of choice is writing.

So, why not try writing? Get a few sheets of paper out with a pencil or a pen and just set a timer for 10 minutes, or 15 minutes. During that time, write ANYTHING that pops in your head. Let your imagination go wild. Make up characters, a story, or just write about your innermost thoughts. Don’t think about spelling, grammar, opinions of others, or whether it’s going to make sense to you. Just let it out. Go later and see what you wrote. Oftentimes, you’ll find that a book idea will spring off the page! It’s called freewriting, and as the name suggests, it’s a freeing exercise. Why not try it today? It’s not like you’re going anywhere, and you may find that there’s an author living within you!

Of course, if you are a reader, don’t forget to buy eBooks and Audiobooks from independent authors wherever possible. When you buy a book from an independent author, you support true unbridled creativity and originality, not to mention a small businessperson.

We have a nice range of genres to keep you entertained, and we love to hear from you! Drop us a line anytime.