The “New Normal” Column

A month ago coronavirus seemed like a distant threat that would not affect me.

Now I’m afraid to leave my house in fear that I will infect my elderly grandparents.

Every decision I make now revolves around that fear. 

Before I would spend my time studying and working on assignments in cafes and libraries.

Now I am confined to my home.

I can’t remember the last time I actually stepped outside. 

Prior to the virus I was in the best shape of my life.

Now I barely move except from my room to the kitchen.

I feel any progress that I made in fitness will be lost by the time this is over.

Every day I wake up and check the news in hopes that there will be some development in the pandemic that shows signs of improvement.

Without being able to leave the house life has become less productive. 

I remember how it all started.

My dad was visiting to help care for my sick grandmother and we had gone to the movies to get out of the house.

As we walked out of the theatre I turned on my phone and got a text message.

“Guys class has been cancelled,” the text message read.

Previously I had not thought that my life would be affected by the coronavirus.

Currently I live under a shelter in place order that requires me to live at home.

I spend my time helping my grandparents around the house and doing school assignments.

And every day that goes by my longing to return to normal rises.

I actually miss my daily commute to school, something I always hated.

The effects of staying inside all day has begun having an effect on my body.

Looking outside hurts my eyes and my skin has become increasingly pale. 

I’ve begun gaining fat from a decrease in activity.

I do not know if life will ever be the same.

I began the new decade with high hopes that this would be a time of productivity and progress in my life but it quickly became apparent that would not be the case.