Foudentro

Right now we hypothetically have more time on our hands than we ever have, but it almost feels the exact opposite way. To describe this, I've created a new word:

foudentro (from French "fou"-- "crazy" and Portuguese "dentro"-- "inside")

n. the feeling that one is going insane as a result of being stuck inside

This feeling must be soothed! If you ask me, it's all in your mindset. 

This tale from Aesop's Fables reminds us that it is important to realize the consequences our actions have for others. It may feel ridiculous and constricting to be under "stay-at-home" orders, but following those orders is the best way to say "I acknowledge that the wellbeing of my neighbors is just as important as my own."

Here are some things that have helped me to take care of myself and adopt the Japanese mindset of "shouganai," meaning "it cannot be helped."

Finding drive-thru events

They're popping up everywhere, and just sharing a brief moment of connection with another person at these events can brighten your whole day. So far I've been to a drive-thru strawberry festival, and I'll be going to a "blueberries and BBQ" Mother's Day event later this week. You get to go out, interact with people, and breathe fresh air. Worth it.

Watching shows/movies that remind you of the future

"Remind you of the future" is quite the contradiction, as you don't yet have memories of what is to come. However, I've found it very useful to remind myself that there is a future, and we have no idea what wacky, troublesome, or fantastical things could be waiting for us in it. The only way to know that is to keep pushing through the now. Here are some shows and movies that remind me of the future:

The Good Place

Star Wars (all of them-- yes, even the older ones)

The Handmaid's Tale (this one's on the darker side of things but still intriguing)

Big Hero 6

Back to the Future (guess what? there's also a Back to the Future Part II and III!)

The Rain

Avatar

Doctor Who

Guardians of the Galaxy

Any anime/animated show/movie-- they're almost all on a completely different timeline!

Taking some time alone with nature

Sometimes the best background music is the sound of nature just doing business as usual.

Writing letters

I know it sounds old-fashioned, but just imagine how good it would feel if you received a letter in a month or two from someone you care about. I personally think more people should send letters. Texting and emailing are faster but often mean less. A piece of mail is a keepsake you can hold onto as long as you want. You don't have to send them at all really, but the act of writing with a pen and paper is known to be therapeutic.

Mental and physical health are too often thrown by the wayside, when really they are essential to our wellbeing. I hope I could help you combat the feeling of foudentro for the time being.