Conscious Self-Care in Quarantine

By Fjolla Arifi

Podcasts, roller skates, and vibrators.

It’s safe to say that 2020 has led to stress amongst relationships, work-life, and overall safety, making us question our future during quarantine. Most people have put their lives on-pause, while others have picked up new hobbies. Whether that’s listening to podcasts on racial inequality, roller skating, or finding the perfect vibrator, taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually is vital during quarantine.

revamp your sex life

Social distancing has hindered sex lives and the ability to meet new people. People who rely on dating apps for sex —or anyone who can’t safely see their partner(s) IRL — can use this time to explore their body and what they find pleasurable.

Alyssa Teixeira, a sex educator and doula (a support system for individuals with health-related issues), provides queer affirming, pleasure-centered sex education. As a specialist, her most prominent piece of advice is exploring new solo sex techniques, being patient, and trying new things.

“Quarantine is a great time to explore your body and what you find pleasurable, whether you are having partnered sex or solo sex!” Tiexiera says. “Shelter-in-place is also a great time to try out something you haven’t done before. Buy a cool new sex toy or talk to your partner about a fantasy you’ve always wanted to give a try.”

SU Student Laura Caraballo has been browsing different websites and small businesses to find what works well for her body at an affordable price.

“Quarantine was a moment of clarity since I couldn’t be as sexually active. It made me question what I wanted sexually,” Caraballo says. “I had to find gratification through other things such as researching what I like, and it’s liberating. I can do this by myself, and it doesn’t have to be in the hands of my partner.”

The Gaia Eco Biodegradable Vibrator ($10-16) is the first biodegradable vibrator with internal and external stimulation. It’s a great way to climax while reducing one’s carbon footprint.

Centro University, the world’s first sex worker university, has created free classes on adult influencers. Courses provide in-depth conversations on topics ranging from the online adult industry to starting an OnlyFans.

educate yourself

During times of protests, understanding and learning about distress encourages people to seek change. Freshman, Jade Cedano, highlights how podcasts, like Syracuse Speaks and Black Girl Magic, have kept her aware of what’s been happening on-campus and at home.

“Listening to podcasts makes me feel like I’m having a conversation with the hosts. It’s different than just listening to mainstream media and feeling overwhelmed. It’s been a scary time, especially being a Black woman,” Cedano says. “I don’t want to hear about how Black people are dying consistently.”

Other podcasts to learn about racial injustice include Seeing White, Justice in America, United States of Anxiety, and It’s Been a Minute with Sam Sanders.

While staying up to date on racial injustices and news surrounding the pandemic, remember to take time to disconnect. It’s a privilege for someone to not to feel overwhelmed or worried about issues that don’t directly affect them. Use this time to reconnect and disconnect when needed.

The podcast, Pod Save the People, uses grounding techniques for those who need to de-stress from news-cycles while looking at stories per week.

move your body while socially distancing

Although gyms are reopening in certain areas, finding a creative way to exercise while social distancing can be difficult.

Scrolling through Tik Tok, people eventually run into the massive surge of individuals obsessed with roller skating. The 80’s trend is becoming more popular again with customizable and affordable skates.

Tik Tokers like Ana Coto sparked the new trend, causing stores to stock-up on their skates and selling out almost instantly on sites like Moxi and Impala Skates.

Abbey Goya, or @abbey_goya on Instagram, discusses learning to roller skate during quarantine. “I enjoy roller skating because every time I lace-up, there is evidence of progress. I’ve unlocked a whole new level of confidence for myself,” Goya says.

Impala Roller Skates have updated their shop with roller skates, inline skates, skateboards, and accessories. Other small online businesses include Angel Skates and Five Stride.

Quarantine has allowed time to reconnect through ways that go beyond in-person interactions. Finding what works best while maintaining ways to stay connected with close friends and family can redefine what quarantine means for someone.