What Happens in Quarantine Stays... Well Not SO Much #StayHomeStirCrazy

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At first I thought exiled life in quarantine was not for me… it still isn’t. However, at least, I am navigating it better. I don’t know what the hell I do with my days, but it seems like they are flying by quicker than my life prior to the COVID-19. What we’re going through right now is very serious, and I spoke more extensively about it on my [unaired] podcast. I have numerous thoughts surrounding Rudy Gobert, the suspension of various leagues, the postponing and cancellation of major tournaments and programs. Once again, I applaud the NCAA for offering another year of eligibility to student-athletes, especially. The precautionary measures, while sometimes unsavory at the moment to some, were necessary, and proved crucial. It’s crazy to think about the type of lives we lived at the top of the month, and the types of plans we all had for these past and next few weeks. Welp, we’re in it now, and all we can do is look for the brighter side of it all.

S O C I A L D I S T A N C I N G

As a wordsmith, I am fascinated by the speed at which new terms come to the forefront of the media to best describe a situation. There is truly a word for everything! Anyway, social distancing is a huge contributing factor to the spread, or lack-thereof, COVID-19. The goal via social-distancing is for each of us to play our part in flattening the curve of the spread of the virus. There isn’t a right time for this to happen globally, per se. I was at a loss initially because I was making such progress with my weight-loss goals, my fitness, and my Lenten sacrifices. Selfishly, I felt as though this moment in our nation’s history put a huge wrench in my plans, as many of us may have felt.

Venus and Serena

Venus and Serena

I understood the science behind it, as I still do, yet like most young people and people of color who are typically asymptomatic, the effects seemed relatively distant from me. That has since changed. We have since learned that it is still a danger to people of all ages. I was nervous about visiting New Jersey because I felt as though since I had been out and about prior to the mandates, that I would put my parents and family members at risk. Even now, all I want to do is see my Grandmother, but there isn’t anything worse than my doing that. Keeping busy and staying on track was not the easiest task. As soon as I consciously switched on my Mamba Mentality, I had to accept this, as many of us had, as my new normal.

Self care: An exfoliating face mask and scrub for the win.

Self care: An exfoliating face mask and scrub for the win.

We thank God for life, and all He has given us. There isn’t a single day or breath of air that is guaranteed. Like most of us, while keeping our faith alive, I have had to become creative with keeping my days interesting. I have a couple of injuries (that is actually what initially brought me to Jersey), and I had since eliminated rigorous cardio. Prior to the state-wide mandates, my routine included a minimum of three days of lifting, in addition to a new nutrition plan, and various forms of unique cardio movement. I started working out 2-3 times a day in the fitness studio in my apartment, simply because there wasn’t much else to do. Soon, while places gradually shut down, I trained my friends, too, because we didn’t have anywhere else to go! My results were coming along well, and my progress was documented weekly via photos. I thank God for my sis, Chidinma, who started a “social distancing running challenge” while we were on the phone. The challenge was for three of us, initially, to battle for the most completed miles, running, jogging, or walking prior to the end of the 14-day quarantine (clearly, this may have to go on a lot longer than we expected).

Shirmp Gyoza made in the beloved air-fryer

Shirmp Gyoza made in the beloved air-fryer

The challenge has grown since. It has grown in participants, and my personal expectations. I downloaded the app (I have storage on my phone, I can do those things now. lol), I played around with it a little bit to uncover its capabilities, and I made it my own. My competitive nature automatically kicked in, and I have been blowing these ladies out of the water since! (Sorry, not sarry) I love this challenge because I did not know it was exactly what I needed. More excitingly, while all I could do was walk for the first week, I soon began to jog… and then eventually RUN. Via the limitations of my options for activity, I had to take my recovery seriously for my injuries. I couldn’t/ can’t simply avoid them anymore, I have to make myself feel comfortable in order to do what I can given the circumstances. Icing, heating, and elevation has become more reglular and deliberate. I can attribute this time to getting back on my feet, and running again. It feels good.

Bebe and Cece

Bebe and Cece

Being home has given me unexpected family time. I haven’t seen my entire family since Nigeria, and my trip was only supposed to be a four day stay that included a cake tasting (which, was canceled as well. :( ). Yet, due to this unexpected extended stay, I have been able to cook dinner for my family, organize the fridge, watch new movies and shows, and bring my cats to explore the house and run around to get much-needed exercise. My sister and I have been playing tennis, I have been keeping my hoop skills sharp (they could call me to the league at any moment. I have to stay ready), meal prepping, and giving myself a little self-care. I figured I might as well use this time to grow my hair, and clear my skin so I don’t come out of this looking like a potato and who hasn’t seen light, too!

This is a unique situation to most of us. I implore each of us to make the most of it by finding new or old ways to be productive. One thing we can’t change are mandates and regulations. However, we can change our perspective and our approach.

I know my cats are happy to see me as much as they have. Although they may not act like they know me with everyone around, I know they appreciate it, too. :)