A Day in the Life of Quarantine: Uniforms, Routines, and Emotions

What does your day-in-the-life during quarantine look like? Have you embraced a quarantine uniform to make your routine a little more comfortable and routine-friendly?

My Day in Quarantine

I usually start my day around 4 or 5 am, depending on the needs of my bladder. This early start is a delight to my feline friend, Fred, who wants fresh water and some senior cat food. After brewing my favorite coffee, I grab a sweater and venture out to pick some dandelion buds for my husband's omelet.

My Morning Breakfast

A protein-rich shake, mixed with chocolate, is my go-to breakfast. After this, I dedicate an hour or so to checking emails, responding to blog chats, and answering surveys. When my turn on the computer comes to an end, I engage in household chores and find myself lost in "A Dublin Student Doctor" by Patrick Taylor.

Lunch and Beyond

For lunch, I opt for a vegetable bean stir fry served atop a bed of mixed rice. Typically, after lunch, I enjoy a brief walk around the block—lucky for us, face masks are not mandatory in our tiny town. Today was a particularly pleasant day, so I'm getting ready to clear a space in our yard for a modest garden. Things are still in the planning stages, but it's a nice goal to keep in mind.

For dinner, I prefer to snack rather than dine. Tonight, I toasted a whole grain slice of bread with cream cheese and enjoyed a cup of diet hot cocoa. As the day draws to a close, I hit the bed a bit past 8 pm.

Second Perspective: Daily Struggles

While my routine involves a balance of work and leisure, others have different experiences. For example, someone wakes up at 9:30 am, gets dressed, and spends hours before finally eating. Cheating off the routine of a regular day, this person works until 7 pm, only managing to eat dinner and watch movies or YouTube until about 12 am. By then, it's time to get ready for bed, with more viewing sessions lasting until 2 or 3 am. Emotions can vary, and they admit to crying themselves to sleep every night due to the loneliness.

Essential Worker Life: A Unique Routine

Another perspective comes from someone who is not in quarantine, yet feels the weight of the situation. Typically, they work from 11 am to 3 or 4 pm, being considered essential. Back home, they shower, maybe nap, and scroll through social media apps and YouTube. If motivated, they might do some classwork or clean their room. They also find time to visit the park and listen to music in the car. Their uniform is a boyfriend's hoodie, worn with no pants, with clothing changing only during work hours.

Even in an essential role, they face the challenge of balancing work and personal time, often finding themselves either working late or engaging in solitary activities like browsing Netflix while their partner plays video games. If they're feeling up to it, they might make drinks and glasses of wine before settling in to watch more episodes of Netflix. It's a cycle that repeats itself daily, filled with routine and emotional struggles.

Conclusion

The days in quarantine vary greatly, from early mornings with pets to late nights and solo activities. The choice of quarantine uniform can provide comfort and routine, while routines and experiences shape daily life. Amidst the challenges, it's important to find moments of joy and comfort, whether it's a cup of hot cocoa, a book, or a movie marathon.

Join the conversation and share your day-in-the-life during quarantine or the quarantine uniform that makes your routine a little more comfortable. Let's support each other through these times.