Over the past few months, the novel coronavirus has spread across the world, infecting thousands of people and impacting many more. 

This pandemic has altered lives bringing changed schedules, increased stress, and other differences as well. 

“The quarantine has affected me mentally by closing off my interactive social barriers. Being out in school was probably the only real social interaction I got.” senior Paige Mesler said. “Of course, I do interact with people across the Internet, but I think some interaction with your friends in school would be good for your mental health as well as physical.” 

Uncertainty is another aspect that has been caused by this pandemic, sprouting in people all over.  It has especially become true for sophomore Marilyn Dunker, who has experienced the threat of the virus in her neighborhood.

“I was not thinking much about the virus until someone I knew got it and that was kind of my lightbulb moment when I realized that this was a real thing and it was actually happening,” Dunker said. “I had only seen and heard about the virus but now I know that this is actually happening in my community and neighborhood.”

Stress has not just been the worry of getting the virus, but it is also spreading it. Dunker said that her family has practiced some new safeguards since hearing of their neighbor’s positive test result.

“I am definitely stressed over this, it makes me think, like what if my family is asymptomatic and just carrying it around? What if a sick or elderly person gets it because of us?” Dunker said. “This definitely changed my family’s way of life because now we sanitize everything even though none of us have left the house.”

With so much happening all at once, the pandemic has not only impacted students but teachers as well.

“We have a neighbor who tested positive for COVID-19.  We are a close-knit community. It has hit us hard. I can tell you that I was physically shaking when I heard the news.  Although we have been extremely careful, it still makes you question every interaction,” math teacher Jennifer Montgomery said. 

Not only has stress occurred, but financial issues have also arisen due to the current events.

“The quarantine has financially helped me save money, but at the same time has stopped me from making money. The reason is, that I do not have any reason to go out and go get fast food and most if not all jobs are closed,” senior Harry Zossoungbo said.

Even though there are negative effects some of them have been positive. Physics teacher Robert Weissler has used this time to reshape his workout routine.

“I am actually up to running just about every day now again, which I have not done in a few years and I feel great,” Weissler said. “I love being with my family so that extra time is great.”

To relieve the impact of the pandemic on one’s self a variety of activities can help. Counselor Dina Durnin has many suggestions for people who are having a difficult time dealing with stress and anxiety during the pandemic. 

“There are many things we can do during our time of quarantine to relieve stress. I am an advocate of practicing Mindfulness because it reminds us to take each day as it comes. If Mindfulness is not within your comfort zone, here are many other ideas: draw, read, take a walk (with permission and practice social distancing), go outside or in your yard and skip (you can never be angry or sad while skipping), etc,” Durnin said. “The important piece is to find something you like, is feasible during the stay at home order and repeat it often.” 

In a time of pandemic one thing to keep in mind is to help yourself and others.

“The one thing to remember is to take care of yourself first by practicing some form of self-care. Once you are feeling better, I want you to invite others to join you for your self-care practice,” Durnin said.