Aastha Bahl, 19, Neuroscience/Psychology Student, Michigan State University, Michigan
With ONE word, how do you hope to come out of this quarantine?
"Mindful"
What was the effect of COVID-19 on your routine?
"My routine has been affected since March 11th, 2020, the day that MSU suspended in-person classes. Since then, my three roommates and I have moved out of our college apartment and returned to our home residences where we finished the spring semester remotely. "
What is one realization you’ve had about yourself or the world?
"I’ve realized just how interconnected our world is and how my actions can have a bigger impact than I ever really understood. I have also realized how much I rely on my school environment to be productive, but on the opposite end, quarantining has made me realize how I really can live without a lot of things I thought I needed. I’m happy that I get to focus on cherishing the little things and bettering myself. "
What works and doesn’t work while in quarantine? (open-ended)
"I like to plan out my meals, spending time making breakfast/lunch, and trying to prioritize my nutrition. I have a schedule that I follow pretty loosely. I try to get work done during the day when my parents are working from home as well, and my evenings are meant for exercising and relaxation. I don’t do the same thing everyday though; I mostly just follow whatever I feel like doing that day. "
In what ways have you shown self-improvement?
"I have definitely gotten better at being with myself and enjoying my own company. I have been improving my self-care and my diet. I also have a greater appreciation for life, myself, and my family and friends. I am going easy on myself, taking things day by day, and trying not to stress about things that would have previously stressed me out. I have also gotten closer with my family again being in the house after college, which is not something I would have probably gotten to do if it wasn’t for quarantine. "
If you had to give your “pre-quarantine” self a piece of advice, what would that be?
"I would tell my “pre-quarantine” self to take it easy and hug your loved ones tighter!"