Lisa Lau, 32, Registered Dietitian, Ontario, CA
With ONE word, how do you hope to come out of this quarantine?
"Healthy"
What was the effect of COVID-19 on your routine?
"My daily routine started changing in the last week of March. This was about a week after Ontario announced the emergency declaration. Because I work in health care, I was initially still going to work, carrying out my day to day routine. As our office gradually switched over to doing more virtual care, “seeing” patients and clients over the phone and video, I was able to work more days from home. "
What is one realization you’ve had about yourself or the world?
"Every time something tragic happens that affects people globally, it always brings people closer together. The silver lining of this pandemic is that so many people have stepped up and shown kindness and love to help one another get through this situation, from large companies producing and donating medical equipment, down to all the people reaching out to strangers just to help out in some small way."
What works and doesn’t work while in quarantine? (open-ended)
"Keeping to somewhat of a routine is important. Without a structure to my day, it can be very easy to sit on the couch for the whole day mindlessly watching Netflix, leaving me feeling worse physically and mentally. I stick to my regular working hours even when at home and take regular breaks from the computer screen. I eat three regular meals a day. I’m cooking a lot more and I focus on eating foods that make me feel good, whether to satisfy a comfort food craving or something nutritious that will keep me energized. I make a point to get some activity every day, whether it’s just going for a walk or working out. And I try to find other activities to do that keep me emotionally and mentally in a good place, that could be anything depending on the day, like doing a face mask, reading a good book, or taking care of my plants."
In what ways have you shown self-improvement?
"I’ve become very grateful of everything in my life. I have a home where I can be safe, living with my husband, whom I actually enjoy the company of. I still have a job, an income, and the ability to help other people. And most importantly my friends and family are all safe at home too. I know that this is not the case for a lot of people. With more time available, I have also been able to become more proactive in reaching out to my friends and family, connecting with some people more than what I would have done pre-pandemic life. "
If you had to give your “pre-quarantine” self a piece of advice, what would that be?
"Reach out and connect more regularly with friends and family who are far away."