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Allen Reed
Allen Reed

Creative Coronavirus Crisis Coping

Allen Reed

Our world is turned up-side-down right now, and our new normal is something out of a science fiction movie. Our TVs, newsfeeds and social media are filled with updates and stories about the pandemic; some seeming futile, others offering a glimmer of hope. Unless you're considered "essential", your contact with the outside world has been reduced to a virtual meeting or happy hour in the hopes of remaining connected. For some people, the slower pace is a welcome respite, while for many, it's a prison sentence.

So how do we cope during uncertain times? I like to look at the positive side of things, find humor, see innovative problem-solving and see how people are staying sane by sharing their creativity. With that being said, I've put together a list of a few things I've found to take my mind off the mayhem. Enjoy!

 

StaySane

Stay Sane Stay Safe
Netherlands-based designers Max Lennarts and Menno de Bruijn recognized a design opportunity to encourage positivity during the pandemic. They created a website where creatives can upload their own designs for others to view, and where visitors can download and share the love.
View, Download and Contribute Here

 

FB_NeverLost
 
Never Lost
"We’re never lost if we can find each other." This poignant short film by Facebook (voiced by British poet Kate Tempest reciting her poem "People's Faces") offers viewers comfort in connecting on the social platform and a place to receive support.

Get Some Kleenex and Watch Here

 

TikTok

TikTok
To combat boredom, many young people, celebrities and even families have taken to the mobile app TikTok, to get creative with short-form mobile video. The most popular content on TikTok are Hashtag challenges which include dances, lip-syncing and pranks, among others.

See What's Trending Here

 

TigerKing

Tiger King
You've seen the memes, but if you haven't binge-watched this train-wreck yet, you might as well check it off your Netflix list. This true, murder-for-hire story from the underworld of big cat breeding will help you take your mind off the craziness around us, while help you feel pretty darn good about yourself. 
 
 
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All of the Memes
Speaking of memes, sometimes you just have to laugh. From toilet paper shortages to Quarantinis to #CaroleBaskinDidIt, nothing appears to be off-limits. Somehow an image ripped off from Google and some witty lines helps you go from a gray day to to a great day.
 
 
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Analog  Games
When's the last time you broke out the board games like Scrabble, Sorry, Monopoly or Chinese Checkers? These days we're so glued to our displays, we often forget about that closet filled with great memories with the score pads to prove it. Turn off the TV, put down the mobile devices and dust off an old game…

 

Every so often our lives are disrupted by something that causes us a little stress or a lot of panic. We can't instantly change our circumstances, but we can tune out the noise, focus on what's important and just keep breathing. Sooner or later, this, too, shall pass and we'll be stronger for it.