You've read the news, you've seen the reports, you're preparing for a weekend indoors. Concerned about cabin fever? The RUSSH Editors share their favourite ways to spend time in self-isolation.
Victoria Pearson
Content Director
In times of fear, turn to your friends. Specifically, the ones within the pages of your favourite books. I'll be using this period of uncertainty to tick off some must-reads I've been meaning to get around to for so long. Specifically, Ocean Vuong's On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, and Catherine Lacey's new novel, Pew. I'll also take a leaf out of Chloe Hill's beauty notes and embrace a DIY approach to my manicures. I'm loving all the shades from J. Hannah at the moment.
Gabriela Hidalgo
Senior Designer
I’ve been surprised to notice some positive (and dare I say beautiful moments) result from this dire situation we are all in. A shared meal, a video call, a necessary argument, a 'D&M' or a return to arts & crafts - all things we sadly may not have undertaken with the same presence or mindfulness in the past. Needless to say, my plants have never looked better.
As an introvert, I’m well prepared for some time spent ‘Da sola’, but with the tone being slightly different this time it will need to stay productive and light. The to do list starts with a deep autumn spring clean for a necessary reset, tackling the wardrobe, kitchen and tech. Goodbye dormant apps, unused playlists, corrupted USB’s, double-ups in my camera roll. For anything that still sparks joy but is in need of some love, I’ll be returning to the forgotten art of mending.
For less productive moments, I am looking forward to spending some time with old (and upbeat) favourites. Older But Better, But Older for some Parisian perspective, and Dolly Alderton’s Everything I Know About Love which goes down like a hot EB tea in bed. Dolly's podcast Love Stories is like the chocolate scotch finger to go with it. For maximum heart-bursting (in the best possible way), listen to the episode with Stanley Tucci, you will not regret it.
Gabriela Hidalgo
Senior Designer
I’ve been surprised to notice some positive (and dare I say beautiful moments) result from this dire situation we are all in. A shared meal, a video call, a necessary argument, a 'D&M' or a return to arts & crafts - all things we sadly may not have undertaken with the same presence or mindfulness in the past. Needless to say, my plants have never looked better.
As an introvert, I’m well prepared for some time spent ‘Da sola’, but with the tone being slightly different this time it will need to stay productive and light. The to do list starts with a deep autumn spring clean for a necessary reset, tackling the wardrobe, kitchen and tech. Goodbye dormant apps, unused playlists, corrupted USB’s, double-ups in my camera roll. For anything that still sparks joy but is in need of some love, I’ll be returning to the forgotten art of mending.
For less productive moments, I am looking forward to spending some time with old (and upbeat) favourites. Older But Better, But Older for some Parisian perspective, and Dolly Alderton’s Everything I Know About Love which goes down like a hot EB tea in bed. Dolly's podcast Love Stories is like the chocolate scotch finger to go with it. For maximum heart-bursting (in the best possible way), listen to the episode with Stanley Tucci, you will not regret it.
Ellen Presbury
Market & Beauty Director
I’m all for the long, existential deep-dives into the general themes of life when I’m on my commute, walking home from work or generally doing something at the same time. But if I’m stuck at home with not much to do I’ll be chasing something lighter. Dolly Parton’s America has been recommended enough that this’ll be my isolation listening.
For a book that hooks you in from the start, is true life but reads like a gripping novel, and once you start you want to keep going then I recommend Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Written by journalist John Berendt in the 90s the book follows the eccentric personalities and social politics in small town Savannah, Georgia. Love, murder and a criminal trial – stay in bed and hope the rain lasts a little longer.
For the task I’ve been putting off it is cleaning up my beauty routine. Little clusters of skincare, makeup and general products now clutter my bathroom, bedroom, shelves and hallway. There’s a used by date on products for a reason.
Natalie Petrevski
Fashion Editor
In the spirit of the times and to keep yourself informed (not scared), The Joe Rogan Experince’s latest episode #1439 interviews Michael Osterholm - an internationally recognised expert in infectious disease epidemiology. This is a time not for hysteria, but to employ necessary precautions, take it seriously, be smart and act accordingly to protect the community around you.
If you’re stuck on what to binge on Netflix, then I highly recommend Formula 1: Drive to Survive. Now, not all of you would be into racing cars, but neither was I. Yet once I started this series I could not stop. The filming / editing is done so well that you are completely immersed into the fast-paced world of Formula 1. High speed, high intensity, high adrenaline. I’m now a certified F1 junky.
In the spirit of self-isolating, this is a time to organise my closet (again). I’m usually pretty good at spring cleaning unnecessary clothing and accessories, however this is the time to actually start uploading and selling the items that I haven’t gotten around to yet. Last clean out I took half the items to charity with another bag full put aside to eventually sell online. It pains me to admit that this bag is still collecting dust. Well, no more!
Natalie Petrevski
Fashion Editor
In the spirit of the times and to keep yourself informed (not scared), The Joe Rogan Experince’s latest episode #1439 interviews Michael Osterholm - an internationally recognised expert in infectious disease epidemiology. This is a time not for hysteria, but to employ necessary precautions, take it seriously, be smart and act accordingly to protect the community around you.
If you’re stuck on what to binge on Netflix, then I highly recommend Formula 1: Drive to Survive. Now, not all of you would be into racing cars, but neither was I. Yet once I started this series I could not stop. The filming / editing is done so well that you are completely immersed into the fast-paced world of Formula 1. High speed, high intensity, high adrenaline. I’m now a certified F1 junky.
In the spirit of self-isolating, this is a time to organise my closet (again). I’m usually pretty good at spring cleaning unnecessary clothing and accessories, however this is the time to actually start uploading and selling the items that I haven’t gotten around to yet. Last clean out I took half the items to charity with another bag full put aside to eventually sell online. It pains me to admit that this bag is still collecting dust. Well, no more!
Andréa Tchacos
Deputy Editor
In these times I’m grasping at comfort and collective humanity. So have placed my order (finally) for Oliver Sacks’s Gratitude. I’m listening to the calming notes of Thom Knoles’s Vedic Worldview: a reminder of the universality of existence and also, to keep meditating. And in terms of catching up, nothing seems more relevant right now than rest. It feels fortuitous that my fresh linen sheets just arrived in the mail, and the rain is sounding so good on my roof. Now would be a good time to teach myself to keep social media out of the bedroom (except for this post by Patti Smith). And if sleep is hard to come by, I’ll refer to this.
