The YAY 4: Science, Stretching, & More

Your mid-week dose of cheer + distraction.

Happy Wednesday! 

If you’re new here, every other week, I share a handful of good things and tiny victories making me smile. A little departure from Friday’s deeper, coffee chat-style essays. 

Here are four things brightening my week:

1.) Following the Science on Instagram 

It’s very easy to feel overwhelmed and, frankly, freak the eff out at the pandemic-related news every week/day/hour. I’ve found the best way to cut through the noise and maintain my sanity is to follow legitimate science communicators on Insta. My favs are infectious disease researcher Laurel Bristol (@kinggutterbaby), infectious disease epidemiologist Jessica Malaty Rivera (@jessicamalatyrivera), neuroscientist Samantha Yammine (@science.sam), and registered nurse Emily, who specializes in infectious disease containment (@twodustytravelers). 

2.) Getting Lost in Ridiculous Content

Pre-pandemic, I wasn’t a big television person, and rarely watched more than my long-time favorites ("Gilmore Girls,” anyone?). But, with little else to do throughout the pandemic these last 10 months, and particularly after I lost my mom, having a show to look forward to at the end of a work day has become a reliable source of comfort and distraction.

…that being said, I just binge-watched “Veep,” which, if you haven’t seen it before, is hilarious and irreverent — a must-watch if you like political comedies or Washington, D.C.-based sitcoms. (Their later seasons hit a little too close to the 2020 election for my personal comfort, though. 😹)  I was obsessed with “Bridgerton” and “Virgin River” on Netflix, and I know I’m very late to the “Emily in Paris” party, but I’ve been watching this week and it’s the mindless escapism I’ve needed. (I mean… to be clear, it’s kind of terrible, despite the beautiful Paris views, but in a good way, you know?) I’m not entirely sure what’s going on, but it makes for some easy listening in the background. 

Content also = good books, but maybe I’ll cover that in a future Yay 4 post. (Psst — I’m currently reading this one if you’re looking for a mindless read.🤓)

3.) Stretching… Seriously 

Keeping to the theme of things I never did pre-pandemic….stretching! 😎 Lately, though, I’ve been committing to taking the 5-minute stretching classes available on-demand on the Peloton app after every workout I do. I’m not sure what it is, but there’s something weirdly peaceful about it. Soothing even? It’s become an unexpected self-care practice, and afterwards I feel really proud of myself. Five minutes is better than zero minutes, no? 

4.) COVID-19 Vaccines! 

((Is this a weird one to include? I mean, probably not any stranger than talking about stretching, but whatever.))

I am firmly on team vaccine and fully encourage you getting one whenever that’s possible where you live. While I haven’t had an opportunity to get one yet, last night, my dad did, and I’m SO excited and grateful for that (which is why vaccines are on this little list). He’s in his early 80s, and was originally not interested in getting the COVID vaccine at all, but changed his tune after a conversation with his doctor. He wasn’t able to get an appointment anywhere in his city, but, serendipitously, had the chance after his local pharmacy had an appointment cancellation and the pharmacist remembered him coming in to inquire about it. 

And, the vaccine feels like a peek of sunshine through a dark and cloudy last 10 months, and hopefully a sense of brighter (more normal feeling) days to come.

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And that’s it for today! Tell me — what’s a small joy or two brightening your week(s)?

See ya Friday,

Joelle 

* Disclaimer: All links and recommendations shared here are based on personal experience and interest, and do not represent any affiliations, sponsors, or professional connections unless otherwise stated.