Millions of people have been sheltering in place to protect vulnerable people in their community since mid-March. If you’re feeling restless and trying to figure out how to stay centered, calm and productive during the pandemic, you’re far from alone. The good news is that social distancing doesn’t have to mean loneliness. Here are some promising opportunities to feed your brain, discover new books and support authors while you’re in limbo at home.
Get a front row seat for your favorite authors online
My heart goes to out to authors whose books are launching this spring when bookstores across the country are closed and countless book festivals have been cancelled. Fortunately, you can find dozens of online author talks, virtual book tours and Zoom launch parties which are bringing readers and writers together when we need each other most.
One of my favorite indie bookstores, Book Passage, is hosting a series of Conversations with Authors which includes such luminaries as Isabel Allende, Anne Lamott, Dave Eggers and Khaled Hossenini. You can register to access the talks and videos here: https://bookpassage.extendedsession.com
The Free Library of Philadelphia offers a tremendous library of podcasts and videos from 20 years of author talks here: https://libwww.freelibrary.org/blog/post/4117
Create or join a virtual book club
If you’re in a book club (I’m in two) you’re probably missing the opportunity to gather with other readers, discuss books, compare notes and share your own experiences and insights. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to explore if your own book club is on hiatus.
You’ll find a wide assortment of online book clubs at these links:
https://time.com/5809322/social-distancing-book-clubs/
Practice biblotherapy – prescribe a book to suit your mood
Avid readers know the joy and stress relief that comes when you pick up a good book. Did you know that reading also lowers your heart rate, reduces anxiety and depression and promotes empathy? If so, you may be already using books to elevate your mood.
Bibliotherapy is a form of therapy that uses literature to support mental health. You’ll find recommended books to treat anxiety at https://thebookhabit.co.uk/2019/03/06/bibliotherapy-for-anxiety-and-panic/. Or ask your favorite bookseller or reference librarian for a curated reading list to address your current emotions.
Start a read-aloud bedtime story group
Few things are more comforting than having a story read to you. Why not choose a book and read a chapter a night and share it with your loved ones via Facebook Live, FaceTime, Skype or Zoom? This would be even more fun if you take turns reading chapters or assign different characters to different family members. Bonus points for dressing up as one of the characters.
This article shares tips and author story times you can watch with your family: https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/55694/how-online-book-read-alouds-can-help-students-literacy-and-connection-during-social-distancing
Travel vicariously through carefully chosen books
Did you have to cancel your plans for a spring break trip or summer vacation? For me, getting lost in a great book set in another time or place is the next best thing to traveling. Whenever you need a break, you can harness the imaginative power of books to take you away from all this.
I recently read three terrific books which provided the vicarious travel experiences I’ve been craving. I highly recommend Once upon a River by Diane Setterfield, Virgil Wander by Leif Enger and Ghostwritten by David Mitchell (and other books by these authors.) You can read my reviews of these books at https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/2694654
Help authors by writing book reviews on Amazon or Goodreads
Word of mouth is a powerful way to spread the word about books you’ve enjoyed. That’s why writing a short book review on Amazon, Goodreads or one of your favorite social media sites can have an outsize impact in helping your favorite authors reach more readers.
Goodreads is an online community for book lovers and a great way to learn about new books and share book recommendations. Learn more and sign up for a free account at www.goodreads.com.
Book time every day to come home to yourself
I encourage you to find one time each day to stop striving, put the to-do lists away, turn off your phone and just be. Maybe you’ll find those healing moments by taking a walk outside (while social distancing), writing in your journal or doing a few yoga poses.
It’s surprising how powerful it can be find time to sit in a quiet place and let your thoughts drift. Whether you call it meditation or just sitting, this simple action usually brings me a feeling of peace. I hope some of these ideas will help lift your spirits and inspire you in these challenging times.