I don’t know if the news that came out yesterday regarding the novel coronavirus, aka Covid-19, shook you as much as it did me. I do know that as more events are canceled, and we’re asked to self-isolate, or self-quarantine, we’re going to have a lot of time on our hands. Those of us who are sports fans, fans of wrestling, fans of parades, those of us who love going to movie theaters, plays, or operas, and those of us who made travel plans or other plans that involved meeting with people are going to need to find something else to do. Those of us who get the virus are also going to need some way to occupy our time. We need to combat Covid-19’s consequences.

There are plenty of media opportunities out there to help. YouTube will be glad to take your views and time; I recommend How to Dad or my own channel. Netflix binging is an option; if the Kindness Diaries are available, hit those up for travel and feeling good. Disney+, if it’s available, certainly has some amazing entertainment. I’m not sure what the other streaming services had, though “Picard” would probably be a good idea.

However, if you want to make the best use of your time, attention, and money, you should consider creating something. Because this virus is further forcing us to be wary of each other, dividing us physically in a way that even politics hadn’t been able to do, it’s also taking away parts that are core to our humanity. As much as it doesn’t seem like it, sometimes, we are social creatures. We define ourselves by the other people we associate with. In the U.S. especially, we define ourselves by our jobs. So, we need to reclaim something that maybe has been taken away from us earlier in our lives that is also core to the human spirit: our creativity.

Now is the best time because you have nothing to lose by creating something and everything to gain. All you need to do is decide what you want to create and go for it. Whatever dream has been hiding under your pillowcase since you were 12 or nine or three, find it, capture it, and bring it to life. If you want to write a book, start now. If you want to paint in acrylics or oils, start now; try digital drawing as a substitute if you don’t have the art supplies. If you want to make movies, start now.

You don’t even have to create something for the world, you can just create a better lifestyle for yourself. Get on YouTube and find an exercise program (as long as you’re currently healthy or your doctor says it’s okay) you love; I recommend Cosmic Kids Yoga. Learn to cook from what you have in the pantry. Take up reading: I have written books, which you can order at Amazon or through this website, that can help pass the time and help you become more creative.

By engaging in creative activities and learning through the process, you’ll engage your inner core of humanity and combat Covid-19’s consequences. If we’re lucky, you’ll also make something that will make the world a better place for everyone.