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Talk about how the events of recent months have affected either your work or your ability to work.

At first the pandemic was exciting. Everyone was talking about it, and things felt tense at work since we didn't know what was happening. The transition to working remotely happened essentially overnight, and all I remember from the time period right after is an intense period of activity as I transitioned myself to this new format. I think I channeled some of my anxiety into work and focused it in being as productive as possible. The amount I did was insane! Yet at the same time, I started feeling burnt out, and I realized that I needed to take a step back and consider my mental health. I was exhausted those first few weeks. I also felt some anxiety about whether I would be laid off from my job, but luckily the market turbulence works in our favor. I was really nervous about that for a few days, plus worry about how the virus would impact my health and that of my friends and family. There were so many unknowns that it made me anxious, but as we learn more about the virus and effective prevention, I feel more comfortable going outside or going to the grocery store. The uncertainty more than anything bothered me. There was a time in May and June when the quarantine doldrums really hit. I think I was bothered by some things going on at work as well, and felt incredibly demotivated and anxious about the amount of work I had. I think the anxiety kept me from doing work! I didn't want to do anything, and I felt that my work didn't matter. Every day started feeling the same, like I was in my own version of Groundhog Day. That's when I started noticing how despite all the days feeling the same... time passed by very quickly. I blinked on Monday and it was suddenly Friday. I think the monotony is the challenge now. I'm craving any sort of change from my usual work and my apartment. Going to my parent's was the right call, as is starting a new exercise program. It's really helping me push through the boredom and same-ness. Traveling to visit my boyfriend will also help a lot, as awful as the drive out will be. I feel confident that I will be able to find ways to change up my life now, whereas before it was this waiting pattern until my boyfriend left for med school and staying in the city together. Now I have some serious change coming my way, and it's helping me differentiate days and create excitement and actual things to look forward to again. Who knows what problems I will face in a month? For now, I feel like the monotony will slowly fade away.