We’re entering the third week of remote learning with a lot up in the air. It’s terrifying that no one seems to know what’s really going on or what’s going to happen.

As someone who struggles with anxiety, the constant plague of the unknown is particularly unnerving. I don’t like not knowing what tomorrow may bring, or how long I have to stay in my house, or how many times I need to wash my hands in order to feel like I’ve gotten rid of all of the germs that could possibly infect my house.

It’s scary. Not to mention, it feels like with every turn I make I am constantly presented with the fact that we are currently in the middle of a pandemic that will most likely be the defining event of my life.

From Instagram challenges (don’t worry, I’m guilty of doing them too) to the ever-constant flow of news, there is no escaping the elephant in the room: COVID-19.

However, I’ve found that finding consistency within inconsistency is a great coping mechanism. And while it’s unorthodox and it’s taken me some time to adjust, my schoolwork has ultimately given me something to rely on. Even if only temporarily, it allows me to shift my attention away from our blaring reality.

Honing into these consistencies allows me to focus on the things I can control, which leads me to my second dependability: social distancing. Yes, I said it. Social distancing.

While it may still seem silly to some, social distancing is something we can all control. It’s simple, and it protects ourselves, our families and those around us. It’s a necessary consistency, and even though it’s misfortunate, it’s for the greater good.

If not for the sake of your own health, socially distance yourself for the sake of those with more impressionable immune systems. A lot of times, as teenagers, we think we’re invincible because we’re young, but it simply isn’t true. And more often than not, we forget that our actions also have consequences.

It’s selfish to put other people at risk for the sake of having a good time. Even though this year’s spring break is a “coronacation” instead of a vacation, it’s important to consider the long term effects of further spreading the virus. Especially now that the U.S. has the most cases in the world.

So, I implore you all; take advantage of the consistencies that surround us. If not for yourself, then for the people like me who struggle with anxiety. For the people who don’t have the luxury of dependability. For the people whose lives could be saved.