A zygote is a fertilized egg. Or, a symbol of new beginnings. We are at the end of the A to Z Challenge, but that doesn’t mean the fun stops. We will keep writing.

The world around us has changed, and some of those changes will be long-term if not permanent. Other changes are shorter term, and still deeply impact us. And we, left in the middle, must still find a way to move forward.

Here are five suggestions for doing just that: continuing to be creative in the midst of the Great Pause.

1. Meditate. You don’t need any special skills or tools, either. Just set a timer for five or ten minutes and focus on your breath. Count your inhale as 1. The next inhale as 2. The next inhale as 3. And so on, up through 10. When you get to 10, start over at 1.
2. Make yourself a cup of tea or your favorite beverage. Sit down in a comfortable spot, or quiet place, and enjoy drinking it.
3. Take a long, hot shower or bath. Really do it up. Light some candles, play some music, and let yourself enjoy the process.
4. Spend some time making something.  If you have a craft that you’ve played with, pick it up and spend a half hour with it. If you haven’t got one yet, take a look on google for easy crafts you can do at home. In fact, here’s a link you can try.
5. Make some time with a friend or family member for a video chat. Don’t just use voice; there’s a magic that happens when you see people close to you. Google Hangouts, Skype, Facebook Messenger, and Zoom all have free video calls.

What about you? What are some of your favorite tools to keep yourself sane during the Great Pause?

Thank you for joining us for the A to Z Challenge. Keep writing!