As people around the country enter their seventh week of self-isolation, FASHION is reaching out to some of our favourite Canadians to get a peek into how they’re living their lives in lockdown (remember: #StayHomeSaveLives). Each week, keep an eye out for new self-isolation diaries from actors, designers, athletes and artists who are riding this uncertain time out with us.

Sarah Nurse, ice hockey player and Olympic medalist

Whenever something major happens in the world on a macro level, it hits home differently for every person. For me, the pandemic turned my world upside down on March 7th. I was in Arizona when we got the news that our Women’s World Hockey Championship was going to be cancelled.

We were devastated, we had prepared and worked so hard on the ice, but we had also been working tirelessly off the ice. Our professional hockey league folded 12 months ago, leaving us with nowhere to play. So 200 of the best female hockey players in the world came together as the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA), where we are fighting for equality and to create a professional hockey league for future generations of females to dream of playing in. Where we get paid a liveable wage, have more media exposure and have the resources and infrastructure in place to be truly professional (much like the WNBA and the NHL).

The World Championship was going to be on home soil in Halifax, NS and we were so excited to cap off our bittersweet year. Our sport had so much momentum and it was all of a sudden at a halt. What we realize now is that everybody’s world has slowed down or changed. We can’t gather with family, children are out of school, teachers are teaching from home and health care professionals are bravely fighting a new virus head on.

In my world, this was supposed to be the most important few weeks of my hockey season, dialled in and focussed on performing and winning. Instead, I have had an empty schedule to stay home and focus on passions that I don’t normally get to explore.

Without gym access, I’ve been exercising in different ways than my normal. Working out using a 5-gallon water jug as a weight. Doing yoga and skating on my rollerblades throughout the neighbourhood. I love skincare and cosmetics, so I’ve been researching different ingredient interactions and application techniques. I’m usually all about the complexion but I’ve been experimenting with different eyeshadow looks and trying to perfect my winged liner. I’ve also been working—reading and writing, creating content, and planning for my future.

During these times I’m very careful to not pressure myself into productivity or comparing what I’m doing to what anyone else is doing. We have to respect that we all handle this changed way of living differently. Some days I may work out, clean the house, go for a walk and cook dinner while other days I may sit and watch TV all day and that is OKAY. I try to filter my news and information to stay informed and not consume an amount that will leave me with anxiety. It’s important to surround myself with positivity and stay connected to the people in my life that matter the most. We’re all on the same team and with some patience, discipline and love, we’re going to come out of this together.

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