San Diegans are looking forward to leaving 2020 behind, from lost jobs to shuttered schools to family deaths. The coronavirus pandemic killed more than 3,800 Americans on Wednesday alone.
The isolation that comes with the ongoing lockdown has led many to overindulge in food and alcohol. Drug overdoses, which were on the rise before COVID-19 hit, have continued to climb to record heights, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Now many residents are planning changes for 2021, even as the coronavirus continues to ravage California and the world. Many have made New Year’s resolutions to exercise more and drink less, others are booking summer getaways in hopes that new vaccines will snuff out the deadly virus.
Karen Dobkins, a professor of psychology at UC San Diego, cautioned against making overly ambitious resolutions. She said that many people are starving for affection and basic human contact, while also living with the fear they might infect loved ones.
In this context, she said, efforts to wrench back a feeling of control can easily backfire.
“If you say you’re going to do something and you don’t, you’re giving yourself reason to not trust yourself,” she said. “Take small steps. Don’t think you’re going to go from not going to the gym at all to being a gym rat.”
Most people don’t keep their New Year’s resolutions, said Steven Taylor, professor and clinical psychologist at the university of British Columbia in Vancouver and author of the book “The Psychology of Pandemics.”
“The ones that work are the ones that are attainable where you make a public commitment,” Taylor said, “and people are more likely to meet these resolutions if they’re framed positively. Not saying, ‘I’m going to stop eating junk food’ but ‘I’m going to eat healthy three times a week.’”
The Union-Tribune hit the streets to hear from San Diegans how they plan to shake up their lives in 2021:
Byron Donald, 43, and Arnetta Walker, 42
The couple, who live with their three children in Southeast San Diego, said they plan to eat better and “stay focused on the positive.”
“Loving on your family and praying about it, that’s the only thing that’s going to get you through,” said Walker, who said her kids, like so many, have struggled with distance learning.
“Everybody’s picked up weight,” she added. “That’s for sure. You spend a lot more money on food.”
Donald, who had just finished a meal at a local hamburger joint downtown, said he plans to clean up his diet. “Instead of eating Hodad’s right now, I should be eating salad or something, you know?”
Alex Mendoza, 29
The out-of-work bartender from La Mesa said as soon as it’s safe, he plans to “explore the country.”
“Just hitting the road wherever it takes me,” he said. “There’s so much of our own backyard that we can explore in the states.
“Until then, I’ll pick up some hobbies, be more health conscious and boost my immune system,” he added.
Hunter Hinds, 28, and Kyra Platt, 28
The couple, who live together in downtown San Diego, said they plan to exercise more. Their local gym shut down, but Hinds was recently able to purchase several dumbbells online.
“For the longest time, I couldn’t get ahold of them because they were in such high demand,” he said. “So basically, our resolutions are going to be around getting back into shape again on our own terms.”
Platt said the lack of exercise has made her boyfriend moodier. “He said to me the other day, ‘I feel like a dog.’”
“At least a dog gets two walks a day,” he added. “I only do one. Not having the gym has been torture.”
Rich Hammett, 69
The La Mesa resident, who was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2019, said his resolution is to continue walking 10,000 steps a day. He currently has a four-month streak going.
“I want to lose 10 pounds by the middle of August,” said Hammett, whose cancer has been in remission since September. He said he eagerly awaits the day when he can start working out again at CrossFit East County.
Walker Wicks, 26, and Bryan Leyson, 29
The engaged couple, who live in the East Village, said they’re also looking for creative ways to work out. Recently, they started running the stairs at the San Diego Convention Center.
“I’ve gained quite a bit of weight, honestly, during this whole year, so I’m going to try to be a little healthier in the New Year, take a little time off drinking, too,” said Wicks.
Leyson said he’s looking forward to “planning a perfect wedding.”
Melissa Carey, 44
The Point Loma resident said a number of people she knows have died from COVID-19, including an ex-boyfriend. She’s now planning a trip down to Baja California with friends for the summer in hopes the pandemic will subside.
“I know too many people who’ve died this year,” she said. “I just want to survive.”
Alison Meloni, 49
The genetic scientist, who lives on Mount Helix, said she’s going to focus on doing more projects around the house.
“I’ve planted pretty much everything there is to plant,” she said. “Thank God I’m an introvert. That’s been very helpful for surviving the pandemic.”
“Yoo-hoo,” 30
The Pacific Beach resident, who identified himself by a moniker only, said his resolution is to find work. He’s currently living on the streets. He moved to San Diego this summer from Las Vegas after losing a job at a cigar shop.
“No more corona drinking, which is drinking pretty much all the time,” he said. “Try to get a job, try to get the ID straightened out, all of that.
“Those are all stepping stones,” he added, “but right now it’s just trying to survive during the pandemic.”
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January 01, 2021 at 09:00PM
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