Hi. See below for the recommendations contained in this video. CORRECTION: CONNECTED is the name of the Netflix show hosted by Latif Nasser. Okay. So. Some of you have asked how I feel about the pop music band Smash Mouth performing a live concert in August of 2020 in South Dakota. I have no idea why I am being asked to comment on this, but obviously it is idiotic and harmful to perform a live concert in the nation that is at the epicenter of the worst novel disease pandemic in over a century, and I am super effing alarmed and I want to call Steve The Lead Singer of Smash Mouth and ask him if he seriously needs money so badly that he thought it was a good idea to fly to South Dakota and play a concert when that kind of virus-spreading behavior is the reason the education of millions of children is currently at risk in the United States and DAMN IT STEVE JUST STAY HOME YOU GOT RICH OFF OF ONE SONG YOU'RE THE LUCKIEST PERSON IN THE WORLD JUST STAY HOME. Right, here are the recommendations: 1. Feeling the wind against human skin (an experience available outdoors) 2. Foosballers (available wherever you get movies) 3. The Speed Cubers (available on Netflix) 4. Solving Rubik's Cubes (Great tutorial: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/iJOCY66jvdy7kpc.html) 5. Connected (available on Netflix) 6. The Other Latif (a Radiolab series available wherever you get podcasts) 7. Invisibilia (also available wherever podcasts are) 8. Heavyweight (a podcast that is so good for crying) 9. Planet Money (a podcast about economics) 10. Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar (esp. recommended if you can read it with Sarah's high school notes in the margins) 11. Jacqueline Woodson's Behind You (available in book places) 12. E. Lockhart's The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks (ditto) 13. Making lists of the things that are getting you through (highly recommended; helps get your mind off Smash Mouth playing a concert in August of 2020)

I will always love the line “I’m the Vice President of panic and the president is missing”

Like wind, I think there’s something really soothing and centering and humbling about staring out at a large body of water

I’d like to add another podcast to this list called “Dear Hank and John”, very high quality anxiety relief. Thanks for this, John!

Avatar: The Last Airbender has been a huge help during these times.

Discovering my library’s ebook collection has saved my mental health.

"Books. UGH thank God for books" quote of the century

Genuinely: get yourself a tactile creative hobby. Knitting or crochet are very easy and affordable to try out and there are loads of tutorials on KZfaq, and it's very hard to feel existential dread when you've just made a scarf.

John, I appreciate you helping normalize not being ok. Hanging in there is, as the tense suggests, an ongoing process.

Under three minutes? Now I want a video where John just solves a Rubik's cube.

I think I will always remember your line from that March video: "Robert Frost once famously said that the only way out is through. And I believe that. I also believe that the only way through is together."

I'm glad you've enjoyed the Speed Cubers! And finding solving a Rubik's Cube therapeutic. I'm coming up to two decades of cubing and my brain still finds it interesting.

I like to think they have a shared google docs with all the lyrics to All Star and they slowly delete them as they use them

This running 3 month joke of All Star lyrics as titles makes me laugh EVERY time...and that's the kind of little joys I need right now

The thought of John crying makes me want to cry. Yes, I am a sympathetic cryer and current world events have put me on a hair trigger.

I'm almost two months sober, and honestly what's keeping me sane is practicing a lot of mindfulness. Learning, reading, and watching movies have all also been really helpful, but for me at least, learning how to interact with my thoughts at least less has been crazy helpful.

One thing that's helped me is going for walks. I'm doing it for exercise, but. It was hard at first because I wasn't into the habit. It takes effort, and some days I was only able to walk for a few minutes before giving up. But once I made it into a habit--it's great. I had to expend a lot less energy on the "getting ready and going out", and it genuinely helped me feel better. It isn't a miracle cure, and sometimes it's still hard, but over the course of these past few weeks, I've noticed it has had a definite positive effect.

Reminds of a quote by Toni Morrison in Song of Solomon: "If you surrender to the wind, you can ride it." I think thats how it goes anyways.

One thing that has helped me is reading about history - about horrible times past that people got through that I may have never even heard of. I've also been re-reading the Lord of the Rings and the Narnia series - I love how they're about the impact ordinary people can have during extraordinary circumstances. The other thing that helps is going outside and looking at the sky - feeling the infinite span of the universe and feeling very small, but also feeling connected within that smallness.

You always make me feel like it’s okay to not be okay. Thanks for that.

[Spoiler for ABFE, sort of?] John recommending stuff: Wind I see someone liked his brother’s book

"People obsessed with niche sports." Always makes for a compelling Anime.

Getting me through: putting effort into making really nice coffees at home, calling loved ones, and walks!!! So much so, I have worn out two pairs of shoes since lockdown 😂

Sunsets, volunteering for a mental health organization, and The Artists Way have been awesome during this time 💜

Cooking helps me! Just had a delicious tomato&ginger soup for lunch and I highly recommend it! Comfort food for the win. ✨

“Thank God For books” my go to answer to life and the numerous situations it has to offer 📖

"I am not holding up okay. But… actually there's no but to that sentence" This is exactly how I feel. I'm giving my best to keep being productive at work, but failing half of the time. I'm slightly stressed, slightly bored, slightly unfocused, slightly irritated, slightly ashamed of myself… any of these things by themselves would be completely bearable, but it's not just one thing, you know? Everything is slightly wrong, everything! I've been learning Japanese, and getting back into electronics as a hobby, and learning some woodworking, while also reading audiobooks and watching lots of KZfaq videos and documentaries. It helps to have other things in my mind, but I'm still obviously not okay, even though I try to act like I am.

Remaining lyrics: Somebody once told me The world is gonna roll me I ain't She was With Well And I hit the ground running So what's wrong with taking the back streets If you don't go Go play Get the show on And all that glitters is gold Break the mold It's And they say it gets colder But The waters getting warm so How about yours That's the way And I I said yep And

Hey everyone! I just wanted to say that even though we don’t know each other I love you! We all feel isolated and alone rn but I just want to remind you that you are never really alone and vlogbrothers, especially recently, has shown me that. Thank you to the brothers Green for being a constant light in my life when all I need is stability. DFTBA!

Street food: Latin America is SUCH A GOOD SHOW on Netflix, it’s gorgeous and super interesting to hear the stories of street vendors across the continent. Absolutely recommend, it’s oddly relaxing honestly

When I’m in a bad mental space, I take my dog out to our backyard and blow bubbles for him. It brings me such joy and makes me forget a little of my panic

for me it’s been two things: animal crossing, and the song “I Wanna Get Better” by Bleachers

The Nerdfighteria discord server has really been helping me get through, as well as doing puzzles. Puzzles are especially calming to me because you have something to show for your efforts at the end. I also learned how to solve the Rubik’s cube, and I’m so happy to hear that it’s helped you like it’s helped me. My fastest solve is just under a minute.

Love John’s subtle brag that he can solve a Rubik’s cube without dedicating 100% of his attention to it 😂

THANK YOU!!! I had a horrible panic attack yesterday and i ended up passing out on the floor of my living room. Thankfully my mother was there and helped me out. Tough times convince us tha we are the only person experiencing whatever it is that we are going through. Which of course is not true. I've never picked up the habit of reading, though i know that it would help me a lot with my anxiety and obsessive thinking. I just hope everyone finds the courage and support they need to get through the mess. Much love to anyone reading this right now. Let's all be there for one another.

"I live in Florida. I'll take John's advice and go outside!" *goes outside* "NOPE."

Hope may be a crutch, but sometimes the broken need a crutch to move forward. You can do this. It's hard now but we will persevere.

Here are a few things that have helped me: - Sunsets (especially when there are clouds) - Clouds in general: they look like Japanese paintings - Baking: cookies, biscuits, brownies, bread... especially sourdough bread - Yoga ('Yoga With Adriene' on KZfaq, particularly the 'Home' journey) - KZfaq: so many different amazing corners of it - Birds: I used to go on birdwatching hikes before the quarantine. During quarantine, I could only watch the birds outside of our window, and it was still beautiful - Tea You are another reason why my quarantine wasn't as bad as it could be. And I'm grateful and I love you and I hope it gets better very soon.

My therapists, yes, two therapeutic people to talk to. They provide me with a much needed reflection and 'homework' to keep my mind focused in such a positive direction. And spending my time with my children. While we have time, while we have health, while we have each other to lean on. Those things keep me centered and grounded in reality the most.

Children. Do whatever they say. That's helping me.

I'm getting a Peloton, because exercise classes and strictly regimented activities are crucial to my mental health - and I'm totally falling to pieces with out it. My depression told me I wasn't worthy of such a purchase and I avoided it...so my husband did it for me, which brought up too many references to that damn commercial. But, yeah. Peloton. Because, why not.

Hi John and nerdfighteria, I'm constantly mad at myself for not coping with things as well as my friends and colleagues are, and being the "expected level of productive" (not sure who is doing the expecting at this point). Your video reminded me that I'm not alone in my struggle, and that I shouldn't forget that my chronic physical and mental illnesses are making things harder for me than I give myself credit for. I needed to be reminded that. Thanks. Love, Karishma

Sunsets and sunrises are what keeps me calm. Like seeing the sky change it's colors, looking like a sophisticated painting. 🌻

I've started making hot sauce and kombucha and just cooking a ton. I love the quiet, repetive nature of fermentation and the immediate gratification from cooking, especially for my roomates. There's nothing quite like chopping veggies, jucing fruits, and starring out the kitchen window. Also took some old magazines and made some collage art with the roomies the other day. Things are starting to feel normal even though they aren't!

This literally came at just the right time. I've been having a really hard time with trying to go back to "normal" as I start my junior year in college. Why do vlogbrothers always have such important and relevant topics at the exact time I need it? It is a literal godsend.

Hii John!!!!! I started working on puzzles, relaxing and keeps my mind off things :) Amazing rubik's cube progress!

The serenity prayer about changing the things I can, accepting the things I can’t and the wisdom to know the difference has been playing a huge role. There’s so much out of my control but I am working on the things I CAN control. I’ve been learning more about health and have been working on my own health. It seems to be the best defense against the virus if you get it (obviously prevention is top priority).

I loved James Burke's Connection series. He had a funny way of putting things. I may have to check the new one out if I ever go back to Netflix.

the intro to this video sums up 2020 in one noise. cooking is helping me get through! practicing my skills for the day to come when I can cook for all of my friends and family

Sudoku is my Rubik’s cube - it does exactly that: helps me use my mind for something without actually occupying it.

Thanks again for showing me this poem about a year ago, John. I can recite it by heart now, and never has poetry made me feel so seen (in my anxiety) before.

Just rewatched Avatar the Last Airbender series on Netflix. Haven't watched it in over 10 years, and really immersing myself in that world helped so much.

Wish you all well

This really resonates with me. I have had OCD since my early childhood, and since I've become an adult it has been just sort of on the backburner - which I am so immensely grateful for - well, at least until COVID. Since the pandemic started I have noticed my OCD worsen and my mental spiral back to my teenage levels of distress, which is when my OCD was the most prominent. I feel like the combination of virus and germs being a trigger and the isolation has just made it so difficult to cope again, but your Vlogbrother's videos have been a source of comfort. I am also grateful to have short videos on tiktok too, since I've noticed being able to focus on topics for short amounts of time really helps with spiraling, haha. I have also begun writing poetry again which has been surprisingly therapeutic, and very helpful for me to be able to vent without burdening my family members since I don't have access to therapy at the moment. I have also taken up sculpting again - it is good to have something to do with my hands. Reading is always a welcome distraction, too. All in all, this social isolation has been so hard on my mental health, and thank you so much for being so open about your struggles too - I am sure I am not alone in feeling some comfort from knowing that I'm not alone. When this is all passed I hope that I'll never take advantage of the mental health benefits of social interaction again. :)

Hey John. So my friend and I found a way to not get bored. We took up a writing project and decided we'd write or at least make an attempt at writing "An Imperial Affliction". It's difficult, but that's kind of why we took it up in the first place. We just want to reach you on as many platforms as possible-- definitely not because we're desperate-- so we can ask you to check your email. Our emails are a little more detailed, of course. I don't think I should type anything more, because, well for one, I've made my request, and two, I don't want to embarrass myself more than I need to on a public platform.

Your videos are exactly that for me through this wild time-a sense of home, calm, and comfort. Thank you!

Can I just say I just finished reading Looking for Alaska and HOW MANY TIMES WILL I LET YOU BREAK MY HEART?! But it was an amazing book, I loved it so much

Ever since I learned that when the video ends with John turning off the camera, it mean that he also has the viewers in mind and calls attention to it, I just can't help myself but think of how the video could apply to me personally. And that's what's been keeping me sane lately: watching vlogbrothers and thinking about the topics a bit more in-depth. Also, protip for all the people who, like me, sometimes just dive deep into one medium and forget other mediums exist and also have been listening to podcasts a whole lot lately: _don't forget that music exists!_ And not just sad music that you put on in the evening to cry yourself to sleep (that might just be me and Metronomy, though). There's happy, or even just upbeat, music out there! Put on that Green Day album, turn your Taylor Swift-playing speakers, and just move around to the beat. Dance, headbop, groove. It actually releases dopamine, which is one of those "feel-good" neurotransmitters (which means it sends a message in your brain) that makes you feel better, at least in the short term.

it's the learning, for me. Lately, I've been watching Crash Course World History 200, and am reminded of humanity's diversity and dynamic resilience to change...! Books, too, with poetry written by Kaveh Akbar have kept me afloat :)

These videos always have a sense of learning to them and I really enjoy watching them. It’s the one bit of media I consume that stimulates my brain instead of shutting it down

Learning from others and listening to others, even from afar- sounds like the motto of back to school this year.

Hey I'm a speedcuber! John finally sees me 😭

"Are you insane?" "Not according to the state of Ohio."

Aside from books, books, and more books, I've found that watching "One Day at a Time" on Netflix always cheers me up. It's funny without being dumb, deep without being preachy, and the intro song alone is both joyful and a motto I try to adhere to. One. Day. At. A. Time.

I've been going on a lot of long walks and just trying to see the bits near where I live that I haven't been to before. I've found watching clouds has become this totally different thing, they feel somewhat further away and like they're this massive entity that's both here and not here. It's intimidating, but it also makes me just feel so much more present in the world.

It’s so helpful to see how other people are coping during these difficult times!

These videos make this huge world a little smaller. Thank you! Learning new languages, reading books, video chatting my loved ones, playing animal crossing, writing, singing, dancing, drawing, and so much more

I've been meditating and journalling consistently to cope and it's been really helpful in practicing mindfulness and really staying in the moment.These habits have helped me experience equanimity in these difficult times.

Also, I recommend the BBC series Connections written & presented by James Burke. It's an 80's series, but it was mindblowing for me. Not easy to find these days, but certainly worth the time.

Personally, I've been doing a lot of reading and chilling out in nerdfighteria spaces. There are so many amazing, soothing recommendations in comments here--and they're all a delight.

I've discovered that sticking rhinestones to things is really, really soothing. You lay all these sparkly stones out in a pile and carefully make sure they're all right side up. You lay down a dot of glue, and then you take a wax pencil, which is basically magic, and you touch it to the top of a stone and pick it up. You carefully put the stone on the dab of glue and it sticks, freeing it from the pencil. Then you do it again and again until all the noise of the world is gone and all you have is the act of slowly moving a tiny sparkly object from one place to another.

Rubix cubes have long been a strategy for when I’m anxious or having an attack or disassociating. The steps are simple but engaging, and I can now do it one handed. I’m glad you have also found this in trying times.

John: If you like connections, you'll enjoy James Burke's Connections. It's a docuseries around forty years old but like Carl Sagan's Cosmos it has a timeless quality.

"An activity that occupies some of my mind, without requiring all of it." - THIS! I like playing resource management games because I can zone out in the tedious nature of them and just listen to a podcast or audiobook. It's SO good at turning off the world for a few hours for me. I'm "accomplishing" something by running quests and tasks, but also just zoning out and listening to a story. I try to do this at least an hour every night.

Nothing makes my heart swell more than hearing John read, " On the Train, a Man Snatches my Book, Reads", while that poem hangs behind me head on my wall! For my dorm I made a poetry wall and I made sure OTTAMSMB was right by my head. I even put up some episodes of the Anthropocene Reviewed and I got most of the poems from Ours Poetica. So like... keep making amazing content and I'll keep consuming it. Thank you always, but even more now, for being my stability, in a time that is always changing.

One of my weekly rituals that help me process this new version of “normal” is watching you share your truth with us and speaking into existence feelings that I didn’t have words for. Thank you for sharing those words with me...and everyone.

Love this! How I’m getting through: staying connected to my exercise studio through virtual classes-and ticking off a box after every class, baking new things like donuts (!), and sewing masks for friends and family. Basically, doing what I can to feel productive, and recognizing joy is something that is worth producing (ABFE brilliance). I also have a ritual of recording “patronus memories” at the end of the day-they can be from the day or from the past, just to remember the best times and stay hopeful.

Hey John! During the pandemic, I revisited The Fault in Our Stars and can't get the unanswered questions from 'An Imperial Affliction' out of my mind. My friend and I ultimately decided that we are going to attempt to finish Peter Van Houten's novel. We know its an enormous task but we hope to answer Hazel's and Augustus's questions. I have sent an email about this to you as well ( definitely not because I'm desperate) and hope it finds you!

Your videos give me comfort. It's like 4 minutes stress relief.

Thank you so much for these moments of truth. Using your pain to help others is a rare and beautiful thing. I reckon you;re pretty bloody wonderful.

The only thing that’s been getting me up in the morning and at night, is letting my chickens out to run, and putting them back in to sleep.

I've been writing "oh god please vote" letters to voters in Florida via VoteFwd. It makes me feel like I'm bailing water out of this sinking ship with a soup bowl instead of a shot glass.

Watching this channel is the one thing in the week that I can rely on keeping me going :)

I've been watching your old vlog videos and going through crash course world history again, but as an adult. Thanks for teaching me and everyone so much!

I prefer "Butts" over "Buts", personally

Gaytok, frogtok, wichtok and cottagecore have been the best discoverys I've made in this pandemic

I find it really helpful to focus my mind on small projects (learning sign language, starting a youtube channel, finishing netflix shows, making really terrible art) and that way I distract myself from focusing on panic and anxiety!

When I’m already subscribed to 3 out of 4 of your favorite podcasts, I feel it is a safe bet to check out that 4th one as well.

3 things bring me endless joy despite these times: - BTS - Planet Booty - And Thai BL dramas

John: Calls soccer a niche sport. Me: Laughs in European.

I love how transparent you are! You are inspiring!

I learned how to solve the cube in 2011, and ever since, it has been my go to when I need to slow my mind down. You get the focus to stop overthinking, and it's just so rewarding when you get those "good solves." I'm glad to see someone else find this therapeutic.

Here to recommend Jelle's Marble Runs' Marble League 👀 Seriously though, it's way better than real sports.

I’ve never been this early 😂😂

I've taken up woodworking. It's such a calming experience for me. Making the precise marks, cutting a board perfectly square, the feel of a sharp plane flying over wood, and the satisfaction when your joints fit just right make me feel in control. Also, I now have places to store my books and blankets so that's a plus.

I love you John. Podcasts are the main thing that keeps me calm. And reading.

hey John, was curious if you've gotten around to seeing that Bollywood adaptation of TFoS?

Introverts like me who never really felt a need to interact with people face-to-face, have not noticed much of a difference. I don't understand the need. I'm not anti-social, I just don't really care that much. It would definitely be harder 40-50 years ago, but as long as I've got the internet, there is more stuff to do, and even people to interact with (if you want to do that), than I ever could. I suppose one thing that is driving people crazy, is no escape from your family, which, even though you may love and/or like them, gets tedious 24/7 day after day. Hopefully everybody can get away for a little while to be by themselves too.

My friends and I call riding motorcycles/bikes "wind therapy" as the wind cleans and airs out our souls and minds. Your perseverance is inspiring John.

Much love in these weird times! Y'all's videos help me when I'm feeling adrift!