Issa Rae Says Self-Quarantine Sadness Has Stunted Her Productivity

I switched up my morning routine. I tried meditation and I've upped my Omega-3 intake. It seems like no matter what I do, my Google results haven't given me an adequate solution to my lack of focus and productivity problems during quarantine and according to our good sis Issa Rae, she can totally relate.

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, the Insecure star explained that although she's been able to check a lot of items off of her to-do list, the side effects of the pandemic have fumbled her focus in a major way.

"I've been getting a lot done; I turned in two scripts and I'm working on the third one. But it's like, you don't even know if we're going to be able to shoot these anytime soon. So now I'm like, 'Am I working for nothing?' I've reached that phase where it's like, 'Let me just be sad and wake up sad and not do anything.' I'm trying to get back into my groove again."

In an attempt to overcome her self-isolation-induced sadness, the multihypenate hustler says that she seeks comfort in one of her favorite classic movies, but at this point, even that isn't enough to get her out of her mid-quarantine slump.

"Yesterday in my depression I was like, 'What can I watch right now?' And I was flipping and that made me sadder because I was like, 'I don't have anything that I turn to.' I think 'Groundhog Day' is my comfort movie. I think that's gonna be my happy place — but it may feel too familiar. I don't want to come out of this hating 'Groundhog Day' so I also have to be precious with my s---."

The actress, who made the decision to release her latest feature film, TheLovebirds on Netflix instead of in theaters, explained that while the quarantine has thrown a wrench in her plans, now, more than ever is the time for professionals to level up their creative toolboxes:

Matt Baron/Shutterstock.

"I get anxiety about it. Like I know my internet is s—-y, and I'm gonna be frozen on the screen in a stupid position. I feel like internet connections are gonna have to step up. I think people are going to try to get creative in terms of how they're showcasing talent, and they already are — but I know as a viewer I'm not trying to watch a split-screen of Zoom that I also use on all my conference calls. That's not appealing to me."

To read Issa's full interview, click here!

Featuring image by Matt Baron/Shutterstock.