by: Bethany Vega
Feeling the stress of the world right now? During this time, more than ever, it is important that we keep ourselves healthy- both physically and mentally. Every time we turn on the television or open Facebook we hear about COVID-19 and have it pressed in our faces. For some with (or even without) anxiety this can be overwhelming. Here are 10 ideas to keep you healthy during this social distancing time.
1. Find a new hobby: Remember that Youtube video you looked at last year to learn how to knit or play the guitar? Now is a perfect time to bring it back up and dust off the supplies for it. Learn and take the time to learn the new skill. It will keep your mind focused and your hands busy (rather than just scrolling through Facebook).
2. Family Time: With schedules that are usually crazy and busy we are now seeing that we are around our families a lot more than normal. Take time throughout the day to be together as a family. Maybe pick a game to play, invent a new game, learn a new recipe or watch a movie together. This will create a strong family bond and help the communication between you all. Maybe you are away from your family right now and you can’t spend “time” together. Find a game that you all have and play it via Facetime or some other type of video message!
3. Create a schedule: Some of us (myself included) do much better when there is a schedule that we follow. Sit down with your family and develop a schedule with each other. This will bring normalcy to your homes and help create a balance in a time where things seem unsteady.
4. Virtual tours and rides: I have seen it many times on Facebook that you can take virtual tours through museums and go on some Disney rides. Take some time to learn and have fun with these different activities. It will give yourself and the family some fun memories and maybe even learn something new.
5. Play “School”: The students have become the teachers! Have your child be the ‘teacher’ and have them show you what they learned today. This will let them engage their learning and show you all that they know! Maybe even get a few answers wrong so they can show you how to problem solve.
6. Crafty Science: There are many videos of things we have at home that you can do with your family. From making slim to making candy rock crystals to show how crystallization happens, there are many choices that will keep you and the family busy while having fun. You can get many ideas from just looking online.
7. Read a book: Dust off the books on the bookshelf and jump into another world. Whether you read the book as a family or keep sometime to yourself reading a book will help keep your mind on something else. And did you know that reading everyday can help relax, expand vocabulary, and provide mental stimulation to name a few?
8. Exercise: Even though many gyms are closed there are so many at home work outs that you can do. Some companies are offering free trials during this time and many you can find online. Plan time to work on your physical well-being.
9. Outside the house: Being cooped up inside can make anyone a little stir crazy so why not take some time outside? Work on the garden or rake up the leaves that fell after fall happened (the trees in my yard seemed to get the memo a little late). While the weather is still cool enough where bugs won’t bother you but warm enough (with a layer or two) where you can be comfortable work on some things outside the house. Get the fresh air and vitamin D from the sun.
10. Take each day one day at a time: It is a stressful time right now and while planning ahead is always great remember to be in the moment. Some things will be beyond our control. Try to focus on the things that are current and are around you. Be in the moment with your family and look at the positive rather than the negative an uncertainty.
We will all get through this together and come out stronger than it all started. Keeping yourself healthy will show your youth how to handle situations. By having family time and activities planned with your loved ones you can create a fun atmosphere during this time. There are many other things that you can do and everyone has different coping skills. Whatever works best for you, and is healthy, will keep you and your family healthy. Remember, we just have to take each day at a time.
