Passing The Time During Covid-19

In a time of such uncertainty and fear, it definitely is hard to "look on the bright side". We, as a society, have never seen anything quite like this pandemic. We are scared, anxious, and uncertain. For extroverts like myself, the lack of social interaction can be draining and at times, hard on the mind, body, and soul. Yes, no one wants to get sick, but it's saddening not being able to see family, friends, co-workers, etc., (thank goodness for technology right?!)

I am someone who naturally looks on the bright/positive side of situations (while remaining realistic, of course!), and I am determined to keep myself optimistic, centered, and at peace. I have started to come up with a list of practices and activities (aside from graduate school work) that will help keep me preoccupied and positive during this time of distancing. I also asked friends and family on Instagram what they are doing to pass the time and I became inspired by their responses! We're all getting our footing an adapting to this new "normal" for the time being and I thought it'd be great to put together a list of all the activities and practices to be taking part in if you are quarantined or practicing social distancing.

For your physical health:

There are SOOOOOOO many online and at-home workout resources to utilize during this time! I have personally utilized Beachbody workouts over the past 9 months and they have not disappointed. I know for a fact that they are offering 2-weeks free membership/workouts (which I believe they always have offered!) and this is great if you want a variety of anything from yoga and pilates to HIIT and lifting. I know there are multiple chains of workout brands offering live streamed workouts or a discount/free workouts on their websites including Peloton, Planet Fitness, and more! There are also countless youtubers and influencers who have workout plans uploaded and created. Some of my favorites include: Yoga with Adrienne Sarah's Day, and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have some dance style workouts on their instagram. Getting outside is another important aspect for not only, physical health, but mental health as well. I know this may sound counteractive in terms of efforts to try to avoid potentially catching the virus, but a mini walk with your pets or by yourself up and down the block or even sitting outside in your backyard and getting a daily dose of vitamin D can help too!

Not only is moving your body to some degree good for you body, but fueling your body with healthy foods and vitamins can work wonders as well. Hit your macros, eat your veggies and fruits, but also leave time for some snacks!!

When I asked friends and family what they were doing to pass the time, a lot of the responses had to do with their physical health. I got responses of anything from learning to do the splits (which I am learning to do during this time as well!), going for walks outside, and walking the dog, which are all FABULOUS options. I, myself, am getting Yoga Instructor Certified which is going to be keeping me busy along with school and other workouts. I am so excited to be come certified to teach a practice that means so much to me! So,as a wise Elle Woods once said, "Exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy."

For Your Mental Health:

This is always such a tricky one. At times, It feels like it is almost easier to take care of your physical well-being than you mental well-being (not always, but this may be true for some!). It's so hard when you feel like you have done everything on your to-do list or feel like you cannot handle all the big emotions that come with this sudden change of lifestyle. Two things I always have to keep reminding my anxious brain especially during a time like this is that I am not alone in how I feel about this uncertain time, and that my feelings are validated, always. I am allowed to be bored, anxious, sad, fearful, etc.,. While it is good to validate and acknowledge your emotions as opposed to repressing them, it is also key to find ways to uplift yourself from the big and scary emotions. Mental health practices can co-inside with physical health practices (for example: going on walks, natural endorphins from workouts, etc.,), but two big physical health practices that contribute to better mental health include yoga and meditation. Not only are you moving your body, but you're getting the chance to turn inward and release/work-through unwanted emotions.

Another HUUGE mental health practice I have found that works wonders is finding that balance between "keeping busy" and "finding time to relax". Relaxation has always been something that has never been able to come easy for me. For some it comes naturally and for some it is hard to even imagine being able to sit down and not be busy. Try to find that balance of rest and play that works for YOU. Your body and mind will thank you for not exhausting them.

For Your Social Health:

I know that an extrovert like myself is missing that face-to-face, present moment feel of being in the company of family, friends, and classmates. Some may miss going to class/work (believe it or not!), some may miss sitting at a Starbucks with friends or getting brunch on a Sunday, others may miss the holidays and being close to family. What i've been doing and what so many others have been doing is A LOT of skyping/zooming/and facetiming. It may not be the same as sitting side-by-side or across from those people, but speaking for myself, I know that just taking an hour or two to call/facetime friends and family makes such a difference in my day and in how I carry myself the rest of the day. Take some time to reach out and fuel those connections! I am more grateful now than ever for social media apps and the power of keeping in touch.

Overall, we are all in this together. Whether we on the front lines or working from home and social distancing ourselves. Now has never been a better time to preserve all aspects of or health and well-being. Hang in there, stay busy (but also relax, BALANCE!), keep your head up, reach out to loved ones, refuel love for new/old hobbies, and take care of yourself. Remember:

This too shall pass!