Currently, our country is in a state of confusion. Across the globe, our world is dealing with something that none of us has ever seen in our lifetimes. COVID-19 has sparked fear and destruction everywhere. As families are instructed to stay home for an unknown duration, schools and businesses are put on pause. Yet while staying at home can be difficult, if we prioritize our mental state we can stay balance during this crazy time.  Here are twelve ways.

1. Go outside

Going outside not only gives you fresh air, time to relax and enjoy the world around you but time to be active. Whether it’s going out for a run, catching a football, or walking your dog, taking a step outside is refreshing. I have made it a priority to go outside every day during this time to help clear my mind and enjoy not being stuck in my home.

2. Read a book

Time to bring out your inner book nerd. Some of you may not enjoy reading, but now is the time not only to educate yourself but to enter an imaginary world outside of all the chaos. My challenge for you: pick a book that you are interested in. Spend at least 20-30 minutes each day reading, and trust me, you will feel better and more refreshed. It’s a productive way to take your mind off of all that is happening around us, and it’s healthy too!

3. Paint

Now, I have never been the most artistically inclined, but I recently found an old set of paints. I bought a small canvas and made a painting that I’m proud of. Like reading, painting (and crafting) takes your mind off of what is happening around you. You can work on a painting for as long as you want and make a decoration that your family will enjoy. Bring out your inner Picasso! 

4. Clean your room

No one actually likes to clean their room, but there’s something about not having a constant mess around you that makes you feel better about yourself. Say goodbye to the clutter, and clean! You can even rearrange and organize your room in different ways. This week, I cleaned my room and my closet. It took a few hours out of my day, and now when I walk into my room to do schoolwork, I feel much more productive and organized.

5. Work out

Summer is right around the corner, folks, and if you want to feel good about yourself and your body, be healthy and take time out of your day to work out. I have gone on a run in my neighborhood every day, and it has helped me with developing a daily routine that I can stick to. Not only does it make me feel better about myself, but I feel healthy and proud of myself, too.

Another fun fact: working out helps me sleep better. During this crazy time, I have found myself having trouble falling asleep, constantly worrying about what’s going on in our world. But check this out — according to Sleep.org, “as little as 10 minutes of aerobic exercises, such as walking or cycling, can dramatically improve the quality of your nighttime sleep, especially when done on a regular basis. What’s more, exercisers may reduce their risk for developing troublesome sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome.”

6. Make homemade food

I have never been creative when it comes to making meals for myself. Before the quarantine, I knew how to make only cereal and grilled cheese. Lucky for us, though, we now have time to learn how to make different and unique meals for ourselves. My sisters and I made homemade lava cakes last night. Not only did it take a good amount of time out of our day, but we enjoyed baking something new that we didn’t know how to do at first.

7. Play a board game

Whether it’s a Monopoly or a card game, this is a fun and easy way to be competitive and spend some time with your family. Add a little fun to your free time! My family has done a game night twice a week, where we all get together and play a different game with teams. It’s been very heartwarming to spend some time with them throughout this chaotic time, and things get pretty competitive! 

8. Watch a movie or start a new TV series

I’m not much of a TV show person, but because I’ve had lots of free time on my hands, I’ve started a new TV series on Netflix. This is obviously something that you can become invested in and will take some time out of your day. If you need a recommendation, The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is phenomenal. I highly encourage you to tune in.

9. Create a schedule for yourself

There’s something about having a set routine every day that you can stick to that feels rewarding. While it may not seem like much, following a set schedule every day will keep you mentally healthy. Have a win every day, even if it’s something small.

10. Write 

If you’re feeling happy, sad, worried, frustrated, etc., writing will ease your mind. While it may not seem like much, writing about what’s going on in your life is refreshing and will also keep you sane. I promise. I journal every night and write about my days, and I feel so much better afterward. I encourage you to do the same.

11. Listen to a podcast

There’s something about listening to someone else talk about important (or even random) topics that is refreshing. It’s almost like you are having a conversation with them. Here are some of the most popular podcasts, but there are others. Shameless self-promo: If you haven’t already, listen to my podcast with my friends Reese and Michael on The Uproar. It’s called The Buzz.  You won’t regret it! 

12. Facetime your friends

One of my teachers put this on their Blackboard page: “Practice social distancing, but also remember to practice socializing from a distance.” I think that this is very important because it’s hard not to get sick of just seeing your family after so long. Don’t isolate yourself! Make sure to keep up with friends and distant family members to stay in the loop. It’s always nice to hear a familiar voice. 

While this is a chaotic time, let’s not lose sight of ourselves. Remember that it’s important to take care of yourselves. Try not to dwell on things that we cannot change. Let’s look at this as a time to improve ourselves and to accomplish things that we normally would not have time to do. I hope this list helped you, and make sure to stay safe! We will all see each other again soon.