Making Your Days Matter in Quarantine

I don’t know about each of you, but many high schoolers around me have been feeling helpless and hopeless during the shelter-in-place order. It’s as if we’re chained down, unable to do anything to retain our freedom. We want to help, to be free, to do something that would make our days matter. Even though it’s rather obvious, it’s sometimes difficult to internalize that staying home or at least six feet apart from others is the absolute best way by which to flatten the curve and quicken the return to normalcy. I’ve found that giving these seemingly hollow days worth is sometimes difficult and began finding many diverse ways to place value on them. Here are 4 ways you can make your days matter in quarantine.

Break a Sweat: Focusing on Your Body

When do we get time to get in some exercise during our busy lives? Even if you’re not a fan of working out, getting outside in times like these is a phenomenal way to break your current routine, letting out some pent-up steam while getting closer to a goal! Start easy: simply a short walk every day can boost your mood. You can live in the moment, free of any pressures, and even enjoy nature.

Aid the Frontline: Making Masks for the Community

Masks have become the new norm, leading to dwindling supplies and people without protection against the virus. Making homemade masks is an easy but incredibly helpful way to prevent the spread in your community. Here’s a link from Jo-Ann to learn a couple of ways to make masks, so you can distribute them safely to community members without access.

Breathe Out: Focusing on Your Mind

Practicing mindfulness is a great way to add value to your day; a strong mind is the foundation for all these other points. You can try incorporating some simple breathing exercises or other forms of meditation into your routine to help keep you composed and clear your head to strengthen your mind during these stressful times. There are many free apps such as “Headspace” and “Calm” to help get you started. We encourage that you try experimenting with different forms of mindfulness!

Lend a Hand: Giving Your Heart to the Community

There are two major ways you can accomplish what the title suggests. The first is supporting your small local businesses if you’re able. These places are struggling to stay afloat and your business could be crucial to help them maintain a healthy life. The second way is to check in on friends and family you have not gotten in touch with since quarantine to see how they are doing and make them (and yourself!) feel a little less isolated. One text, call, or video chat can go a long way in brightening someone’s day and preserve that meaningful connection.

We need to get a grasp on the new time we have now and put it towards important things. You are only one person, but you can make choices that will impact the lives of hundreds.