Balanced, healthy lifestyle important to maintain during COVID-19 outbreak

Balanced, healthy lifestyle important to maintain during COVID-19 outbreak

You’re at home — and so is everybody else. So what do you do with all that time? Consider these ways you can make the most of this season of self-isolation and social distancing.

  • Invest in your spiritual life.

We’ve all been there — that moment where you say, “I wish I had more time to spend reading the Bible and praying.” Now most of us have nothing but time. Leverage it to set or strengthen a habit of Bible study, prayer or journaling.

  • Limit your screen time.

One of the easiest things to do during our self-quarantine is scroll through social media, binge watch television or constantly check the news. Though it’s good to be informed and stay connected, consider setting yourself a limit for how much time you spend staring at a screen every day. You might find you can get some productive things done — and that you are less anxious.

  • Plant a garden.

In a lot of ways, it could be a blessing that we are all self-isolating in spring. It’s a perfect opportunity to work on a garden. Most hardware stores are still open, or you can buy seeds and tools online.

  • Learn a new skill or stretch your mind.

It’s possible you’ve had days where you said, “I wish I had time to learn another language,” or “I’d love to learn to knit.” Now’s your time. Download an app like Duolingo to start learning some words in Spanish, Arabic or another language, or look up some YouTube videos on how to knit or crochet. Or check out some free online courses being offered during COVID-19. For instance, Sylacauga artist Abby Little Jessup is offering free online watercolor classes at www.abbylittlejessup.com. And Ivy League schools are offering a whole range of free courses at www.classcentral.com/collection/ivy-league-moocs.

  • Learn to cook.

With extra time and without restaurants to fall back on, it’s the perfect time to explore new recipes and try new foods. Find some new recipes online or look up some “how-to” videos on YouTube.

  • Get in shape.

One of the few things most of us are still allowed to do outside the house is exercise. Use this opportunity as time for a mental break and go for a walk or run (while still practicing safe social distancing). It’s also a chance to set a habit that might last past COVID-19.

  • Start journaling.

While everything might seem mundane right now, in the months and years to come, it will be fascinating to look back on this historical time and read what we were doing, thinking and feeling. Even if it’s just a sentence or two, try to write down a few thoughts each day in a journal.