How to stay positive during quarantine
By AVA DISALVO
2020 has been a difficult year for many. Quarantine and the coronavirus are topics we are new to, and had to adjust to in a short amount of time. As a result, many people are dissuaded and upset due to the sudden change in lifestyle. In this article, I hope to recommend information/techniques I found helpful to remain positive during quarantine.
In my personal experience, working on your physical wellbeing can greatly improve your mental health and mood. When you are able to see yourself reach goals and benefit from said goals, it does truly improve your mood and can contribute to positivity in other areas of your life, as you will see how hard work can pay off.
Even working out every-other day makes a difference, and I've noticed that on the days where I exercise, I am much less likely to become stressed or anxious while doing homework, as I will have burnt the majority of my energy earlier.
Eating healthier is also important, as it not only makes the end result of working out easier to reach, but can lead to you feeling better in general during the day. It sounds repetitive, and like something your 6th grade health teacher would tell you, but it's true. You cannot expect to harm your body through bad eating habits and not working out and not face any mental repercussions. It’s basic self care, and working in any way shape or form on these aspects will yield noticeable results.
You should also find time to enjoy personal habits or hobbies of yours. Now is not the time to stress yourself out, as you aren't as likely to release said stress by your usual methods. By allowing yourself time to relax and engage in something you actually enjoy, you will feel better.
I'm taking art classes, as well as joining virtual art-related sessions, and because I am able to divert my attention to a schedule that I created and benefits me, it greatly decreases my stress as I can feel more in control of my current situation.
Overall, the point of this article is that some of the easiest ways to stay positive during quarantine are self-reliant and personality oriented.
One of the main issues people have with quarantine is the sudden lack of structure, which is why the aforementioned suggestions are so helpful; you are essentially building yourself a calendar/planner of some sorts, allowing you to fall into a pattern that you engaged in last year.
Although elements of said planner will be different, the effect is the same. You are able to better know and navigate your emotional and physical wellbeing, you are able to reward yourself in ways similar to after-school activities prior to Covid, and you're generally just bettering yourself in the long run.
Though it may seem like it, it is not the end of the world. And if you put time and effort into bettering yourself and making yourself feel better, this time will be much easier (and actually productive).