Staying Sane!

Hello all,

I am going to start out by saying I am sorry I haven’t posted sooner! Our team planned on doing a blog post once a week starting in March. However, I (Annabelle) have been very busy as I was studying abroad and had to return to Texas as the virus gained momentum. I am now on day 5 of self-quarantine, and like many other people probably are, am starting to go a little stir crazy. I can’t wait for the quarantine to be over so I can do the social distancing rather than total can’t leave the house.

So, in light of recent events, I am going to share some tips on staying sane!

1- Keeping a routine! I am going to bed and waking up at the same time, and have a set time for school, meals, and outside time. I have been feeling drowsier lately, but I am hoping it is jet lag and that I don’t develop any symptoms. I also suggest getting dressed up like it’s a normal day, because it helps the illusion of normalcy.

2- Reading a good book. For me, I like to read a little bit of the Bible each day because it brings me peace and comfort. I suggest turning off the news and reading something that brings you peace and comfort. While it is good to be up to speed on everything that is rapidly changing, it can drive you crazy (as it does me) and make it feel like the end of the world. (Spoiler alert- It’s not! Many of us are lucky to be stuck at home with our devices, technology, and family. Social distancing or quarantining is the least we can do for each other in these trying times.)

3- OUTSIDE TIME! After living in Wales, where the temperature was between 42F and 50F every day, I am LOVING the weather! I have been laying in the sun and watching some of my online lectures on the back porch. (PS I am staying with family friends who just visited me in the UK, so we are all quarantining. I am not spending time with people who are going outside of the house.)

4- Starting new hobbies. Personally, I don’t have time to do any hobbies, because I am currently catching up on school. (My university didn’t close or give a grace period. In fact, they waited until someone tested positive to switch to online schooling) I do plan on maybe getting a kitten or animal once I am out of self-quarantine. I have been wanting one for a while and waiting until I got back from my study abroad. If you don’t want the long-term commitment of an animal, you could always look into fostering while you are stuck at home.

5- Being Social- virtually. Luckily, we live in an era where everyone is just a phone call, facetime, or text away! Social distancing should really be called physical distancing, we don’t need to stop talking to people. I have spent much time facetiming and talking to family and friends over the phone. It is frustrating, especially because I was abroad and haven’t seen my family in about two months, to have a lot of spare time and still not be able to visit people in person, but I am thankful for technology.

I hope these tips help and if you have any more please feel free to comment! We are all experiencing this weird time together and you are never alone. It is difficult, but we will get through this together, even if we may be apart physically!