Coping in Quarantine

I don't have to tell you that we're living through a difficult, stressful time with a new normal. Schools, stores, and services that we took for granted are all closed. Even parks and playgrounds are closed to prevent people from gathering and spreading COVID-19. Families are spending a LOT more time together at home working, learning, and simply living their everyday lives.

The first week (maybe even the second) at home may have been tolerable, but going through three weeks or more of isolation can test the endurance of any introvert or person with a home business. So, how do we cope with being in quarantine during a stay-at-home order? How do we stay healthy both physically and mentally during this time?

Below are some suggestions for keeping both you and your family from climbing the walls for an extended stay at home:

• Keep a routine. Adults and kids alike do well when we know what to expect. Keep a regular bedtime and time to wake in the morning. Get into a daily routine of activities.
• Exercise. We may not be able to go to the gym or park now, but we can still do things inside, like yoga, zumba, and good, old fashioned calisthenics. We can also go outside to ride a bike or take a walk around the neighborhood as long as we keep apart from others.
• Get some fresh air. It's spring. The weather's getting warmer and the flowers are blooming. Step outside your house and just hang out in your back or front yard. Seeing some nature and getting a little Vitamin D will make you feel better.
• Limit your time getting the news. We all want to know what's going on, but watching 24-hour news networks and following news websites around the clock is going to drain your energy and bring down your spirits. Set a limit on your news time.
• Keep in touch with family and friends. We're all going through this together. Although we can't socialize in person, we have technology and social media to help us stay in touch. Pick up the phone or do a live video chat through Skype or Facebook with someone you care. 
• Do something fun. This is the perfect time to start that new hobby or craft you always wanted to do. Play some board games. Watch a movie. Read a book (you knew I had to add that one).

Just remember that the quarantine won't last forever. We will go outside again, we will get back together with each other, and we will resume our normal lives. We just don't know when that will happen. In the meantime, we need to isolate for our own safety as well as that of others. Keep in mind that the library has a number of virtual books and other items to help you and your family through this. Just contact us (509-247-5556, fafblibrary@gmail.com).

Wishing you and your family good health from the perch.