And So It Continues...

Covid--it's the elephant in the room that we want to forget about. For the past several months I've tried to ignore it, writing non-Covid related posts, but after a summer in which many of us have spent time outdoors and with children about to start school again, I feel the elephant, unfortunately, needs to be acknowledged.

We've gone through our second spring, our second summer, and soon, we're going to go through our second fall with this pandemic. We thought we saw the light at the end of the tunnel, but that light got pushed back a little further with the Delta variant, not enough people getting vaccinated, and the return of masks for everyone. We're tired and extremely pandemic weary. So, how can we help ourselves, our children, and our loved ones face another fall, another school year with Covid affecting so many aspects of our lives?

Here are some ideas:

• Get outdoors.  Even if the weather turns chilly and even downright cold in the months ahead, go outside for a short or a long walk. Let the kids play. Experts say that even 10-15 minutes can boost your mood and help your body feel better, not to mention help your immune system.
• Do a hobby.  Whatever it is--knitting, woodworking, puzzles, cooking--just do something to get your mind off what's going on in the world and relax. Kids know how to play; adults can do well by taking a lesson from them and play as well.
• Get away from social media and the news.  Yes, for better or worse, we want to know what's going on in the world; we don't want to be out of the loop. A little social media and news is okay, but a lot of it around the clock can really get you down. Set time limits for yourself and then do something else.
• Meditate.  If you can breathe, you can meditate! Find a quiet place, sit or lie down, close your eyes, and just focus on your breath--breathing in and breathing out.
• Watch movies or shows.  Are there some DVDs you haven't watched or TV shows you need to get caught up on? Then get the popcorn and snacks, snuggle into the sofa cushions, and watch away! (Shameless plug: the library has PLENTY of DVDs to borrow and digital movies to check out.)
• Read books!!!  When you're limited in where you can go, books can help you virtually travel anywhere, whether the place is real or fictional. You can take your mind off the present situation for a while and even be in a different time. Don't know what to read? Let your friendly perch librarian help you!

If past pandemics have taught us anything, they eventually do end. This current one will end; we just don't know when. In the meantime, take care of yourself and those in your life.

Wishing you good health, physical and mental, from the perch.