Ways to Stay Healthy During A Crisis

May’s Theme:
Ways to Stay Healthy During A Crisis

If you asked me a month ago what my plans were for 2020, not one idea included self-isolating to save lives. I planned a trip to Sicily so I could stay with my boyfriend for a few months while also meeting up with some wonderful friends living in the U.K. I then planned to be home for the holidays with my family. It was a perfect plan and one I had mapped out a few months before. Little did we all know that in just a few week’s time, COVID-19 would ravage our lives and leave a mark that would probably last a lifetime, not only in our daily routines but in our hearts too as we would fight to keep ourselves safe as well as our loved ones.

I know for so many out there, this is an extremely trying time right now. The world hasn’t seen anything like this in over 100 years and to say there is a right way to go through this pandemic would be misleading. Personally, I feel like I’ve been trained for something to keep me home for long periods of time! After I got back from Italy in December, I took a rain check on almost all activities except for nights in with some wine because I was just trying to save pennies and dimes that would all equal a round-trip ticket back to Europe. The self-isolation I am doing now doesn’t seem so hard for me because of this but I do also have to thank my routine and creativity for keeping me sane and smiling.

My goal to keep my sanity intact started with the idea that I should keep a semi-normal routine, at least from Monday through Friday. So I wake up and do a 30-minute workout, and then I shower and let my hair air dry as I make my morning cup of coffee. I journal for a good 30 minutes while listening to soft music. I then allow myself to slowly move from my room to my table downstairs where I work on blogging and writing. If I’m feeling extra creative, I like to plan home photoshoots and videos for youtube and TikTok. On days where I need a break from the internet, I paint, read my book, clean, and watch my favorite feel-good movies. I think it’s incredibly important to find something that makes your little heart happy right now. And if nothing comes to mind, try learning something you’ve always been fascinated by. Photography, making the best croissant ever, photoshop, calligraphy, braiding hair, jewelry making, the list goes on. My favorite part is sneaking in moments where I can call a friend or a family member and just hear their voice or see their face over Facetime. It’s incredible the opportunity we have now to really connect with people and check on them. These are the sweet moments that’ll get you through these difficult times.

I know we all feel stuck and we all feel like our freedom has been taken away by this relentless virus. But if you can switch your perspective, even a little, you get to see the world open up in ways you never thought it would. You can do things you’ve always said you would with extra time; take these moments and dive into something sweet. Something that’ll ease anxiety and increase positivity, whatever that may be. It’s all self-care in my eyes. On the other hand, If you don’t feel up to learning something new, working hard, or working out. That is 100% fine. There is no right way to go about this and if what makes you happy is sitting on your comfy couch re-watching The Office, please do! I wish you all the best during these trying times. Live in gratitude and patience, be kind, and loving towards each other and we will all get through this together.

Beyond The Stage is important to the youth in San Antonio, to keep striving towards their goals. More than anything, our youth needs to be inspired and Beyond The Stage provides them that extra push to become our next leaders.