Let’s be honest, we have all spent the past few months binge watching Netflix with a bowl of popcorn while laying on the couch. We’re not judging here, but it’s time to kick those lazy habits and make better health decisions. There is no doubt that the pandemic and quarantine have taken a toll on our physical and mental health, and it can be difficult to cope with the changing environment. During this time, it is important to take care of ourselves and our health. We encourage you to take time for yourself daily by implementing the following habits into your routine and let’s know what you think! 

Unplug – Try putting your phone and other devices down for at least 10-15 minutes daily, especially before going to bed. For a good night’s sleep, the National Sleep Foundation recommends no devices for an hour before bedtime. Use this extra time to focus on yourself and reflect on your day!

Self-Care- With more time on our hands, there’s no excuse not to pamper ourselves and take care of our bodies. There are many ways of pampering yourself such as taking a bath, applying a face mask, painting your nails, reading your favorite book, and listening to music. These small acts of self-care can bring tremendous joy and positivity into your day!

Get Active- Being stuck at home is the perfect time to fit in a workout. Whether you do an intense HIIT workout or jam out to Beyonce, you should try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily. Frequent exercise can help you be more motivated and benefit your health. Additionally, working out releases endorphins aka “happy hormones” which is a bonus! 

Get a Journal- As things constantly change around us, it can be hard to express your thoughts and emotions. To help out with these overwhelming or anxious thoughts, we recommend getting a journal.  A journal is a great way to get your thoughts and feelings out on paper. Try writing down whatever you are feeling each night before bed. Not only will this help you get things off your chest but also improve your sleep!

We all can agree that quarantine can be hard at times but we all can get through it together. If you ever are feeling down and need to talk to someone, please reach out to a trusted adult, our SAC counselor, Mrs. Paloti, or any of the other guidance counselors or teachers at JFK! The Torch wishes everyone is doing well and staying safe! Please continue to do your part and we will get through this together!