COVID-19 weighs heavily at the forefront of our collective consciousness as we consume hourly updates, news headlines, and public health information. SEARHC has even created a handy COVID-19 website. These reliable sources are doing an incredible public service by relaying pertinent information about social distancing, quarantine practices if exposed, and self-isolation if one becomes sick with COVID-19. Please stay informed but don’t agonize over every development.
The purpose of this article is to provide you with healthy habits you can implement as we do our best to navigate this strange new landscape. Many of us are living with a social calendar that has screeched to a halt with our favorite yoga classes being canceled and a dog as our only audience. If you are practicing self-isolation and find yourself yearning for a list of options to keep mind and body occupied, the following suggestions may be helpful.
Maintain Community 
Host a virtual hang out with family or friends. Google Hangouts, FaceTime or Zoom work well. Check-in on small local businesses. Perhaps you can afford a gift card, merchandise, or if they offer curbside pickup of your favorite sandwich — go for it. Support local! Another idea is to create a care package for an isolated friend or family member and leave it on their doorstep or write snail mail to friends, family, or your local elder-care facility. And, you can always shoot a text of a funny video, photo, or meme to your friends. Better yet, send video messages back and forth to those you can’t see in person.
Keep Your Body Moving
Get outside. There is a reason we live in Southeast – walking, hiking, biking, running, and kayaking are right outside our doors. Many running groups are hosting virtual runs. Check in with your local walking or running group to see if this is an option for you. Please remain six-feet away from other people, and wash your hands frequently.
Try an at-home workout. Youtube is full of free online workout classes that are easily done at home. Here are a few suggestions:
- Yoga with Adrienne: Hundreds of free online yoga sessions for all skill levels.
- YMCA 360: Free on-demand classes including barre, tai chi, and classes for Older Adults.
- Core Power Yoga: A popular studio with free, 30- to 60-minute classes available.
Relax Your Mind
- Read a book. You probably have a few on your list. Unplug from the news, drink some tea and dive deep or listen to a book. The Alaska Digital Library offers audiobooks, and Audible is offering free audiobooks for kids.
- Learn a New Skill. Classes are available online at Coursera (look for the ‘free’ badge), and you could always start a meditation practice. Set a timer for 5, 10, or 15 minutes and focus on your breathing.
- Love to cook? Try out that new recipe that was previously too time consuming for your hectic life.
Whatever options you choose, remember that the world is working through the effects of this pandemic in real-time, and it can likely be stressful. Practice your daily self-care in whatever form that takes, and please, remember to keep your distance from others.