I
am bringing a subjective view of what has transpired in my household during COVID-19, in hopes that it will remind you that many are going through similar experiences during this defining time. I am sharing what I have done to keep physically and mentally in tune with myself and others. It has been a roller coaster at times. Here is what I do when I am offline, trying to keep a buoyant spirit after I finish the online work.
STAYING WELL IN DIFFICULT TIMES Creating a List of Ideas to Maintain Healthy Habits By Jill Jasperson
My household expanded with five extra millennials during the pandemic. When COVID-19 hit, I knew my son, who was trying to obtain a work visa in China, would be here longer. Another child, who was working retail, went on unemployment, quit that retail job, and is currently working on getting a better job. Another son, who graduated in 2018, is working temporary jobs. Finally, another child finished a course in programming and is waiting to move with his wife to South Carolina. All kinds of outcomes with the same pandemic! What do I do to keep sane? I started a list.
Cleaning and Selling
I started cleaning. I had a garage area that needed to be tidied up, and we cleaned, sold or gave away items, power washed the area, and moved less items back in. Now, I am renting a portion of it. I cleaned out closets and areas of the house (since I had extra people living in the house) and gave items away for charity. It feels good donating clean clothes and extra household items that I am not using.
Exercise
I walk everyday now. The fresh air and beautiful Utah landscapes are part of my daily routine. I am close to American Fork Canyon and hike several times a week to Timpanogos Cave. Although the cave is closed, there are people on the trail every day. It is good cardio, hiking 1,100 feet to the top and back on a three-mile hike. Walk, run, cycle, swim or do what my friend does — she competes in triathlons. Although she has not completed one recently because of an injury, she volunteered to help with one. The outdoors did not shut down, training has gone forward! My husband ran outside every day and did three half marathons. Several neighbors offered morning yoga or stretching classes in their yard. It was great to see everyone keeping active. Some, including me, even lost a bit of weight. Exercise is good!
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the journal entry | October 2020
