By J1 Reporter Molly Monahan 

The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has taken everyone by surprise. Due to the virus, anxiety and stress are increasing for a majority of everyone in the world right now. However, some people have chosen to turn the quarantine and social distancing into a time for self reflection and improvement. 

At a time when it seems the whole world is on pause, people are taking this break to focus on themselves: mentally, physically, and spiritually. It is easy to feel trapped and cooped up in our homes, but we can take this break from the chaos of our lives to take a much needed breather.

Staying active is one of the hardest parts about being quarantined. Whether it is walking or running outside around a lake, trying different exercise videos, or trying to master all the dances on Tik Tok, it is important to keep moving.

“Recently during my quarantine I have been working on doing something active each day. I have either gone on a three to six mile run or done a workout or done a workout video from YouTube. I also take my dog on walks with my family to get outside,” junior Cleo Wear said.

Another important part of physical health is eating healthy. With all the down time it can be very easy to sit on the couch all day and eat all the junk food you can find in the cabinets. However, eating healthier foods like vegetables and fruits can have a positive effect both mentally and physically. Keeping a healthy diet and a good exercise routine will help keep spirits high and make this process feel a bit more normal.

Another positive perspective of the quarantine is the connection building within the community spiritually. Marian’s campus ministry has connected with other Catholic high schools in the community to help students and teachers build their faith through prayer in the morning. These prayers in the morning have lifted many students’ attitudes by making them feel less alone and more a part of the community. 

Many people have also taken a creative outlook to the quarantine. They have been expressing themselves through their artworks, dances, songs and fashion through social media or even in the neighborhoods. A lot of people have even taken their artwork and positivity to the streets! Writing positive messages on the sidewalk of trails like “You can do this!” or “We are all in this together” or writing funny jokes is a fun way to keep everyone motivated and happy. 

Some fun staying healthy videos students have recommended:

From Junior Cleo Wear- Sydney Cummings Workouts:  https://youtu.be/MaJKfBb0j6w

From Sophomore Kathryn Stec- 600 calories in 60 minutes https://youtu.be/s3F6R92s6_o
(Watch the May Network for some additional exercise video reviews!)

From Junior Katie Corpuz- 3 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies  https://youtu.be/3rQ-LrmzG3w