Blue Umbrella Official May 2020 issue | Page 10

How to Keep Life By Rebekah V. "Nor mal " Shelter-in-place orders, annoying siblings, overused Internet, and days of boredom are becoming the new normal for a lot of people. The COVID-19 pandemic has left people confused, irritated, and restless. Listed below are a few tips and tricks on how to remain hopeful, cheery, and sane while coping with the ?new norm.? Maintain contact with the outdoors. A walk through town or a long bike ride can do a person a lot of good. Getting outside and soaking in some Vitamin D is not only refreshing but also healthy. Pick up a good book. What better way to pass the time than by getting lost in a good read? Spend the long hours lost in a favorite book, or find a new one. Reading not only passes the time, but it also helps a person grow and expand their vocabulary. Keep the same routine. As hard as it would seem, try maintaining the same schedule, such as bed time or meal time. By doing this, a person will not become too out of touch with their regular rhythm. Reach out to family and friends. Since everyone is stuck at home, get in contact with an old time friend or distant relative. Send a letter in the mail, host an online party, or give someone a call. This is especially helpful for extroverts! Break out the board games. As the saying goes, laughter is good medicine! Gather around the table and play some board games. With all the empty schedules, this can make for great family-bonding time, and a chance to release some energy. Do some Spring cleaning. Now that the month of May is here, it is time to give some much needed tender-loving-care to the cozy abode. Do some yard cleaning like picking up sticks or raking leaves. Maybe it is time to dust the book shelves or vacuum the carpet. Help your parents make a meal or fold the laundry. Make a game out of it for fun! 10 Current Events