By Michael Grant
By Michael Grant
Social Distancing was a term not commonly used prior to 8 weeks ago. With a quick turn of events, most of us have become glued to our phones or television. Being the social creatures we are, even those activities have become a bore, and we may feel ourselves at home about to lose our minds. Now there isn’t a right or wrong way to social distance, but we do want to keep our minds and bodies healthy and active the best way we can. Here are a couple of ways to stay safe at home and make the best of this self-quarantine phase.
1.Physical activity:
Getting up and being productive positively effects your mental health. It’s Necessary. This isolation can be draining and mentally challenging. That makes it a good thing to stay active. Not saying you have to be a fitness fanatic by the time this is all over, but at least 15 – 30 minutes of physical activity a day can greatly improve your overall health. Making sure you’re moving and grooving. Start small
2. Pick up a book:
While it has been EASY to binge watch your favorite show for the hundredth time, think about the book on your nightstand that you’ve been meaning to finish. Create a list of books that you’ve always wanted to read, and get suggestions from friends and family.
3. Play Dates:
The kids have been hanging out. Trying to adjust to this new schedule of life as well. Checking in with their emotions is critical; ensuring that they know they’re number one job is to BE A KID. Set dates and plan out games and super fun things to do together, grab the kids and PLAY ALL DAY! They deserve every bit of it.
1. Get in the kitchen:
Believe it or not, cooking can actually be very therapeutic. Whether its searching for the perfect recipe, prepping the ingredients, or watching it cook. Post the recipe on your social media and challenge your friends and family to try it and tag you in their post.
5. Spend time with your loved ones:
As a generation who uses Facetime every single day, I don’t think we ever imagined that being our primary way of seeing our loved ones. Nonetheless, if you haven’t heard of, or used Zoom by now, you are missing out. Zoom is a video conferencing platform that allows one to host a meeting with up to 100 people at a time. Can anyone say virtual family reunion?
6. Keep a journal:
Self-isolation is complex at times. You can get lost in your thoughts, or become weighed down with the effects of COVID-19. But we could also focus on the positive. Write down something kind that you’ve done today. Write down the things you are grateful for. Tell someone how much they mean to you.
You’re not the only person living through this pandemic. Don’t beat yourself up over the things you can’t control, or the things you can. It doesn’t make you a bad person, it makes you human. A friendly reminder to be kind to yourself and others.
Let’s continue to press for a safe quarantine.
(Milwaukee, WI) – Junior Achievement of Wisconsin is releasing a free resource for teens titled Making Sense: Understanding the Financial Impact of COVID-19. The guide is designed to answer teens’ questions about the economic implications of COVID-19, including “Why are some store shelves empty?”, “Why are some people losing their jobs?” and “Are we going into a recession, or even a depression?” The guide is available at JA.org/MakingSense.
“While social distancing is essential to fighting COVID-19, the disease and the steps we must take to address it are having a financial impact. Our goal is to help young people better understand what’s happening,” said Michael Frohna, President of Junior Achievement of Wisconsin. “April is Financial Literacy Month, and this is really an important time to be sharing this kind of information.”
The guide is written with middle school and high school students in mind. It uses relatable examples to explain what a recession is, how the Federal Reserve works and steps being taken by government and the private sector to deal with the economic impact associated with COVID-19. JA is also offering free resources to teachers and parents who may have students finishing school online this semester. Those resources are available at JA.org/Tomorrows.
About Junior Achievement of Wisconsin
Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered in schools or through after-school events by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Last year 153,765 students in Wisconsin participated in Junior Achievement programs. For more information, visit http://wisconsin.ja.org.
By this time, with COVID-19, has ruined every social plan on the books. Events, whether major or minor, have been canceled or postponed like never before. More and more jobs continue to lay off. Even the Democratic National Convention has officially been pushed back to August.
With no choice, we are forced to adapt to this new way of life. Business meetings have become virtual. Birthday parties have become virtual. Last week, my family hosted a zoom conference in place of a funeral service for my Grandmother due to social distancing.
It’s safe to say “It’s getting real,” like Cardi B. Staying at least 6 feet away from others is the recommended standard for social distancing. While the world is finding time to crack some funny jokes about this pandemic though precautions are necessary.
During this quarantine there are many ways to stay safe and of course it starts at home. Here’s a few quick tips for the cause:
Wash Your Hands IS A MUST
Wash your hands! Wash your hands! Wash your hands! Wash your hands after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing. Also, avoid touching your face.
Limit Your Shared Space with Family
If it’s possible, stay in a separate room and use a separate bathroom. Stay in different rooms. One person in the kitchen at a time. Yes, this can be difficult overall but it works.
Stay Home
Restricting your activities outside of your home, whether it’s going to school, work, public areas or using public transportation is also a must. Only leave the house if you have an absolute essential job to take care of; grabbing food, doctors office, etc.
Do Not Share
Avoid sharing the following items with people or animals in your home:
* Bedding
* Dishes, drinking glasses and utensils
* Towels, including hand towels in the kitchen and bathroom
Become a Cleaning Machine
Early evidence shows that the new coronavirus can live on surfaces— for hours or even days in some cases.
Therefore schedule some time— at least once per day, be sure to clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces around your home, including:
* Bathroom fixtures
* Counters
* Door knobs
* Keyboards
* Phones
Atlanta, GA — Terence Lester, the executive director of Love Beyond Walls, a non-profit organization that offers support to homeless people, is creating hand-washing stations that are being assembled and distributed specifically to the homeless.
That’s when Lester started reaching out to RV manufacturers, who could use technology that helps build portable handwashing stations.
Within just a week, they have produced 15 portable machines that could hold 5 to 10 gallons of water each. The machine also has a refillable soap dispenser connected to it.
Moreover, Grammy Award-winning artist Lecrae connected with Lester to join the initiative and help put up the machines in key areas. Aside from that, they also provided more information to the people about the coronavirus and how they can stay healthy.
Lester, who once experienced being homeless, has been very adamant in serving the underserved community.
“When I was experiencing homelessness being out there, you would have to go a mile or two to wash your hands or go to the bathroom,” Lester said. “I wanted to make sure we put stations in parts where people are under bridges, just in case someone wants to stop and wash their hands.”