• Apr 07, 2020

Everything is Canceled: Surviving a Teenage Quarantine Life [Part 2]

Staying inside and safe doesn't mean being bored.

By Community Health Improvement Staff.

Now that you know more about COVID-19, your role as a teen, and what to do from our first blog, it’s important to focus on managing and developing coping strategies while in quarantine. While it’s uncertain when we’ll be able to go back to school, sports, see friends, and other activities, we can use this time to take care of ourselves in mind and body. Social distancing can be difficult and may feel isolating. Here’s how you can stay connected while staying physically apart. Here are some ideas to get started, and maybe even try something new!

Ideas for Self-Care:

• Get free internet access with Comcast (for qualified customers).
• Take a break from the news and information overload.
  • Subscribe to the Some Good News channel on Youtube.
• Try mindfulness and meditation practices. There are free resources available to help ease uncertainty and anxiety. Check out:
  • Calm App and Take a Deep Breath
  • CHA Center for Mindfulness and Compassion Free Online Live Meditation practice
  • Focus on things you can do
• Nourish yourself and others.
  • Find free Local Food Resources in your community
  • Cook, Bake, Eat: If you’re looking to perfect your cooking skills, check out world-famous Chef Massimo Bottura’s instagram (@massimobottura). He’s offering free cooking classes everyday!
• Take virtual trips to museums, zoos, parks.
  • New York City Museums
  • Wildlife Livestreams
  • Zoo Livestreams
• Take a Free Class or learn a new skill.
  • 450 Ivy League Courses
  • Knowledge Building Lessons
  • TED Talks: Or watch some TED Talks for some inspiration! Why It’s Sometimes Good to be Bored
• Curl up with a good book and some cocoa -- it can be the best remedy.
  • Click here for a list of free e-books to check out.
  • Get the free Libby App which gives you access to the millions of online resources at your local library.
• Connect with friends and family with social media, especially with older people who may be feeling very isolated. Use FaceTime, Skype, Zoom or other social networking apps and help grandparents or older neighbors who aren’t tech savvy figure out how to use them.
• Move your body with:
  • Free CHA yoga.
  • Walks and indoor workouts.
  • Music and dance. Check out live virtual concerts.
• Be a Bed Head. Sleep is important for building your immune system.
  • Sleep fact sheet for teens.
  • Sleep Better: Info from National Sleep Foundation.
• Create art
  • Participate in the Healing Hands Participatory Art Project
  • Doodle with Mo Willems
  • Decorate your windows with #heartsforhealthcareworkers

Now’s the time to stay inside and be safe. It’s a historic moment. You got this.

Disclaimer
This articles provide general information for educational purposes only. The information provided in this article, or through linkages to other sites, is not a substitute for medical or professional care, and you should not use the information in place of a visit, call consultation or the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider.