By EEW Magazine Online // Self-care // Coronavirus

Like it or not, the coronavirus pandemic is forcing us to change our way of life, practice social distancing and self-quarantining. So what do we do with all this additional free time?

Here are 8 great ways you can care for yourself and do things that will enhance your life while you’re stuck at home in the coming weeks.

Read books: Aside from your daily Bible study, you should make reading a practice. It’s always a good time to enhance your knowledge. So why not get into those books you wanted to read before you had this much time?

Work out: You don’t need a local gym to work up a sweat. You can easily find a good (and free!) workout routine online to help you get motivated to whip your body in shape. Whether you prefer cardio, floor exercises or strength training, just do something.

Fellowship with God: Turn on the worship music, bask in God’s presence and pray. You can never spend too much time meditating on God’s goodness, sitting at His feet and allowing Him to minister to your needs.

Journal: Writing is cathartic. It helps you release negative emotions, clarify your thoughts and get in touch with your true feelings. Take advantage of some of the alone time you have. Journaling is super healthy for you— mind, body and soul.

Prioritize your vision: A tighter schedule prevents you from sitting down and putting in as much work as you’d like to on your visions and dreams. If you have a business, book, upcoming event or project that needs attention, this is the perfect time to work on it.

Spend time with family: If family members live at home with you, you’ll be spending lots more time together thanks to school closures, work-from-home mandates and cancellation of extracurricular activities. Make this time count. Play games. Talk. Go outdoors—as long as you maintain a safe distance from other people.

Stream but don’t binge: It’s okay to stream shows, movies and series you like. It’s also fine to watch your favorite TV programs too. Just don’t spend all your time binge-watching and missing important opportunities to do other things that are more useful and beneficial.

Be thankful: A lot of folks are complaining about being stuck indoors and are dreading certain inconveniences caused by the coronavirus outbreak. Instead of joining the chorus of complainers, find a reason to be thankful. Life could be much worse.

Truth be told, no one is thrilled about all the changes the world is going through, and some people are stressed out. So it’s important to make you a priority and care for yourself as best as you can.