“This too shall pass,” and America will survive. Each of us is challenged daily by whatever is being reported in the news regarding the COVID-19 virus. Here is my recommended list of suggested ideas to consider while sequestered in your home or while at home during the duration.
Background
The other night, I watched a fireside chat hosted by Dennis Prager as part of his Prager U presence on the Internet. He focused his comments on seven or eight good things to do every day during these difficult times. I borrowed the first half of my blog headline from him, and I used his fireside chat as a catalyst in suggesting my 27 ideas. I have divided my ideas into a triad of three areas: body, mind, and spirit. I have also included, whenever possible, a URL to click on to assist you.
Body
- Perform a series of simple stretches before you get out of bed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6RGHvp2oCA
- Drink 8 to 12 ounces of distilled or alkaline water as soon as you rise.
- Walk a mile every morning or every afternoon. If possible, walk with a family member or friend and just catch up.
- Do bodyweight exercises every day in your home. Perform one set of four to six exercises, such as pushups, situps, air chairs, planks, etc. https://www.self.com/gallery/bodyweight-exercises-you-can-do-at-home
- Do a short yoga routine. http://petegyoga.com/
Mind
- Do not watch the news on television. Read a newspaper instead. A tip of my hat to Dennis Prager for this one.
- Read a biography of one of your heroes or read a book on one of your favorite topics, such as history, science, philosophy, or just reread one of the classics. Read at least 30 minutes every day, more if you want. https://readanybook.com/
- Connect with your inner artist by drawing, painting, carving, or sculpting.
- Take one of the Khan Academy courses. https://www.khanacademy.org/
- Learn a language online. https://my.babbel.com/
- Eliminate blaming, complaining, and all negativity from your actions and thoughts.
- Do a crossword or Sudoku or a recreational mathematics puzzle. https://www.dictionary.com/e/crossword/
- Read out loud one of Shakespeare’s plays. https://shakespeare.thefreelibrary.com/
Spirit
- Brew yourself a cup of coffee or tea and sit quietly in the morning and reflect on your plans for the day. Make this a daily ritual. Creating daily routines is a beautiful way to center your life.
- Watch a funny movie or comedy every day and trade these movies with family and friends. https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-funniest-movies-of-all-time
- Say thank you to everyone who helps you in any way.
- Laugh out loud every day, really laugh. https://www.rd.com/jokes/
- Perform a random act of kindness for a stranger. https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-ideas
- Bring joy into your life and the life of someone else.
- Maintain a positive mental attitude.
- Avoid angry and negative people.
- Assume an attitude of gratitude.
- Call a family member or friend just to check in and say hello.
- Be kind to everyone you meet when you are out food shopping or otherwise out and about.
- Listen to a motivational or inspirational CD. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuqg5qimq2Q
- Start a journal and write in it every day.
- Say your prayers and attend church service online, if possible. https://onbeing.org/blog/thomas-mertons-prayer-that-anyone-can-pray/
A Simple Call to Action
These 27 ideas are just that, ideas. Use them as thought starters. Choose six to nine ideas from this list or develop your own list and practice them every day. Remember: this too shall pass and America will survive and so will you.
Another Call to Action
Use common sense and be responsible but order takeaway food or curbside service from the small neighborhood restaurants and bistros in your community two or three times a week. These small businesses require your ongoing patronage to stay in business, especially now that President Trump has extended the sheltering-in-place to April 30, 2020.
Stay well and stay healthy,
Andrew J Guinosso
Internal Link to A New Desiderata for the 21st Century: https://whitebeardwisdom.com/product/a-new-desiderata-for-the-21st-century-