During this unfortunate pandemic, many people—including students—are experiencing new, somber feelings in response to this year’s trajectory. To cope with this universal glumness, we should explore healthy living options and mindsets to minimize these feelings.

Under quarantine, physical health has definitely declined as a result of prolonged periods of laziness or excessive nights of eating and not sleeping. I have tried to combat those unhealthy behaviors with daily breathing and body exercises to improve my blood circulation. Increasing blood flow in your brain by eating various vegetables and doing more exercise can increase brain endorphins and make you feel better overall. I have done that for the past week, and it has done wonders for my mental health and spirit. 

During a pandemic, there are losses for many. Whether you are suffering the loss of a loved one, like me, or your high school graduation, more and more individuals are being exposed to depressive moods.  A known fact of isolation is that it can lead to worsened mental health, as well as physical health, which can result in a lot of people reaching dark places within their lives, according to the National Library of Medicine. A way I’ve tried to combat this is by setting a designated schedule for myself. The more organized you are, the more you will feel like there is time passing, and you will not feel like you are stuck in a time loop. The benefits of this are further supported by healthy habits, like a full night of sleep and time for exercise and work. 

Overall, health should come first- not the next episode of whatever shows you’re binging at three o’clock in the morning. By introducing new ways of healthy prosperity in life, the better this quarantine may seem to be, and the more you’ll feel like you’re doing your part.