Of course, a little excitement ran over my thoughts when I heard the first school cancellation. It kind of felt like we had a snow day. Or did it?  

As time went on, COVID-19 took over TV, the governor and president did daily updates, my grandparents that live behind me shut the doors and stayed home, church closed, restaurants stopped social dining, the hoarding of groceries and toilet paper went, and fear sank in.

This is a pandemic. 

It is stressful, and there is no doubt we could all sulk in the fact that our pandemic has overtaken us. There has to be another way to handle the stress. 

For the past couple of weeks, I have had to motivate myself to do my schoolwork, get active, and basically not to stay in the bed all day. 

After seeing that this thing is going to go longer than we ever imagined, it is time to make sure that we consider our spirit, body, and mind. 

As far as my spirit, I try to remember the verse “Casting all your worries on him because he cares for you,” which comes from 1 Peter 5:7. 

I also read a statement that said in summary something like this: “I have cleared your calendars, closed the entertainment venues, and placed you in a time of solitude, can we talk now?”  Putting my worries in my faith is helping me to get through my fears. I also feel challenged to put this out there to the world during this time, trust in God. It’s crucial to be able to talk about things like how the virus is affecting us in terms of our spirit. 

As the weather continues to get more beautiful everyday, getting outdoors has helped with the feeling of being quarantined. 

My outlet is getting to ride horses. This being my sport has had great benefits during this time. Dressage riding is an independent sport and is perfect for social distancing. It is just you and your horse. Horseback riding is a great exercise along with having a routine for workouts. I use the Fit Equestrian and can do the simple workouts at home. 

I suggest if you can get outdoors, do it,  If you practice your passion sport independently, do it. Enjoy the sunshine. My family also finds ways to bring a “picnic feel” into meals and get outdoors and eat. This helps with the cabin fever. 

Balancing online work and fears can be extremely challenging. If you are not careful, you can find yourself glued to a device. I have found that setting a schedule for brain building then shutting it off to take care of spirit and body has to happen. 

Finding a balance as a teenager is key. Getting up, getting dressed and starting the day with breakfast and a plan is a must. 

Next, setting a timer for the time that you work on your school assignments, breaking for a brisk walk, and then having lunch talking to a friend or loved one keeps one on pace. Taking the afternoon for spirit and guidance and then moving to finish brainbuilding can require a lot of self-discipline. 

Finally, I will do my part. I will make sure that I stay away from others and abide by the CDC health guideline tips to take care as my purpose is to help contain the virus. I may not be in the category that is at most risk but I will not but those that are at-risk. I will also help others in a time of worry and fear by sharing the ways that I take care of my own spirit. 

Be productive. Brain building is key. Do your online assignments but also consider learning a new skill or hobby. You have the time and take advantage of it and become proficient in something meaningful to you.