QuaranTeam Journal #1

It's been a month since the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) was declared in the Philippines. We were informed about the Novel Corona Virus or Covid-19 and what it can do to us if certain precautions will not be followed. So with the extension of the ECQ, I had to find ways to keep me sane and away from some of my social media accounts as much as I can. Here are some of the things I do aside from eating and sleeping.

1. Be Physically Active

I've been following a personalized diet and exercise plan when ECQ started. Since I had the time, I went ahead and used our gym. I noticed how much weight I gained since the start of 2019 and I was enjoying every moment of that gain but I figured it got out of hand. I used certain apps to guide me for a few days. I haven't played lawn tennis in almost 4 years now so it felt quite odd for my body to feel that burning sensation but it was all worth it. I used both the Nike Training and Nike Run Club to help me with the running, stretching and some core exercises. I use the HomeCourt app for some drills since I'm planning to play tennis again once the ECQ is lifted. For my diet, I've been avoiding sugar little by little. I eat more vegetables and less meat. I try to follow my meal schedule if I can but if I can't stop myself from eating rice, chips, and from drinking soda. I will only eat a little to satisfy my taste buds. Be mindful and do listen to your body because it will tell you if you're okay or not. Also, don't force yourself to stop eating altogether because that ain't healthy. Try to balance as much as you can.

2. Exercise Your Mind and Soul

Aside from physical exercise, I make sure that my mind is at par with my body. I started to read books (AGAIN!). It's been a while since I held books and since there are no bookstores here on the island, I had to look for ways and it's a good thing I decided to bring some of my books here. I'm currently reading The Diary of a Young Girl - Anne Frank and I made a list of the next books I'll be reading. I've also decided to use my Kindle for the very first time. Since I purchased a few eBooks, I've added them to my list of must reads. I had to set a goal since I tend to slack off and do nothing or just play games or go on social media, My goal is to finish a total of 10 to 15 books and eBooks combined. I'm hoping I can finish them by the time ECQ is lifted.

With the ECQ being declared, I was also able to connect my soul back. I've been doing meditation and been reading the Bible. I am thankful (at some point) for the ECQ because I got the chance to reflect and reconnect with God. I've honestly been doubting a lot of things but I'm feeling much better now. I've started to pray the Rosary every night as well before I go to sleep and I must tell you how wonderful I feel everyday. I use my Kindle for my Daily Devotions, Bible App, and Rosary guide. 

3. Netflix and Chill

I love to unwind from time to time and my kind of pills are Netflix, Spotify, Foreign Languages, and Wixsite. Yes! I consider blogging a chill pill. Of course I do not spend so much time thinking about what content to write or how I like our blog to look like. However, there are times when I would create a draft until I've exhausted all my ideas in one post then proofread it a few days after. Whenever I'm having a writer's block (which happens often because my mind is busy wandering elsewhere), I would watch either a movie or a series on Netflix. My current favorite is the series Timeless (sorry Money Heist fans!). I love the touch of fiction and reality rolled in one film. If I'm not watching Timeless, I'm watching a few episodes of The Big Bang Theory because who doesn't love Sheldon Cooper, right? Now, I could go on and on about the shows I watch but normally I just binge-watch the others when I get too bored. Now whenever that happens, I would turn the subtitles on and watch while listening to some hand-picked songs from my Spotify playlist. I've made a couple of playlists based on my mood for the day. There are days where I love listening to Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, and Ariana Grande - all of are in one playlist - and there are times where I would listen to good 'ol 60s to early 90s jam. But everyday is OPM day so I have a mixed playlist for that mood. If I'm not binge-watching on Netflix, I'm learning French (again!) and Spanish. To help me learn faster, I created a playlist of French and Spanish songs. I'm currently liking Louane and Danna Paola and had their songs on repeat for a couple of days now.

4. Record and Edit

I should have all the time in the world to record and edit but lately I've been procrastinating. I'd think about it tonight then change my mind the next morning for no reason. Since I can't make a straight decision, I checked my files to see if I still have unedited videos and guess what? I found a few! I've been editing the videos and have yet to publish them on our channel so do check it out once in a while. I've recently published one of the videos. Watch it if you still haven't seen it. Shameless plug: don't forget to like and subscribe! Check it out here.

5. Research and Understand

Keeping myself informed helps me calm down and grounded. As much as we all are very alarmed at the moment, panicking will only make it worst. With the hype of social media, it's quite easy for news to spread. With that in mind, make sure that you only rely to sources who can present facts. Checking the World Health Organization's website from time to time allows me to know more about the virus, what steps I should do to help (in my own way) stop it from spreading, and helps me understand more about the current situation. It's also best to do your own research based on facts to help stop fake news from spreading. Bear in mind that fake news will always cause chaos and panic to others who only rely on both the media and the internet for information. It's best to help them by providing the correct information. 

Now this is my Quarantine List. Create your own to-do list if you want. You don't have to force yourself to follow them strictly. This is all me, so you do you. Do not force yourself and don't let pressure tell you to be productive. It's not a competition for everyone. The goal is to keep yourself happy, sane, and safe to make it through the ECQ. Cassie and I are always praying for everyone and we hope y'all do for the whole world. Let's hope for a brighter future. If you were inspired and you made your own list, do share it with us! We'd love to know your thoughts and try out what y'all are doing. 

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❤

Ishie