Create Your New Routine During COVID-19 Pandemic
While it's natural to focus on the inconveniences COVID-19 changes have created in our lives, the mandate to stay home also presents us with some very welcome opportunities. Rarely are we given the chance to slow down, relax, and spend more time at home.
This new quarantine-like state that we have found ourselves in offers us the liberty to redefine our routine and to find creative ways to stay active and connected. To productively develop our ‘new normal’, we reached out to members of our faculty and staff to acquire their expert recommendations.
When creating your new routine, keep these helpful tips in mind:
Stay connected: “Endicott’s office of student activities will be hosting online yoga classes (schedule TBD) and Reverend Gail Cantor will be offering meditation sessions daily via zoom at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. EST. The office is also challenging the community to partake in Self Care Bingo with the possibility to receive a prize if you win! This is a way to focus on our mental health and doing things that genuinely make us happy.” Look for emails from the office of student activities for more information on these activities.
Alyssa Laurenza, assistant director, student activities
Boost your immune system: “Two types of omega 3s (EPA and DHA) help to strengthen the immune system, as well as zinc and antioxidants such as vitamins C & E. Ginger can also be beneficial and it's helpful to cut down on sugar. After a moderate workout, the immune system is in a weakened state for about two hours, so during that time, it's very important to stay away from sick people and replace carbohydrates to help bolster the immune system. A moderate amount of exercise helps strengthen the immune system over time; however, too much rest—or not enough—weakens it.”
Doug Glazer, professor, sport science & fitness studies
Stay active: For ways to get or stay fit at home, you can head outside for a walk or a run. Additionally, many local gyms are streaming live workout videos for their members, and furthermore, Youtube and Instagram are great resources for free workout routines. “We can use things around the house for strength exercises. You can use stairs for cardio or just one stair level for step ups, as part of a leg workout. A one-liter bottle of water weighs around two pounds and can be used as a weight. A gallon of water is just over 8 lbs. If one does enough repetitions, 2-8 pounds can be a lot. Also, there are many videos online for strength workouts only using a chair. You can also use “stairs for cardio or just one step for step ups as part of a leg workout.”
Doug Glazer, professor, sport science & fitness studies
Give back: “In times of stress and uncertainty one great way to keep our community thriving and not socially isolated is coming together to spread positivity, inspiration, and service. You can participate in giving back to your community right from your home”. Look for emails from the Office of Community Service for some “resources, projects, and ideas for us to come together as a community while still keeping our social distance to flatten the curve.”
Andrea Rhodes, director, office of community service
Create a workspace - Whether you're taking online courses or working from home, “create a zone in your dwelling where you can work uninterrupted and focus on the task at hand.” Focus on the type of environment you prefer to work in, whether bright, colorful, or calming, invite in elements that will carry you through the day.
Kevin Renz, associate dean of interior design & interior architecture, school of visual & performing arts
*Main/top photo via Ada Benson, '22. Inset yoga photo of Kenzie Radigan '14 by Nick Cosky, professional fitness photographer.