Staying Positive

Everyone has two options while stuck in quarantine: make the most of being at home or choose to be miserable. I have chosen option one. In the last two weeks, I have picked up some of my old hobbies that I haven’t been able to keep up with while away at college. Growing up, I have always had a love for baking. During quarantine, I have baked some of my favorite desserts as well as tried out new recipes. My two all-time favorite recipes are chocolate chip cookies and banana chocolate chip muffins. When I was younger, my mom and I would make cookies together around holidays to bring to family parties. I always get nostalgic when I bake them. I have just recently started making banana muffins, but they have become a staple in my household since then; my family loves them! Another hobby I have picked up again is working out. I took a break from exercise while in Rome as just walking around the city gave me plenty of exercise. Since being home, I haven’t been able to physically go to the gym. I have been experimenting with YouTube workout videos; my sister and I try to do at least two a day. My favorite ones so far are the HIIT and ab workouts. Additionally, like many others during quarantine, my family has been going on long family walks each night to enjoy the beautiful weather and get out of the house. My goal is to get back to a healthy life style so when the quarantine is over I can keep up with this hobby at the actual gym. Not everything about this mandatory quarantine has to be a bad thing. Instead of focusing my energy on negative thoughts, I am trying to keep a positive outlook on life, hoping to see a light at the end of the tunnel.