Moving through Quarantine

| Olivia E., 16, Maryland | So quarantine is pretty crazy huh?

And a little scary too…

When I found out we were not going to be in school for a month I was kind of freaked out. So freaked out in fact that I had a panic attack in the middle of orchestra class! My world, like many of yours, had been turned upside down. My softball season had been canceled, I would no longer be able to see my friends, seminary was gone, and my daily routine was evaporated. The first couple of weeks were a little scary. I couldn’t find the motivation to do anything and started spiraling into a scary place.

That second Saturday of being in quarantine I decided to read my scriptures, something I had fallen out of the habit of due to my downward spiral. Almost immediately after reading just one verse, I felt at peace. A quiet voice told me that everything would be ok. So I listened.

Since then I’ve been able to catch up and keep up on schoolwork get outside and enjoy the gospel with my family. In Alma 7:11 it says, “And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.” This scripture has brought much comfort to me through this trying time. The atonement is for all of our pain, all of our heartache and anxiety. The Savior knows and has experienced all of it. He loves each and every one of us and will never abandon us in our time of need. We must simply reach out to Him.

Energy is always required to provide lift over opposing forces. These same laws apply in our personal lives. Whenever an undertaking is begun, both the energy and the will to endure are essential…Whatever your work may be, endure at the beginning, endure through opposing forces along the way, and endure to the end.

President Russell M. Nelson

Just like President Nelson says, we must endure through the entire trial. Energy is essential to opposing the forces of life.

So let’s stay positive!

Like you haven’t heard that before.

I’ll be the first to admit that what President Nelson asks us to do is not easy. It’s hard to find motivation, to stay caught up on school work and be physically active when, let’s be honest, most of us would rather stay in bed. So why not start simple. Here are some things I have done to help keep me motivated throughout the seemingly endless repetitive thing that is quarantine. (aka. Groundhog Day)

1. Start each morning by reading the scriptures. It doesn’t have to be a lot. Start with just a couple of verses.
2. Do something active. Go for a run or do a video workout. Or even go for a walk or ride your bike. Just something to get your blood pumping and get you outside if you can.
3. Set time limits on your schoolwork. Work for 40-45 minutes, then take a break. Go outside, eat lunch, or play a game.
4. Call and talk to a friend
5. Play family games or watch a movie together

If you miss a day or just aren’t feeling it thats ok. Don’t beat yourself up over it, we all have our off days. Just start again tomorrow. Let’s take this opportunity to learn something new, bond with our families, ourselves, and our Savior. 

The Key: Keep moving forward.

Keep moving in the direction of the savior, keep doing the small things to stay motivated. You will be blessed for your efforts.