Turn quarantine time into quality time

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. — During the global pandemic that we find ourselves in today, it is important to remember to stay connected to our Air Force mission. Mission readiness means keeping a sound body and mind during trying times like these. In order to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Center for Disease Control has encouraged that all social gatherings and personal interactions be kept to a minimum. How can you stay away from COVID-19 and keep yourself from going stir-crazy at the same time?

Quarantine Activities:

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Here’s some things you and your family can do to pass the time while practicing good social distancing habits:

1.             Reading/studying – Testing for Staff Sergeant soon? Well, there is no time like the present, and putting your head in the books might be what you need to get your mind off of current events. The McConnell base library is closed due to COVID-19, but they still offer many online resources through their website. Check out mcconnellafblibrary.com and the McConnell AFB Library Facebook page to learn more.
2.             Hobbies/crafts – Drawing, playing music and DIY projects around the house can not only be fun but bring your family together in a meaningful way. Spending time with loved ones can be the silver lining that you’re looking for during social distancing. Check online for some craft ideas and a near infinite amount of projects to keep you occupied.
3.             Exercise – Maintaining your personal fitness is one of the values at the heart of any strong Airman. Home workouts like calisthenics, jumping rope or going for a run are effective ways to improve your fitness without having access to a gym. Take the dog for a walk, take the cat for a walk, take your kids for a walk–basically just take a walk, alright?
4.           Cooking – Putting together a nice, home-cooked meal could be just what the family ordered. There are endless options online for recipes and ideas for fun things to try in the kitchen and get the kids involved. Try out a new recipe that you’ve had on the backburner or browse online for some creative culinary inspiration.
5.             Cleaning – We all put this one off. Now that you’re going to be home a little more often, it’s time to get the place in tip-top shape. Get those base boards you’ve been avoiding all winter. Put the family to work too, while you’re at it. You’re in this together.
6.             Board Games – Monopoly, Risk or Hungry Hungry Hippos–doesn’t matter as long as everyone is having fun. Maybe skip Twister if anyone has the sniffles.
7.             Streaming movies and TV shows – Once you’re done being productive for the day, grab the popcorn and pillows and stream your favorite show. Streaming services or even good old cable is your best friend when it comes to a night in with nothing better to do.
8.             Virtual museums – You might not be able to go in person but virtual museums are an educational and fun resource that’s sure to satisfy at least some of your curiosity. Between the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, National Gallery of Art and theGuggenheim Museum, there are plenty of opportunities to see and experience the magic that museums have to offer. Google Arts & Cultures also offers plenty of places to explore.

Take these difficult times to make the most of your day. Staying physically and mentally sound during isolation should be your number one priority and even though some of us might be spending more time at home, we don’t have to compromise our mission. Now that you’ve seen some of the ways to keep your mind and body sharp while social distancing, get out there and do it. Or, better yet, stay in and do it.

For more military family resources, go to militaryonesource.mil. For information on everything COVID-19 related at McConnell Air Force Base, visit our website at mcconnell.af.mil/CORONAVIRUS and check the notes section of our Facebook page at facebook.com/22ARW

By Senior Airman Skyler Combs / Published April 01, 2020

Board games lay stacked on a table inside one of the permanent party dormitories March 20, 2020 at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Playing board games is one of the many activities that families can do to keep entertained while practicing social distancing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nilsa Garcia)