The hardest part of quarantine is maintaining my need for routine to stay productive and indulging in some new and exciting things so that I don't feel trapped. Routine makes you feel like you accomplished something, so I make sure to do a few of the same things every day.

 

I wake up at 9am, if I don't have an interview or something where I have to look put together, and I head out for a 4-mile run. The run is a mix of trail and sidewalks with hills and enough nature to make me feel like I'm escaping the city a little bit, something that has been essential to my mental health. After my run, I make myself some breakfast which usually consists of oatmeal, peppermint tea, and some fruit. Once I finish that I jump into my bodyweight exercises since I don't have a home gym or any weights weighing over 20lbs. I don't do all of these exercises every day but I try to get a combination of 500 abs, 500 legs, 100 arms in as much as possible. If you want to try my workouts, I will be releasing a basic workout plan in the next week or two.

 

Once I get through my morning routine, I give myself some free time during which I work on my website, respond to emails, make phone calls, plan virtual workouts, and check my social media. Sometimes my mom drags me into the kitchen to help her make some naan or try out one of her new baking ideas. Her homemade bread is the reason I have to run 4-miles every day!

 

At about 4pm it's time to get back into the routine of the day, meaning its time for me to go to the outdoor courts with my sister to get shots up and play 1 on 1. This can take anywhere from one to three hours depending on how tired our legs are. Once we get done with playing I'm officially done for the day. The rest of the day is free for me to binge-watch Netflix, go to the beach to watch the sunset, or open a bottle of wine to relax. So far quarantine has been pretty good to me; I'm in really good shape, my abs are coming in, I have the time to ball-handle and shoot every day, and I get the chance to watch the shows and read the books I've been promising myself I will finish for years.

 

Though I have yet to befriend one of the family cats who still tries to attack me every time I walk by, in my experience, quarantine has been fairly easy which makes me feel incredibly thankful for all the things that I used to take for granted. Like the opportunities afforded to me through basketball and debt-free education, my health, and the health of my family. Peace of mind I know not everyone has the luxury of feeling during this stressful time.

 

I have family and friends who are essential workers and my heart and appreciation go out to everyone who doesn't have the option of staying home. Thank you! You are sacrificing so much for people like me to continue to live our lives.

 

Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay home. Remember to be kind. We'll make it through this.