CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — There are only so many activities to do while being stuck inside during this quarantine.
Local mom Sarah Carter said she's always advocating for less screen time, and as an independent consultant who sells reading books, activity books and puzzles, she said she's seen a lot more interest since the pandemic began.
"It's just a really great activity for kids to do," Carter said. "Break up the screen time, keep their brains active; so yeah, the sales have definitely picked up."
Carter said doing puzzles has helped children relax and focus on things other than reaching for their phones or watch TV. She said not only are puzzles good for children, but for seniors as well.
"I'm no expert, but from my understanding it helps build connections in the brain that helps support memory," Carter said.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi psychiatric and mental health-nursing expert Pamela Greene said during this time, people are experiencing first-time stress and anxiety due to lifestyle changes.
"Whether we're working from home or trying to find a job, or scramble -- in other words -- to home-school," she said. "You know, that takes tremendous multitasking and thinking and so, having those distractions is such a tremendous relief."
Other games, such as board games or coloring, can also be stress relievers.
Greene said keeping active in other ways -- meditation or prayer; writing in a journal; listening to uplifting music; dancing; focusing on deep breathing; and taking time outside for walks -- is essential to keeping a healthy mind.
"Anything that can be kind of relaxing, and at the same time distracting, from those stresses that we all are experiencing," she said.
