Life is pretty crazy right now and certainly not anything we ever expected to happen in our lives. Remote learning, social isolation, and fear have overtaken our lives. I’m an anxious person and I can get pretty frantic if I work myself up by thinking about it all day, so after a week of freaking out, I decided to add some normalcy to our lives and realized positive thinking and creativity would make our days memorable. We are using this time together to bond as a family and do things we complain about not having time to do when we’re in our “real lives.”
I plan on using this time on my blog to share strategies that have been working for us and encourage people to make the most out of this situation. We have been calling it our Corona-cation in our house. I’ll be touching on each of these more thoroughly as the weeks go on. We’re all in this together! I’m loving all the feedback from everyone telling me what they’ve been doing and sending links and suggestions. Please keep it up!
Hope your family is staying healthy and happy!
STAY POSITIVE AND ENJOY THIS TIME TOGETHER
No one knows how long this will last and it’s very easy to become overwhelmed. I know I can be pretty bitchy when I’m anxious and I tend to take it out on the people I love. Now is the time to stay positive and encourage your family to do the same. I try to stop my kids from fighting, and suggest we all do something fun together. I have only 4 more years with my oldest and 6 with my youngest and I’m loving every day I get to have them all to myself.
GET OUTSIDE
Make sure you get outside EVERY day, even if you don’t want to. I find the hardest part is just getting your sneakers on and walking out the door. Go for walks, play some basketball in your driveway, do some sidewalk chalk, or just have a picnic if the weather is nice. (Obviously..avoid other people.)
WORKOUT VIDEOS
There is no need to pay for a gym right now because there are so many places offering free workout videos. Every class you can think of… weight training, Pilates, barre, yoga, Zumba, cardio…anything. Just find something you like and start moving.
MEDITATE
I have been dabbling in meditation so I thought this was the perfect time to get more into it. I can’t wait to share all my strategies I’ve learned. I’ve taken virtual yoga nidra classes (thank you Becky!) and have been doing 15-minute meditations before bed.
COOK NEW MEALS
Time to grab your apron and get into the kitchen. We’ve had fun trying to make new desserts and we’ve even been making our own bread! I’m especially eager to cook some traditional Portuguese food!
GET CRAFTY
It’s a great time to learn a new craft and you can still order supplies from online places like Michael’s. I love that there are so many online sites offering free art classes! Move over Martha Stewart!
BINGE TV…WITH NO GUILT
There is so much out there to watch and now you can do it all guilt-free. Last night I started rewatching Beverly Hills 90210 and I am LOVING IT!! (Luke Perry ☹)
VIDEO GAMES
Bring out the gamer in yourself! Or in my case, let the kids teach you how to actually use the remotes. Now you can download games so you don’t even have to leave your house. It’s also a great way for your kids to connect with their friends.
GET OUT OF YOUR PJ’S
I may put on a different pair of yoga pants every day and look like I’m going out to do yard work, but at least I’m getting out of my pj’s. My family agreed that every day we were going to get dressed, shower, and brush our teeth… crazy concept huh!
READ SOME GOOD BOOKS
No more complaining about not being able to read the book, right? I’ve been listening to a book on Audible while I clean my house and then take time every afternoon to drink some tea and read a magazine. Who knew you could actually read one from cover to cover? My book club is even going to be doing a virtual book club next month.
CUT DOWN ON THE NEWS
We watch the news every morning while having breakfast, but then I try to limit it for the rest of the day and not read articles. I like to be informed, but not obsess about it.
REACH OUT TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY
I’m horrible at reaching out to people, but I’ve made it a priority since we’ve been home. I’ve been texting more and scheduling virtual cocktail hours with my closest friends. It has helped me get through the week!
ONLINE CLASSES
There are classes for anything out there…music, dance, languages, cooking, diy. It’s the perfect time to pick up a new hobby.
PLAN FUTURE TRIPS
This is going to end and then you’ll probably want to get out of your house and do something…anything! Now is the perfect time to research new destinations, hotels, and attractions. Think locally. Where can you do day trips around you? (Feel free to email me if you want any suggestions or just to bounce ideas off of me. I’d love to help!)
SELF-CARE
No mom guilt here! Baths, facials, face masks, painting my nails, we’ve been doing it all! Let me know what self-care you’ve been doing!
BOARD GAMES/PUZZLES
I’m loving seeing people doing puzzles and posting them on Facebook. They really are making a comeback. Family game nights are becoming the norm again and I hope that doesn’t stop when this is all over.
What has your family been doing to keep sane while in social isolation?
Keep those ideas coming!
Stay healthy, stay happy, and STAY HOME!!!!