These are different times. Today, due to the Coronavirus outbreak, families find themselves confined to the same space. On the upside, it creates a slowdown, allowing you to take a break from the hustle and bustle way of life. However, the lack of socializing, especially with family and friends, can take a toll on your mental health. Listed below are several tips for maintaining your sanity.
Meditation
Meditation allows you to join the body and mind together as one. It’s not only spiritual healing but also helps reduce anxiety, stress, and feelings of depression. Meditation clears the mind of the day’s events and brings a calmness to your soul. Even meditating for 20 minutes each day will allow you to build resilience and optimism with regard to the pandemic and life going forward. If you’re not sure how to begin, guided meditation is available online through various sites.
Scheduling
If you have school-age children at home, the days can become very hectic. Without a daily routine, things can get crazy. The good news is that establishing order is quite easy. A whiteboard will allow you to make a list of the items to accomplish for each coming day. You can have children check off items as they complete them to keep them in the game. For instance, the list can consist of things like 2 hours of school work, daily chores, exercise and fun activities. Trying to keep the environment as close to normal as possible will make the transition back to work and school easier.
Organizing
With everyone home due to the lockdown, you now have time to go room by room and sort through everything. Spring cleaning will let you reduce the clutter and achieve an organized environment helping everyone function at their best. For items you no longer want or need, you can create two piles — one for disposal at the local dump and another for a garage sale or donation at a later date.
DIY Repairs
Most people who own a home have a few minor repairs that need tending to. With nothing but time on your hands, it’s a great time to tackle these problems. Get out your toolbox and fix the loose stairs, repaint the deck, and fix the leaky faucet.
Family Time
Remaining at home for up to eight weeks or longer provides a unique opportunity for some serious family bonding. With most businesses closed, you are now able to dedicate time to your family. Thankfully, there are many activities that you can do together to pass the time and become closer. You can teach children how to cook, have scheduled movie, craft, and game nights, teach them how to sew or do woodworking and other survival skills. In the end, you’ll both come away from the experience closer than ever before.
Fresh Air
As the weather becomes warmer, children and adults will want to get outside for a bit of fresh air. If you have a backyard, you can gather the troops and enjoy an afternoon outside soaking up rays of sunshine. Since many of the parks are closed, you can use your backyard as an alternative. Set up a large blanket and have a picnic, a nature walk, and outdoor games. You can also fly kites, toss a ball or get creative with chalk.
Online
For the most part, stores still have supplies online. Even the local grocery store offers home delivery. Since there are some risks associated with going to the local store, now is a good time to use these online sites. Make a list and have items either shipped or delivered to your home. You’ll take one item off your mom’s to-do list and keep your home stocked.
Viewing the current situation positively will allow you to maintain your overall health and form a close impenetrable bond with your family.
