There is no doubt that things are getting pretty weird around here. Traffic to the city has seemingly disappeared, freezers at grocery stores are emptied, and hands are chapped and dry from excessive washing. Just the other day, I felt like I was letting down my fellow humans by allowing my kids to socialize outside with friends.
What is even eerier is the thought that our children might not have a single social interaction for an unknown number of days.
The fear in the air is palpable. Jobs and businesses are being affected by the minute, all the while the obvious fear of getting “the virus” is weighing on everyone’s minds.
I don’t want to be dark and scary, there is certainly enough of that floating around the internet right now, but I think we can all agree, this is dark and scary.
But I have an idea.
For the next several weeks (or more because no one has any real idea of how long), we will all be holed up, trying to stay healthy and not contribute to the spread of disease. Our homes will truly become our sanctuary and, as strange as it feels to be quarantined, there is also a sense of relief as we are able to find comfort within our four walls.
This is our new normal.
We have nowhere to go, no schedules to maintain. As strange as it seems to have nothing to do, it might also be an opportunity for us to finally disconnect in a way we often strive to and make a concerted effort to reconnect, communicate, and perhaps even explore a new life where we are forced to slow down and get back to the basics.
Could this possibly be a good thing?
I think now is the time to take this unprecedented opportunity to focus on all of the things we never have time to do. I spend my life in a “rush” mode. I know I am not the only one.
One of my biggest complaints about life (pre-Corona) was that I was in the throes of the “new-midlife crisis”, barely hanging on by a thread and now it sort of feels less like that.
Aside from the social distancing (and um, the looming fears associated with this horrible situation) at least this time together at home seems oddly okay.
I want to take this time to encourage us to try and embrace this time at home. The thought of it all is at times seem incomprehensible, but at the end of the day, we have no choice.
I noted my observations surrounding our new normal within my own home in these very early stages and listed the ways we might be able to maximize home time during self-isolation. The good news is that no matter whether you are solo or living with others, you might find these ideas useful.
Girls Night In
Girl time is a necessity but we also have to go with the flow, so download Zoom and set up a girls’ night in.
Practice effective communication
Now more than ever, we need to be mindful of the communication with our partners and family. I need to work on this one the most.
Reestablish a different kind of structure
Everyone knows structure is good but sometimes it has to change. I implemented morning showers and chores before breakfast and mandatory movie night every single night.
Cook with what you have
In an effort to self-isolate and not leave for frivolous reasons, get online with a list of the ingredients you have on hand, and search a recipe that works with what ya got. C’mon! You can do it! Here are some of ours.
Write a letter
Word on the street is scary viruses won’t survive the U.S Postal Service’s “speedy” delivery so dust off your pen and send Aunt Sally a letter. Talk about a mood lifter.
Facetime your loved ones
In a blink, our ability to be social has been put on a temporary hold. There are lonely times ahead. FaceTime the ones you love.
Bake something outside of a box or your comfort zone
Who has time for baking? Well, we all do now. I say fill your home with the smell of bread in the oven your favorite brownie mix. Either way, morale will surely rise!
Listen to something for a change
The current trend is time, so pop some popcorn or draw a bath because either way, there are endless things to stream while you chill.
Get rid of shit
At this point, no one has the excuse that they are too busy to de-clutter. Imagine how light you will feel when you finally ditch some stuff.
Make every night game night
You don’t even have to ditch your phone. Download Heads-Up or bust out an oldie (but a goodie) board game and get after it. Our current favorite is Life.
Get comfortable with e-learning and try and help as best you can
For starters, if you are a parent, I salute you. If you are a teacher, I raise you up. What can I say? This transition is going to be an adjustment and I don’t think we can do it without CBD. Godspeed.
Smudge your home
Aside from tasting delicious, sage has many health benefits. Use it to clear the air and your head as it is said to have anxiety relief benefits.
Bust out a puzzle
While it feels like time is standing still or maybe even going backward, do a puzzle. There are cognitive benefits and we can use all the help we can get.
Manage your anxiety with CBD
We know CBD has the power to help calm you. Our bodies are designed to work with it. It is worth exploring. Here is a link to the CBD inducing our sense of calm these days.
Make some soup
We love soup. It makes us feel cozy and nourished at the same time. Sometimes you don’t even have to taste it to feel food. A simple jaunt past a stove with soup on top is comforting enough.
Up your wellness game with a health shot
I don’t know about you, but a shot of something is better than a shot of nothing. Throw some ginger and turmeric in there and you have yourself a fighting chance.
Read something every single day
When I was in what my friends call a “bad reading” phase it was because we “didn’t have time”. No excuses. Read something.
Force yourself outside of your comfort zone
If there was ever a time, this is definitely the time to ditch fear other excuses and finally do the things you have been wanting to do. (We started a YouTube channel.)
Stay healthy,
Michelle
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