As each day unfolds, we are all finding new projects and new ways to combat the “doldrums”!
We are also learning more about ourselves, everyone confronts challenges in different ways, so be patient with yourself, be kind to YOU! It is easy to succumb to fear in the face of uncertainty and unpredictability….BUT YOU’VE GOT THIS!
Taking care of ourselves so that we can take care of others. These challenges we are now faced with are not the first time we have been faced with adversity. From ‘social distancing’ to ‘shelter-in-Place’…WE CAN DO THIS!
Let’s forge in forward motion with Love and Hope! Remember that humor is a terrific tool!
Go to the source for real time facts for national guidance and information: www.cdc.gov
Here are a few helpful tips, some you are already practicing, but hopefully a couple that are reminders for us all, of ways we can stay productive at home. Sustaining your regular routines that bring you comfort and stability are essential. MAINTAIN ROUTINES!
1. STAY BUSY but pace yourselves. That was my first mistake, I did too much too soon! So each day I started making a list of small projects in the morning; a short daily list that was not too adventurous but doable, while giving me other tasks to accomplish the next day.
2. Stay Connected! ZOOM – SKYPE - FACETIME friends and family! https://www.zoom.us/
Virtual social gatherings and support is another creative way of connecting. Keep those conversations going! Check in with those whom you have not heard from; they may need to chat, or vent or just listen. Being useful or helping others creates great joy. Maintain virtual-social contact! Write a few letters, Yes…Snail Mail!
Spiritual and Religious practices - keep your routines. Online you can connect with others for therapy and engaging with those institutions of worship.
3. Keep Exercising! You can search for any form of exercising online. Yoga, Meditation, Stretching, Aerobics, Resistance Bands…Use large soup cans as weights like my grandmother used to do! https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercises/10-best-exercises-everyday
Be Creative! Many things can be achieved indoors.
4. There is a healing impact of making art, writing in a journal, singing, dancing, painting, crafting, cooking, baking and most of all LAUGHING! Pull out your puzzles!
5. News Consumption: Watching the news all day will only create more anxiety. Try not to binge watch, stay active in your home and make it a happy place and give yourself time to unplug.
Again, pace yourselves. Going down the Facebook or You Tube ‘rabbit hole’ can be mindless and entertaining. Who doesn’t love to google funny dogs playing the piano or babies dancing?
6. Re-Discover your favorite books and old classics! I’m re-reading a few of my all-time favorites right now! “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius, the father of ‘Stoicism’ and Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD. As well as Stanley Marcus’s “Quest for the Best” and “Minding the Store”!
7. This isn’t new news but clean out your closet. Start a donation pile for clothing, shoes, jewelry, handbags. https://freshome.com/bedroom/closet-cleaning-tips/
8. Swag-Bag Stock Pile. We all have some items that we don’t use, haven’t used, won’t use. As long as liquids (lotion, makeup) aren’t over 6 months old, you can donate them too.
Spring cleaning arrived a little early, but now is the time to reorganize, purge items, clean shelves, etc.
9. Turn on and turn up your music! Update your pictures on Alexa or on your computer, create a new looping photo montage. Back up your phone to ICloud and computer. Work on your taxes.
10. Home Spa - Give yourself a manicure or pedicure! Better yet, give one to your safe-space partner. Wouldn’t it be hilarious if I told my 18 year old son that I was bored and wanted to give him a manicure? Ha Ha!
Great time to give your self a hair mask or face mask: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/g29627145/diy-hair-masks/
https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/how-to/a2830/best-homemade-face-masks/
Stay Healthy, remember laughter is the best medicine!- Rhonda
