While most of us are sheltering at home, hoping the COVID-19 pandemic passes as soon as possible, adjusting to a life of social distancing can be a challenge.
If you are getting to the point of running out of things to do, here are a few ideas to help you manage your time.
- Set up a schedule for your kids that might include times for reading, schoolwork, exercise, and game time. Having a set routine can help maintain a sense of normalcy.
- Schedule a “family happy hour” each evening before dinner. Use it as a time to talk about what is going on, future plans, or share fun family traditions.
- Teach your kids to cook.
- Have a family movie night with popcorn.
- Set up an exercise routine. Run up and down the stairs.
- Choose one room in your home to thoroughly clean and organize.
- If the weather is pleasant, playing outside in your yard is a terrific option.
- Take time each day to share something for which you are thankful. It can be difficult to deal with all the negative news right now, so share something positive.
- Check out a video of people showing solidarity during this pandemic or read a positive story that you found online.
- Take care of your physical health. Get the appropriate amount of sleep and exercise, and practice ways to reduce anxiety such as meditation, yoga, or listening to music.
- Get out all those old-fashioned board games or play an electronic game or two. This would also be a great time to watch old family videos. Connecting with happier times is always good for our mental health.
- Limit the news. For your own mental health and the mental health of your children, limit the intake of news.
- Connect with old friends or family members via phone calls or video chat.
- Plant a garden. Garden centers are open, and many are offering curbside service or home deliveries.
- Clean out your garage and prepare unused items for a garage sale or donation.
- Camp out in the back yard.
- Make a family COVID-19 bracelet.
- Listen to a podcast. To say that podcasts are having a moment is a massive understatement. There are wide ranges of podcasts available for listening enjoyment, including comedy, inspirational, self-help, or career guidance.
- Learn a new craft. Have you ever wanted to learn to knit, crochet, or do woodworking? Now maybe the perfect time to learn a new skill. You can find plenty of instructions and YouTube videos online.
Be safe, be strong, #togetherapart