So here we are, unexpectedly all at home, sheltering in place against COVID-19. Most people I'm talking to are noticing feelings happening in waves. So do remember, if you feel lonely or panicky, that it won't last long. Feelings are always changing. Give yourself time to settle--it will take a few days to adjust to this. It's big and unprecedented.
Introverts tend to be happy with quiet alone time, but for the extraverts out there, being home by yourself can be hard. And either way, a house of family 24/7 can be as tough as being alone. Here are some tips to help cope with the stress of sheltering in place for the next few weeks.
Use social media wisely:
Don't get obsessed with checking the news. Do use video-calls to hang out with friends and family. Don't disappear down the rabbit-hole of conspiracy theories. Do balance the hard news with good news and uplifting stories.
Look after the people you love:
Pick up the phone. Get a free Zoom account. Set up a Whatsapp group to keep in touch easily.
Stay active:
How many ways can you design a home workout? No weights? Use cans, or those big textbooks you still have in the bedroom closet. Take walks, do yoga, join online classes--there are lots for free.
Use the time to get things done:
Prepare your taxes, deep clean the house, mend things, use the Kon-Mari method to simplify your stuff.
Enjoy reading:
Reread old favourites on your bookshelf. Take advantage of free book downloads. Check your local library, for books, audiobooks, and movies online. Or if books aren't your thing, get hooked on a really good TV show, or have yourself a nostalgia fest re-watching all those old classic movies you vaguely remember. Watch standup comedy.
Rest, relax:
Catch up on sleep, enjoy not having to be anywhere. Practise self foot massage. Download a meditation app and try it out. Take a romantic nap with yourself (ha ha).
Try new things:
Dial up a song and sing along so you can dominate at karaoke once this is over. Try a new recipe. Draw mandalas. Learn something you've always wanted to learn, such as a new language. Write a real letter and post it. Sketch a self-portrait. Start a dream journal.
Don't stress too quickly about home schooling:
Stressed adults can't teach stressed kids. It's OK to take a few days to create a new routine. If both parents are working from home, take turns being 'on call' for the kids while the other gets uninterrupted work time. Look up rainy day activities for kids that they can do at home with you or on their own.
Introverts tend to be happy with quiet alone time, but for the extraverts out there, being home by yourself can be hard. And either way, a house of family 24/7 can be as tough as being alone. Here are some tips to help cope with the stress of sheltering in place for the next few weeks.
Use social media wisely:
Don't get obsessed with checking the news. Do use video-calls to hang out with friends and family. Don't disappear down the rabbit-hole of conspiracy theories. Do balance the hard news with good news and uplifting stories.
Look after the people you love:
Pick up the phone. Get a free Zoom account. Set up a Whatsapp group to keep in touch easily.
Stay active:
How many ways can you design a home workout? No weights? Use cans, or those big textbooks you still have in the bedroom closet. Take walks, do yoga, join online classes--there are lots for free.
Use the time to get things done:
Prepare your taxes, deep clean the house, mend things, use the Kon-Mari method to simplify your stuff.
Enjoy reading:
Reread old favourites on your bookshelf. Take advantage of free book downloads. Check your local library, for books, audiobooks, and movies online. Or if books aren't your thing, get hooked on a really good TV show, or have yourself a nostalgia fest re-watching all those old classic movies you vaguely remember. Watch standup comedy.
Rest, relax:
Catch up on sleep, enjoy not having to be anywhere. Practise self foot massage. Download a meditation app and try it out. Take a romantic nap with yourself (ha ha).
Try new things:
Dial up a song and sing along so you can dominate at karaoke once this is over. Try a new recipe. Draw mandalas. Learn something you've always wanted to learn, such as a new language. Write a real letter and post it. Sketch a self-portrait. Start a dream journal.
Don't stress too quickly about home schooling:
Stressed adults can't teach stressed kids. It's OK to take a few days to create a new routine. If both parents are working from home, take turns being 'on call' for the kids while the other gets uninterrupted work time. Look up rainy day activities for kids that they can do at home with you or on their own.
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