Simple Things I’m Doing to Keep Myself Sane: Surviving a Pandemic

Let’s face it, things are really crazy right now. We are all being told to self isolate and social distance. Now normally this sounds like a dream come true but when we all had this fantasy we were thinking isolation on a tropical beach with a margarita and warm sand. Instead we are all  faced with boredom, home schooling and avoiding illness. 

I choose to see the positive in this situation. We get some much needed time at home with our families and we are being forced to slow down and take a break. So let’s go over a list of things we can do to help keep our sanity during these trying times.

1. Read – read to your kids, read a book you’ve had sitting on the shelf, download Audible and listen to a book while laying in bed. Reading is always a good thing. Keep your brains active.
2. Stretch – I am all for binge watching these days but let’s get up and move between episodes. And I’m not talking about walking from the living to the kitchen. I mean get up and touch your toes. Reach for the sky. Just move.
3. Exercise challenge – If you want to one up just stretching, do a simple exercise challenge. I challenged myself to do 100 squats and 100 crunches a day. Pick what works for you. Some of us have way too much energy so even doing 10 jumping jacks is beneficial.
4. Make a list – I live off lists on a daily basis. If I don’t write it down then I forget it. When I feel like things are out of control I make lists of what I can control. Currently I have a long “honey-do” list for my husband. I am pumped to get a bunch of house work done while he’s home.
5. Get Creative – You may think you are not creative or artsy but it doesn’t matter. No one has to see your work. Paint, sew, or write. Bust out your kids crayons and get to work on their Frozen coloring book. Just get creative. 
6. Dance Party – turn on your favorite tunes and bust a move. Kids love this too. Dance like no one is watching because no one is!
7. Clean – This is an obvious given the current state of things but now is a great time to do some deep, spring cleaning. Go through a closet each day. You have plenty of time to focus on one room each day. Rearrange your furniture while you are at it.
8. Cook or Bake something new – We now have the time to bake a cake and get fancy with the decorating. Have you been wanting to try making ribs but don’t have the time? Now you do! Get on Pinterest and try something that’s been pinned to your food board for a year. 
9. Movie sing-a-long – Grab your drinks and some popcorn, turn on your favorite musical and encourage the whole crew to sing along as loud as possible. Some good movies for this are Sound of Music, Frozen and Grease.
10. At home spa day – Do a little self care at home. Face masks, candles and pedicures can do wonders for the soul. Don’t have fancy body scrubs and face masks? Pinterest has lots of recipes for make at home items.
11.  Binge watch – Now is the best excuse to binge watch all the Netflix shows and DIsney+ movies you have been wanting to watch.
12. Enjoy your backyard – Fresh air is good for you! If it’s warm enough, sit in a kiddie pool with a lemonade. If it is still chilly in your area, hang out around a fire pit.
13. Board games and puzzles – Uno, Monopoly or Battleship. It doesn’t matter, just pull out a game and get the family together. Puzzles are a great way to slow down and use some brain power.
14. VIrtual margarita night – Social distancing is putting a dent in our social lives but there are ways around it. Make a pitcher of margaritas and facetime your friends. Cheers!
15. Plan something to look forward to – Yes we are all stuck in our homes for a bit but eventually the light will shine at the end of the tunnel and we will all want to enjoy some sun and fun times. The best way to keep myself in a happy state is to plan something fun for the future. Now is the best time to contact your travel agent and plan your holiday get away or the cruise you have always wanted to go on. Mentally packing and planning make my heart happy.

Above all other tips I have, the most important tip is to keep your sense of humor. A little humor can go a long way in life. Have any suggestions? Please share them. I hope these ideas help you and your family stay sane and healthy and happy.

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