No one could have anticipated that 2020 would result in being housebound because of a pandemic, right?! I certainly didn’t see it coming, but then I live in a little bubble, so maybe it’s just me…
Since the pandemic and lockdown started, there’s a bigger urge in the world to establish our presence on social platforms, than it has ever been. If you want to gain more visibility, however don’t know where to start, you can either spend hours figuring it out or simply checkout Socialwick and choose from their wide range of services that will help you take those first steps.
Anyway, today I want to share my top 15 ways to rock staying at home and coping with lockdown and isolation.
I’ve been in self-isolation for 22 days today, and it’s actually flown by. Yes, I want to go outside with the dog and have a wander, I want to take the kids out and have a walk and a chat, I want to hold hands with Zoey and head to the local green space, walk around it and walk home. I want to do all these things but I know, for now, that I can’t.
I still have a slight cough (bringing up all the nasty stuff from the past two weeks) and I don’t think it’s worth the risk (for others!) of me going out until I am 100% okay. The advice is anything but clear, so I’m going with my gut, and staying the f*** home for now…
I do worry that by the time I’m well enough to go out, the government will have cracked down on those not following the rules and I’ll just be stuck in. That sucks, and it mostly sucks for our dog and our mental health. So, if this happens, we all need to be prepared.
15 Ways to Rock Staying at Home
If we’re going to be stuck indoors for a few months (or longer), we may as well rock at it, right?! Here are some of the things you can do to rock being stuck inside…
- Routine
Finding some sort of routine during the week will help keep you focused and calm. I hope to have a routine Monday-Friday, and then relax/chill on the weekend. Finding a semi-routine is probably a good idea, because it will give you focus, and more importantly, purpose…
- Purpose
Find a purpose during this time. It doesn’t have to be anything crazy or extreme, just something that will give you the will to get up and ready each day (even on the weekend!). Here are some ideas:
- ‘Home educating’ your children (I say this loosely because home educated families are not in their houses 24/7, despite the media’s portrayal of them).
- helping people online – if people are struggling and you can listen, be there for them. It’s the safest way to help right now.
- achieve a goal or project. Whether you want to write a book or complete a BSL course, now’s the time…
- Bake and cook. Creating delicious and nutritious food for yourself and your family can be so rewarding. Focus on meal prep and plan your week, then enjoy extra time in the kitchen.
- Help in other ways. Deliveries, support for elderly neighbors etc, do something outside of your home if it’s safe to do so. There are lots of neighborhood schemes helping those in need, so you can reach out and offer your time to them.
- Read your TBR (to be read) pile. You’ll gain such sweet satisfaction from this!
- Food
Try to eat well. Your body will thank you. I’m not talking about weight gain or anything like that, I’m talking about eating nutritious food to help keep your immunity boosted and your brain less… foggy?! Just try your best to offer your beautiful body what it needs, and don’t forget to bake and cook things that make you smile!
- Sleep
Get to bed as early as possible, and rise at a decent time. Don’t underestimate afternoon naps, they’re the best! Let your body take its time, you’re probably still in shock, so be kind to yourself.
- Water
Drink it. You’ll be glad you did.
- Odd jobs
Pick up all those odd jobs and complete them. Fix anything that’s broken, hang up picture frames and paintings, touch up any paint work that needs it. Get your head stuck into these odd jobs and you’ll feel pure satisfaction!
- Start a new series
We have a lot of time on our hands, so enjoy some downtime with a new series. We’d suggest The Umbrella Academy, Somewhere Between and, of course, The Walking Dead. Find something that suits you and get lost in another time and place.
- Video call
Using video calls to see friends and family can make this time feel less lonely. You could even sit down for dinner at the same time! Make it fun and don’t forget to tell them how much you love them.
- Reflect
Think about how this time makes you feel. Keep a journal if that works for you. Reevaluate what’s important to you. Will your life change after all this? Will you go back to life before? There is no right answer.
- Scrapbook & Wish Jars
We talked about making ‘I Did It!’ lists and Wish Jarslast week, so this had to make the list. Create a list of memories of the things you did whilst in isolation, and create a list of things you’ll do afterwards. You’ll be able to look back and smile and look forward with excitement.
- Pamper yourself
Have a little spa night or indulge in a gorgeous bubble bath. Now’s the time for self-care and rest, because we don’t know what’s around the corner.
- Avoid too much social media and news
Social media and the news can be so overwhelming. We can torture ourselves comparing our isolation to other people’s, and we can make isolation incredibly gruelling if we watch the news continuously. Have some time away from these things, and you’ll feel brighter.
13. Grow your own
Start planting seeds and growing your own food. It’s incredibly rewarding, and you’ll be able to nurture these plants like never before. Talk to them, water them, and watch them flourish…
- Exercise & Meditation
Exercise and meditation are fantastic tools for keeping your mind, body and spirit in check. Find something that works for you and try to do it daily, you’ll see the difference within a week or so!
15. Be grateful
Practicing gratitude is key to getting through such turbulent times. Here are some things I’m truly grateful for right now:
- Key workers (from NHS staff to the people working in shops to delivery drivers and beyond)
- Sunshine through my window
- Our health (we’ve been poorly but we’re doing okay at the moment)
- A roof over our heads
- Food in our belly
- Electricity and gas
- The internet so I can work and find resources for us all
- Things to do (We have a lot of stuff we can do whilst at home, right?!)
We hope this list helps you to get through this turbulent time. Life feels very uncertain, but one thing you can focus on is you, and the actions you take.
So make each day count (pj days count too!) and focus on the good. Your health and well-being is paramount, and once this is all over you will once again go out into the sunshine and chase the waves, you’ll go for coffee with friends and hit the pub for a pint (or two), so make sure you’re well enough when the time comes…
Quite simply, ‘take care of you’. And don’t forget to join our social and support group on Facebook…
Stay safe everyone.
Source: DatingC
