It’s very easy to let the ’round-the-clock news of delays, cancellations, warnings, guidelines, no school, interim rules, etc. consume our lives right now. I’m still coming to terms with how to keep my older son busy (and still learning!) until school resumes (if and when that happens this year), working a full-time corporate HR job remotely that requires many meetings about COVID-19, watching my husband’s job come to a halt, and basically feeling like a prisoner in our own homes. Not to mention I have a history of anxiety, and so staying calm in times like these is harder for me than most.
However, the other side of my brain is trying to chime in and remind me of some of the positives to come out of the current situation. For me, they are:
More family time: Though with some restrictions on our normal activities like going for ice cream, spending hours at the beach, hanging out with friends and family, etc., we can spend more time together as a family right now. We may all change our mind in a few weeks, but for now, having everyone under one roof is fantastic.
Letting my hair go: Literally. Do I really need to worry about coloring my gray or getting highlights for spring when my social circle is now limited to my family of four, my mom and our newly adopted cat?
The perks of fostering or adopting a pet: Speaking of cats, now is the perfect time to help shelters find homes for dogs and cats. You can foster or adopt, and most shelters like the Jacksonville Humane Society, have waived adoption fees. On a whim one afternoon this week, we went in and two hours later brought home a sweet, 2-year-old cat named Cannoli. Thanks to social distancing, we are now home more to help get her acclimated to her new surroundings, play and love on her, etc., and it’s SUCH a nice distraction from the rest of the world right now for the entire family, but especially our two young boys. Best. Decision. Ever.
Movies released early: While movie theatres are closed indefinitely, streaming providers and other on-demand services are releasing movies early, for free! Frozen II, anyone? My son’s favorite is Dude Perfect’s Quarantine Classic nightly live videos (8 p.m. EST) that double as a fundraiser for the Red Cross. Win-win!
New ways to learn: We schedule time for non-mandated learning every day and are taking advantage of the fun and new ways to learn that have taken over social media. The virtual museum tours and field trips, Shark Story Hour every day at 10 a.m. ET (for now) and Exploring the Surface of Mars on the Curiosity Rover are some of our favorites so far.
Health and well-being: There is literally no excuse not to find 30 minutes in the day for health and well-being. I carve out at least 30 minutes every morning for a walk in the fresh air around the neighborhood. We push the baby in the stroller while my older son rides his scooter. I live for the outdoors and sunshine so having the chance to do this every day is a dream. I also plan to try meditating, chase the kids around outside, do free workout videos on YouTube, and get at least 7,000 steps a day.
Cooking: Most weeknights with homework and after-school sports, we don’t always have time to cook a healthy meal and sit down together for dinner. This is now a nightly occurrence and my older son is even learning to cook along the way.
Spring cleaning: What better time to declutter and sanitize than right now? Closets, pantries, toy bins, garages, cars, attics — all spaces on our list to tackle during this downtime. If things are in good shape, you can even donate it and help families in need.
Honey-do list: If your husband or partner is home indefinitely like mine, have him tackle that honey-do list that’s been adding up. First on my list: Trim the palm trees, organize the garage and plant some spring flowers.
90 more days to pay taxes: I’d be happier if the IRS excused all tax payments, but there’s not much chance that will happen. So, I’ll take the 90 extra days to pay what we owe. That money may come in handy elsewhere soon.
The next few months seem extremely daunting and uncertain. I’m trying to make the most of it and am committed to finding ways to disconnect, enjoy the time we have until life goes back to normal, and keep the kids as distanced from fear and panic as possible. I hope some of these ideas inspire you to do the same.
