Coronapocalypse Self-Care

We've been at home for the last 2 weeks, not sure when things would get back to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic.  At this point, it is clear that for at least the entire month of April, this self-isolation and social distancing will be our new "normal."  Online learning is starting in most areas, and it's time to come to terms with this new normal. 

There are many ways to take care of yourself during this time, so I'm going to share a few of those ways, along with how I'm implementing the ideas for myself! 

Bullet Journaling has been a great great creative outlet for me while at home!

• Routine - Although it's tempting to sink into a life of no routine, that isn't really beneficial for us emotionally or physically.  Especially if you have kids, they need routine - so have consistent wake-up times, mealtimes, and bedtimes.  Come up with at least a loose schedule of schooling, play, and work. 
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• Get dressed - It's hard to be motivated to get out of pajamas when you aren't going anywhere and won't be seeing anyone.  However, what we wear has a big impact on how we feel, so get up, get showered, brush your teeth, and get dressed.  You can get dressed in comfortable lounge wear, but at least get out of your pajamas.  This step helps with the next one.
• Disneybounding has been great for motivating me to get dressed.  It is the March Disneybound Challenge and I've been posting bounds (mostly #backyardbounds) on Instagram like the Perry the Platypus inspired outfit below!

• Go outside - Go read in your yard, take a walk, ride your bike, plant some flowers - anything to get outside in the fresh air.

My favorite thing to do outside is sit on the porch swing and read.  

The kids have enjoyed a lot of backyard playtime!

• Exercise - Whether you exercise outside or inside, get moving.  While it would be easy to just sit around and be sedentary, our emotional well-being depends on our getting off our couches and start moving.  
• I have started a Quarantine Bootcamp with Danica B Jammin and I am committed to sticking to it for 5 weeks!! (Who even am I??!?!) 

• Drink water - Keep hydrated and try to drink 64 ounces of water every day.  This is good advice for anytime, and being stuck at home doesn't change that.  

• Connect - While we have gotten used to just texting, this is a great time to get back into the old tradition of actually talking on the phone.  There is something wonderful about just hearing someone's voice.  You can also do facetime and zoom calls if you would like to see people's faces.  I'm trying to set this up for my kids as well, who are missing their friends as much as I am!  
• Learn something new - I'm not saying you should put a lot of pressure on yourself (or your kids) to learn something new, but you do suddenly have a lot of free time - so if you have wanted to learn something, now is a great time!  You can learn how to do just about anything on youtube - so start learning!  My goal is to learn to play the ukelele and do more sewing projects - stay tuned for progress on that!  :)  
• Learn a new language
• Learn how to code
• Learn how to play an instrument
• Learn how to sew
• Be creative - If you know how to crochet, sew, play an instrument, paint, or dance - do it!  You have plenty of time to practice your craft, and chances are it is something you enjoy doing.  
• Limit time on social media and consuming news.  This is a no brainer for self-care.  Sometimes you just have to step away from the constant news feed of social media and updates.  I promise you will feel better!  
• Play  - whether you have kids at home or not, this is a great time to play - play video games, online games, card games, board games - anything you have the ability to play!  
• We have pulled out our old Wii and are playing Monopoly, Just Dance, and Mario Kart! 

• Focus on what you can control - if you are stuck at home, you might as well cross some projects off your to-do list.  Getting things done will help you feel productive and in control of at least something in the world right now.  This is also a great time to start a long-term project - read a book series, binge a Netflix series, something that will help you pass the time.  
• Carlos and I are rewatching the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies.  This is our 3rd or more time watching them, and we are watching them in chronological order:  

• I am reading the Little House on the Prairie books to the kids.  We have them, and I think they will enjoy them, so it's a good time to do it.  

• Give grace - to yourself, and to the people around you.  This is a hard time and we are all dealing with it in our own way.  Tempers may be shorter, so give people space - and a lot of forgiveness!  
• Count your blessings - Make a list of things you are grateful for, and focus on the good.  

Overall, just take one day at a time, and remind yourself that, while we don't know when, this will pass.  It is temporary.  It feels very permanent, but it isn't.  Life will restart at some point - right now we just have to make the best out of the days we have.  

What's your best stay-at-home self care tip?