Getting Through Times of "Social Distancing", School Closures and "Working From Home"

     As I write this, I am still in New Zealand, weighing my options about coming home as scheduled in April or extending my stay through June 1st.  It is a very strange phenomenon to be in a different country when yours is going through something as unsettling as this Coronavirus.  I worry about my family and friends, especially those who are self employed, own a small business, have underlying health issues and/or have kids who are now home.  I can't do much to help from here, but I will share some advise as you all hunker down and practice "Social Distancing".

     
     If you find yourself at home due to work shut downs, school closing or self quarantine, you may be feeling a bit out of sorts, especially if you are someone who had a pretty established daily routine.  Here's my best piece of advice - STICK TO OR CREATE A NEW ROUTINE!!!

     
     While hanging in your PJ's, binge watching Netflix and enjoying your favorite beverage sounds great, by the end of day three it will start to change you.  Anxiety, depression, a sense of dread or hopelessness could start to creep in.  Creating a routine, that includes physical exercise, can help  alleviate some of those unsettling feelings.  I know because I have been experiencing a bit of "social distancing" here.

      
     When Stephen and Tim were here, I had a great morning routine that included my morning run, because I could leave Amelia with them. We had a plan for almost every day.  We went to the zoo. We went out for lunch. Took the bus everywhere.  We Ubered  and went on the ferry to explore other parts of Auckland.  Everyday brought a new adventure. Once they left, I was home alone with a baby who took two long naps every day.  Don't get me wrong.  I am loving all this time with my grand daughter.  But it reminded me how isolating it can be to be home alone with a baby.  
     
     So now I had 2 big blocks of time to fill.  

     
     I needed something physical to replace my morning run.  

     
     To my friend Beth, thank you!!!!!! Your sample boxing video filled that void.  I am enjoying it very much.  My living room is just big enough to do it and Michael has a good variety of hand weights to keep it interesting.  I have found some great yoga practices on line, as well.  I am using the Subtle Yoga YouTube page.  It is a slow, mindful practice that is relaxing and provides the good long stretches I am looking for.  Here's my point - decide what it is you would like to do (yoga, strength training, boxing, cardio, general conditioning) and GOOGLE it.  There are so many options to choose from, you won't get bored.

     
     My afternoon block is used for self care and learning.  I have taken a few on line courses. I read - a lot.  I have a few word game apps I enjoy as well.  This is my time to exercise my mind...keep it sharp and stimulated.  Setting this time aside as "me" time has been empowering.  It has opened me up to new learning opportunities that I wouldn't have sought out if not for being home with time to fill - much the same way some of you find yourselves now.

     
     The most important thing for me is to keep Amelia safe.  To that end we will not be taking bus rides or Ubers for a while.  We will also be passing on playgroups at the church and library.  We walk everyday.  For now, we will still go to the park or the grocery store or the local coffee shop.  That may change - sooner than we like - but for now we enjoy being outside and seeing the people in our neighborhood.  

     
     GO OUTSIDE EVERYDAY.  You need to breathe fresh air and feel the sun on your face.  If it's cold, put on a warm coat, hat and gloves! Walk on the beach.  Walk in the woods. Walk around your neighborhood.  Just don't kiss, hug or shake hands with people.  Don't touch things and then put your hands near your face and nose.  WASH YOUR HANDS before you leave the house and when you come home.

     
     Do you have kids at home?  It is even more important to establish a routine.  Their entire school day is based on routine.  They need it and they will be looking to you to provide it.  

     Limit the screen and electronics time!

     Get the kids involved in projects around the house.  Sorting through their closets, toy             boxes, book shelves, letting them decide what they have outgrown or don't use that can       be donated.

     Let them help with menu planning and meal prep.

     Scavenger Hunts.

     Jigsaw puzzles.

     Obstacle Courses.

     Simple art and Science projects. 
     Build a fort in the living room (you know you want to)
    

     Schools probably didn't have enough time to put on-line learning assignments in place. Your job will be to keep them stimulated physically, mentally, emotionally and socially.  Their little brains will turn to mush quickly.  Some easy ideas:

• Make cards or pictures for hospital patients or nursing home residents. They probably aren't able to have visitors and might be feeling lonely
• Create sculptures from your recycle bin
• Make play dough
• Start an indoor garden (even if you just plant grass seeds in a cup of dirt)

     There are lots of websites offering FREE activities for you to do at home with your kids.  Most are easy and can be done with things you have around your house.  Find out what your kids are interested in doing/learning about. Some zoos and museums are even offering FREE, virtual tours..Explore your options!

     
     Your kids will pick up on your cues and follow your lead.  Even if all you want to do is pull the shades down, crawl into bed and pull the covers up over your head, DO NOT DO IT!!!

Your kids will be looking to you for guidance.  Yes, these are scary times.  They will have lots of questions.  Answer them as best you can without causing alarm.  AND, it's OK to say you don't know the answer.  

     
     Whether you are home alone or with your kids, remember to take care of yourself.  Eat right.  Drink lots of water.  Find ways to exercise - your body and your mind.  Perhaps make it a learning experience for you and your kids.  Try something new like knitting or cooking.  Take an on line class.  Try something creative like drawing, writing or painting.  

     Stay positive!

     Stay engaged!

     Reach out if you need help!

     Reach out and offer help if you are in a position to do so!

     As I said at the beginning, it is a very strange experience to be so far from home during such troubling times.  I dread turning on my phone in the morning for fear of what may have developed over night.  I have made it a practice to meditate for 5 minutes in the morning as soon as I wake up to give myself a chance to breathe and start the day on a positive note.  I look forward to the morning I wake to the news that there has been a shift and that things are starting to return to "normal".  But what will a post coronavirus United States (or world) look like?  What lessons will we learn?  What changes will occur in how we interact with each other in our neighborhoods?  In our country?  In our world?

     I guess we will just have to wait and see.  

     Be safe!

     Be kind to each other.

     Take good care of yourselves.