Did I ever think I would be writing a blog post about ways to pass the time/not feel so sad while you’re social distancing because of a pandemonium?
No, I certainly didn’t.
But, here we are…in very uncertain times. And yet, there is, as always, hope and plenty of ways to make these times fruitful in the midst of change and concern.
While I’m not an expert on medical issues or homeschooling children or psychological health, I’m just a person, like you. I’m just a human with lots of plates spinning in life, just like you, but I want to keep the positivity and fullness of my life.
So, if you’re of a similar mindset, maybe you’ll be inspired or comforted by some ways I have been coping.
Cooking & Eating Together
Food-related pasttimes aren’t the only thing I’ll mention here, but they are important. It’s been neat to take this extra time at home to meal plan with my husband, cook together and even have family over (since we all live close by and feel comfortable gathering as a family). Anyone else been craving comfort food more than normal?!
Here are some of the things we have or will cook:
- Guinness beef stew for St. Patty’s Day
- Stir fry
- Quesadillas with chips and salsa (no recpie needed for that)
- Baked sweet potatoes
- Curry carrot soup
- Sausage lasagna (from Dude Diet cookbook)
If you don’t feel like cooking, see which of your favorite local restaurants is doing takeout or curbside delivery, so you can support them that way and still treat your self!
Baking Projects
I know some of you may not have any extra time even though you’re home, because your family is depending on you, but if you do, a baking project might be just the thing to take your mind off big, scary things!
Maybe it’s just your favorite cookie recipe or maybe you want to learn how to make homemade pie crust or maybe do some healthy baking. Even if your creation doesn’t look as good as you wanted, it will most likely taste amazing…and be great for sharing with your family or neighbors!
Laughter
Laughter and having a sense of humor has always helped me get through tough times. Whether you laugh while watching an episode of The Office or tell someone about the last klutzy thing you did, laughter can be a great release.
Go ahead and laugh. Laugh until you cry. Laugh by yourself or with others. You can even do this while social distancing. 😀
Getting Out in Nature
Nature really centers me, I think because of how “natural” it is and meant to be. That’s why I’m trying to get out in nature as much as I can, even though pollen season is now upon us.
Here are some quick ideas for embracing nature:
- Take a quick walk or run, or walk your pet
- Sit on your patio and breathe or read for a bit
- Pull up weeds or start planning a garden (or just plant some herbs)
- Take your phone and go on a photography adventure, taking pictures of beautiful or interesting things you find outside
Checking In
One beautiful thing about these days of quarantine is that it helps you to think about others. I find myself being more intentional about thanking the people that help me on a day-to-day basis (healthcare workers, pharmacists, grocery store clerks) and checking in with those closest to me on how they’re handling everything.
Maybe you have an elderly relative you need to check in with or some friends you can send snail mail letters to. Now is a great time to come together and let each other know we care, even if that isn’t by physically being together.
I hope these few tips have been helpful to you, and please share if you have tips of your own!