It’s no secret that we are in unusual and difficult times. Life as we know it is completely different than it was two weeks ago. Most of us are now isolated in our homes, and a question on all of our minds is: how long is this going to last? I believe we all want to act responsibly for our own health as well as for others’, but it can be hard to be stuck at home for weeks at a time!
If I’m honest, our daily routine has not really been affected. We are a homeschooling family, so school has not been canceled for us, and our days look exactly like they always have. But I know for many of you, things have drastically changed. I wanted to give you a couple of tips to keep your sanity during this time. These are the most basic, easiest things I could tell you, but they honestly make a difference!
1) Set your alarm. Every now and then, we all need to sleep a little later in the morning. But when working from home becomes your new normal, you don’t want to sleep in until 9:00 every day. Trust me, I’ve tried in the past😑 There is a lot of magic in those morning hours, especially if you have little ones and determine to get up before they do. You will feel more motivated when you set an alarm every day, and I think you will see that you end up getting more done on the days you set your alarm at a decent hour.
2) Light some candles. Now, I know this one may sound silly, but everyone appreciates a setting that is cozy and smells nice! Candles and string lights create a soft, homey feel, and when candles are lit in the rooms in your house, everyone will appreciate it! I can’t tell you how many times my teenagers have woken up in the morning, walked into the kitchen and have said, “mom, it smells amazing in here!” 🤗
3) Plan to be productive. Make your bed and tidy the rooms of your house every day. This is quick and easy, but important! If we’re all stuck at home, the least we can do is keep it tidy for everyone. This is also a great time to be doing things around your home that you never get the opportunity to do. Clean out the pantry, or your closet, or that linen closet that is always neglected! Everything doesn’t have to be done in one day, but doing one thing a day will make you feel like you have accomplished something meaningful. Plan each day to be productive by writing a list at the beginning of the week with your goals for the week, and then a daily plan choosing at least one goal to accomplish from your weekly list!
4) Plan one fun activity and one “bless you” activity each day. This is so important, especially if you have little ones! We have done the more obvious fun things during this time – board games, cooking fun, crafts – but we’ve also tried to be a little creative, as well. I surprised my nine year old with a scavenger hunt. She loved it and it got her up and active! We have plans next week to have a Christmas party – we are going to get into our Christmas pjs, have a Christmas movie marathon, and drink hot cocoa. My girls are looking for things to do, and I’m trying to remember that FUN is important right now! But it’s also important to remember those around us who are hurting or lonely. We have written cards to people, sent “happy” videos to friends and family, and even started a challenge where we take 10 minutes a day and text as many people as we can with a positive, encouraging message. Don’t forget to continue to look outward during this time.
5) Be positive. Lastly, and most importantly, keep a positive outlook right now while things are bleak. For your own sake and for the sake of your family, continue to fight through feelings of fear and hopelessness. Keeping the mood positive around your house will encourage everyone; and don’t forget that kids pick up on our fear. We need to stay positive so that our four walls will still be a place of comfort and shelter.
And that’s it for my five SUPER EASY tips for staying sane at home in these unusual days. Please share with me any ideas you are implementing right now! Happy Wednesday!
