What a unique and unpredictable time we are living in! First, I wish you and your loved ones health and safety. Second, I’d like to offer a little inspiration and chat about making the most of social distancing.
As an interior designer and a mom I have realized how important it is how my home is set up and how it runs, and I am feeling this now more than ever! I’m sure you have been feeling the same way. And then add to the “Distancing” ourselves and sheltering in place. Being isolated from the outside world seems like craziness, but it has become a reality. I believe there is always room for hope and positivity. I’ve compiled a few tips and ideas to help make the most of this time.
- Technology is amazing ! FaceTime calls or Skype is a great way to video chat with family and friends. Send text messages with encouraging words and share photos already on your phone to share memories.
- Gather in the kitchen and take part in preparing a family meal. Make that recipe that’s been sitting in your food inspiration Pinterest board and get the kids involved.
- Challenge yourselves to a ginormous puzzle – not the kind of challenge that drives you into boredom. Or family game nights with your favorite board games.
1. Family – This is the time to be thankful for all we have and to share our gratitude with others, even 6 feet away or more!
2. Kids – Create a daily schedule. I’m doing this with my middle schooler and it has been a huge help so far! This keeps them on a routine and gives them some predictability in a time where things can seem uncertain. I include her and let her choose the free time activities. We have found a lot of online resources for math, science, and even virtual tours of some of our amazing museums. Travel + Leisure shares a fun list of 12 virtual museums and Cool Mom Tech has an awesome list of online educational resources.
- Need a daily schedule? Here’s an awesome downloadable Weekday Schedule.
- Get crafty – Tots and preschoolers will love this and the ideas are endless. See a great list here. Don’t forget the tweens! Find a craft that you can all enjoy, I love these ideas! And you’d be surprised what you already have around the house to use.
- Make a digital photo album – This is a great activity to let them be creative by using an online source for photo albums such as Shutterfly, Snapfish and Mixbook. Not only are they having fun with memories of family time, holidays, vacations, it also provides them some comfort and is another opportunity for being thankful for all we have.
3. Home projects – This is a great time to get to those home projects you’ve had on your to-do list for months. March 19th was the first day of Spring – if you haven’t tackled your Spring cleaning, well, now’s the time!
- Clean out drawers and closets – Create a box to give to charity and include your kids in going through toys and clothes to do the same.
- Organize drawers and closets. For a little bit of inspiration, Container Store has ideas and an endless array of options for storage bins.
- Paint project.
4. Feeding your Faith – I know there is a lot that is uncertain right now and that can create anxiety for many people. For me, my faith is my best go-to source for calming fears and anxiety that I could allow to take hold. Many churches are having online services and offering daily devotions and words of encouragement. Here are a couple of my go-to’s:
- Motion Church – my local church is fantastic and has a ton of resources online for adults and kids. Check it out – Motion Church.
- Proverbs 31 Ministries – they have daily devotions that they are writing specifically for this time.
5. Self Care – with a full house right now it’s important to get in some self care. Create your alone time, no one will do it for you and it’s so important.
- Read a book – If you’re a reader, it goes without saying…pick up that book you’ve been talking about but have yet to start reading, or download the Audible app and pick up your earphones. If you need some ideas, check out this list from Book of the Month. Reese’s Book Club on Hello Sunshine.
- Take a bath – Add candles and music to set the mood and create a relaxing atmosphere.
- Have a phone call or FaceTime call with a friend you haven’t talked to in a long time or lives a long distance away.
Kindly~Michelle
