COVID-19 Survival Tips

WOWZERS!  It's really the only word that I can think of to express what is happening right now.  We are so thankful for our church, schools, and so many other places that have made the decision to halt gatherings right now so that we can drastically reduce the amount of people we come in contact with on a daily basis.  It seems so weird to make everything come to a hault and I'll be honest with you, there are moments where my heart gets tired and overwhelmed just thinking of it.  So I thought I would write a post that might be a source of encouragement during this weary time.

I'm a 7 on the enneagram and I'll be honest with you.  In so many ways, having all this time and not being able to go anywhere is nerve racking.  Part of me is "ooh!  Think of everything I am going to get done!" and the other part of me is "That's a lot of time. . . in the house. . . with the kids!"  But it's okay.  Everyone is in the same boat.  I know for some, you might be worried about loss of income and paying bills and others might not be economically effected.  In any case, it is still overwhelming to stop your normal and take a break from being around people. 

Loving from Afar
Raechel Meyers, one of the co-founders of She Reads Truth, mentioned the other day in her stories how many times we are called to serve each other in person and this time, one of the greatest ways to serve and show love is to stay away. Last night, California's governor declared that our elderly over 65 had to stay at home no matter what.  While most of these so called "elderly" do not actually see themselves as "elderly" and are super frustrated, the true elderly are incredibly effected.  Partly because they are so susceptible to this virus and partly because it is a bit harder for them to get the things they need.  My grandma's home has been put on lockdown in order to protect their people.   Our grandparents need encouragement and help, but they also just need us to stay away for a bit.

Not only are the elderly incredibly effected by this, but so are our single friends.  Check in on them, especially if they live alone. Not being able to gather with friends or go out to dinner is hard, but when you live alone and are stuck there for a long period of time, it can be rough.  

Here are some ways to show love from afar:

::  Phone calls and Facetime.  Call someone up and check in on them.  See if there is anything they need (like toilet paper) and then go get it for them and drop it by their house.

:: Send letters and cards.  Snail mail will bring a smile to anyone's face and with all this extra time, let's get writing!  Have your kids to it too. . . or even have them draw pictures to send to brighten up their day. 

Keep your own Mental Health in check
Staying home for some is a dream.  For others, it really is a nightmare.  So here are some tips to get help our mental well-being.

:: Get up and get ready for your day.  Do your hair, make up and put on clothes.  I am most productive in my yoga pants, but you do you.  Don't live in your flannel pajamas.  John Acuff said this morning in a post that flannel is a breeding ground for depression. 

:: Workout.  A lot of gyms are joining the call to take social distancing very seriously and are temporarily closing their doors.  Pinterest is filled with hiit workouts that you can do in your living room without any machines or weights.  Go for a run or a walk through your neighborhood.  Get out and play with your kids. 

:: Spend some time outside.  Social Distancing does not mean stay inside.  Go for a walk (I know i just said that, but it fits here, too!).  Read a book on your patio.  We get Vitamin D from the sun and when levels get low, we can become depressed. 

:: Read God's Word.  Listen to Podcasts.  Memorize Scripture. Watch your church's sermon from their livestream!  Many churches are scrambling to get things ready to go live in the next week or have already done so.  Take advantage of it!

:: Do something creative.  I mean that's what my blog is all about, right?  Find something you can do to create.  Order some supplies online and enjoy working your brain in a different way.

:: Learn something new!  Take some time to learn a new skill in the kitchen. . . like bread baking or macacron making.  Or even cross stitch or quilting! It will give your day some purpose and you will go to bed with a heart that doesn't feel like you wasted your day! Emily Lex has some really neat water color lessons that you can purchase over here. 

:: Read a good book.  I have  a stack of  Newberry Award books that my sister encouraged me to read for Middle Grade March and now I have some time on hand.

:: Paint a room or give that piece of furniture you bought on a whim a facelift.  You suddenly have some extra time on your hands.

:: Find ways to stay grateful. Make a daily list that you can look back at during the difficult times and be reminded of those gifts that God keeps giving daily. 

:: Keep a journal.  We are living history right now.  Chapters in history books are going to be written about this.  By keeping a journal, we are not only expressing our thoughts and opinions but also writing down history as it is being made.  Someday, someone might read your journal!  One way I am doing this is participating in #onedaycv, hosted by Laura Tremaine.  Each day post to instagram what's happening in your day and use the hashtag.  Then click on the hashtag and be encouraged by others who are doing the same thing!  Let's use social media for good! 

Keeping your kids alive
Now, I think is the hardest part and that is schools have pretty much shut down.  Some schools had time to get work out to their kids but if you don't have any work you are probably scrambling to figure out what to do.  I think my kids teachers are scrambling right now to get some things ready, but a lot of it will be online.  I am working really hard making sure my kids get some learning that is more than playing games on a computer. Here are some tips for surviving the instant homeschool status that has become many of us. 

::  Read Aloud a chapter book and have your kids sit and doodle while they listen.  This not only helps with comprehension developing your children's love of books, but it also brings some time for cuddles and connection. 

:: Have your kids pick a Newberry Award winner and have them read a chapter a day.  There are a ton of activities for these books that you can get for free or pay a few dollars for. 

:: Do science projects and Stem activities.  Take advantage of Pinterest.  There's a ton of ideas over there!  Also, We did a whole summer of them 2 years ago.  You can find them here.

:: Do some Art. This is probably my favorite part of having the kids home because we get creative together.  Take advantage of the MANY lessons on Pinterest, but also check out this past summer's summer art challenge here.  There are also a lot of websites that offer free tutorials for drawing, like Art Hub for kids and Mo Willems doodle lunch.  Emily Lex, one of my favorite bloggers, has a really neat kids watercolor class for purchase, too!

:: Throw in some History lessons.  Check to see what they are studying in school and look for free activities to add to that or look at what was going on in the book that you are reading with your kids and plan activities around that.  A number of museums offer virtual tours.

:: Do a puzzle.  This engages the brain and helps critical thinking skills to flourish.  Plus, it is quiet, not a screen, and fun!

I hope that this helps you and encourages you and maybe takes away a little bit of that overwhelming feeling at the pit of your stomach. Please remember that you are not alone.  Everybody is in the same boat.  I really believe that we can come together by not physically coming together.  I would love to hear ways you are keeping sane both for yourself and your kids.  Let's inspire each other and encourage each other during this really weird time!