Even those of us with the best, most positive attitudes about being asked to stay home or are quarantined still need to take a breather once in a while. Take it from me, someone who thought I was doing great and even impressed myself for how cool, calm, and collected I was about things, only to find myself locked in the bathroom 5 days in and having a good cry after somebody loaded dirty dishes on top of clean dishes in the dishwasher *for the second day in a row*. Just to clarify- We’re all agreeing to forgive and forget the crazy things that are said and done during this time, right? Good.
via @dwightschrutemoments on Instagram
In fairness, we all know it wasn’t about the dishes- well maybe a little about the dishes since we’re all home and the onslaught of dishes has been unrelenting and I can’t keep up even while running the dishwasher twice a day. But truly it’s more about just feeling overwhelmed right now. The cabin fever is kicking in hard, grocery stores are still pretty wiped out making it hard to pull together proper meals, not to mention my new role as a homeschool teacher. I keep seeing posts on social media like “Don’t worry about curriculum! Use this time to teach them to cook or have quality time!”. Look, I don’t know what school those kids go to, but our school is not trying to have any makeup days. The teachers are sending a full day’s worth of work each day. Even the art teacher is sending assignments, to which I’m like “Umm… can we just take a beat on the art for now? I’m still learning how to divide fractions so I can teach my 3rd grader!” ? Whew! You guys know what I’m talking about. Many of you are in exactly the same boat.
(And btw, THANK YOU to the amazing teachers scrambling to get lessons up online. I know this is uncharted territory for all of us.)
Via @simoncholland on Instagram
I’m so incredibly thankful we’re all healthy right now and that my husband and I both can be flexible with how and when we work from home. Beyond trying to figure out the schooling part, we’ve had so much fun as a family the last week and a half. Carson is teaching himself piano at an incredible rate and Annabelle is riding her bike without training wheels! SO much good stuff happening. But as we all adjust to our new normal, there may be times that you need to escape for a few minutes. Below are 10 ways you can take some time to yourself without going into public (full disclosure: some of these do include locking yourself in the bathroom, but the crying part isn’t required!).
10 Ways To Escape While Staying Home During The Coronavirus
Take A Long Bath
Did you know taking a hot bath has similar health benefits as working out? Studies show it burns calories and improves heart and lung function. Even better? It’s the perfect excuse to lock the bathroom door, put on some zen music, and relax. Bonus: Put in a bath soak that will help relieve tension and stress like this Digital Detox Bath version or this Osmia Recovery Salt Bath.
Image via Reddit
Travel Vicariously
Who knows when we’ll actually be able to travel again, but in the interim, find a good travel show to immerse yourself in. We love Anthony Bourdain (may he rest in peace) and Rick Steves is a classic with his calming presence and dad-like attire and comments. I’ve also seen lots of people reminiscing about past trips by setting up a Luau, going overboard making a classic Italian dinner with decorations and music, or even setting up a fake cruise at home.
Grab A Good Book
If you’re a book lover you know that a good story can completely transport you to a different place or even a different time. It’s a great chance to have a change of scenery, even if it’s just through your imagination.
Go For A Walk (if allowed)
Obviously, this applies to those who are allowed to do so and can walk in an area where they can maintain at least 6 feet of space from others. Getting fresh air, moving your body, and seeing some neighbors (at a distance) feels so good and so normal. This one has helped me a lot, whether I go on my own or the whole family comes along.
Indulge In A face Mask
One of my favorites! It feels very nurturing to apply it with a brush and relax while it does its thing. While you can lock yourself in the bathroom for this one if you need a minute for yourself, I also enjoy laying back and putting on an audiobook or podcast while masking (shout out to Maison Pur the podcast!). You can see some of my favorite masks here.
Work Up A Sweat
Nothing breaks you out of a funk like a good workout. Often when its the last thing you feel like doing, it’s the thing that will help the most. Getting your blood pumping and the rush of endorphins afterward will uplift your mood. With spring here, it may be even better to try to get a workout in outdoors if you have a yard or patio you can do it on. Several places are offering free online workout classes right now too. Tone It Up is offering free classes for the next month and here’s a list of several gyms offering free online classes while they’re closed.
Play Outside
If you have a space to play outdoors without being in public, take advantage of it and the spring weather! We’ve been playing outside every chance we get. Running around out back, riding bikes in the driveway, drawing with sidewalk chalk. It may not be much of a change of scenery, but it’s something! It really does help us feel less cooped up and with everything blooming right now and the sunny warm weather we’ve had, it helps lift our spirits.
Via @simoncholland on Instagram
Have Your Partner Take The Kids
Maybe you just need a moment of quiet. Especially at stages when kids are needier, it can get overwhelming when you’re just trapped inside together. Have your significant other take them out to play or for a walk while you relax or get something done in peace. You can blast your music or revel in silence, all while not being asked for 23 snacks.
At Home Spa Day
Have to stay home? Bring the spa to you. If you need a little extra care right now, why not get set up in the bathroom with a full body scrub down, manicure, pedicure, hair mask, you name it. If that brings you joy, make time for it and set up a ritual for yourself. You may come out of quarantine with glowing skin and hair! Which will make those of us who’ve just been binge baking and watching Netflix pretty jealous.
Donate To A Food Bank
So this doesn’t really transport you anywhere or give you a minute of calm, but it does put things in perspective. Like me crying after cooking too many meals and dealing with too many dishes. That really makes me flip things around and adopt a more grateful attitude for what we have. I’m very thankful that we have enough food to cook several meals a day and clean up after. That doesn’t mean it’s not tough. This is a big change and we’re all going to have hard moments with it. We may need to stop and take a moment for our own mental health (see all of the above). But sometimes focusing on ways to help others has it’s own benefits to the helper. Plus this is a time when some people could really use it.
via @theofficeparody2 on Instagram
We will get through this! And hopefully we’ll all come out stronger and more resilient for it. I’m already becoming a pro at Zoom conferences! Have some great ideas for relaxing and taking a minute for yourself? Leave them below and please stay home! Sending you love and health!
*Some affiliate links used. All thoughts and opinions are always my own.
