With the news reports and isolating circumstances, we have entered into a very trying time. The Corona Virus seemed to have spread over night and now schools, libraries, churches and more have shut down until further notice. As a SAHM I've been used to being home more often than not, but not having the library, our church small group or even church as an option to get out and be around other moms and believers has felt very isolating and at times fearful. Today's post is to encourage and to give some ideas to those who have needed to isolate due to compromised immune systems or age. Thankfully, we do not fall into either category in our household but I am praying for those who do have those circumstances in this time.
God's timing has been more noticeable to my life over the past couple of years. I can see where seasons have ended and he's given peace and opened the next door seamlessly because it was all in His plan in the first place. I have battled anxiety as a mom, sometimes severe and debilitating. The world can be big and scary and having a tiny one you are responsible for keeping safe can seem so terrifying. I've realized recently a lot of anxiety stems from social media and other online postings and articles that I've come across. I deleted my social media accounts mere days before the Corona Virus news began to spread like wildfire and I am so happy I did this. Reading the fear based FB posts of friends and family will not help in any way prepare for this time. I have chosen to read reports by my doctors and scientific, fact based articles to process information. If you think you have to have social media to keep up with friends/family then get their numbers and keep FB messenger so that you can still reach out. Not seeing opinionated posts during this time will help tremendously and will also help you keep your facts straight on what is actually happening.
It is also recommended that while at home and more or less shut inside, we need to be boosting our immune system. How do we do this when it seems like if we're not stressing about the situation we are doing it all wrong? Eat nutriritous foods. Walmart is not running out of produce right now. They are running out of frozen pizza and chicken nuggets quickly, but not the healthier items. Incorporate produce into your meals and make sure you are sleeping enough. Find some YouTube workouts, even just short ones, and keep your heart rate up for 20-30 minutes each day. My favorite Youtube workouts are Leslie Sansone Walk At Home videos as well as Refit dance videos. You could also just blast your favorite music and get to moving with your kids. That way the entire family can get endorphins!
Pick up a hobby. I love to crochet and for this past Christmas I received the items to make leather earrings by hand. Both have saved me from twiddling my thumbs and spending countless hours keeping the TV on. Most of my crafty time is limited to my daughter's nap time, but it is so nice to have the option to create something while being at home! Joann Fabrics is doing curbside pick up if you are itching to try a new hobby. Order online and select curbside pick up and call once you are there for your order.
Meal plan and prep for success. We shop at Aldi and our weekly grocery budget is $100/ week for our family of 3. In order to stay within budget successfully we have to plan and prep. Establish a master grocery list for your family and pull meals from the list to have a good rotation of meals lined up. This quieter time is a good time to buckle down and do the little things that keep your home functioning peacefully. Do the work now while the world is a bit quieter and you can keep it up once social distancing and, if your job has been impacted, once you return to work and a regular schedule.
Phone a friend. I have pregnant friends, friends who work in health care, friends who are teachers and of family who has compromised immune systems. I try to text and/or call them to let them know I am thinking of them and make sure they feel 'seen.' If you set aside offering money within your budget and you know someone who could use something specific or just a pick me up gift, now is the time to extend that offering to those in need. Or keep rolls of toilet paper in your trunk to hand out. Let God speak to you if you do have to go out for necessity items and lead you in giving. Just listen and let Him speak. You can't go wrong with giving!
Journal and blog! It's no coincidence that now that my world is a bit quieter I have launched into this blog to share my thoughts and feelings. As human beings we desire to be heard and sometimes (if you're like me) you express yourself better in writing. If you don't like the idea of your thoughts and feelings being public, keep a private blog or order a journal from Amazon. We are already physically bound to being at home, don't limit your thoughts and feelings at such a trying time. This won't help boost your immune system or your stress levels.
I hope this list helps those who are struggling with being at home more. Just know this is all temporary and one day we will look back and say, 'remember when?'
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