Welcome back to another Why Don’t You! Inspired by one of my favorite blogs Brocante Home (who was in turn inspired by a feature in Harper’s Bazaar written by Diana Vreeland), Why Don’t You is a week’s worth of ideas for adding a little something special to your life.
This week’s Why Don’t You is a bit different. The world is a crazy place at the moment. I know that trying to add some bits of joy and loveliness to your life may be far from your mind at the moment. They’re still so important – maybe even more than ever! But, in light of how fragile we are all feeling, these ideas are meant to inspire you to keep taking care of you!
WHY DON’T YOU – WEEK OF MARCH 16
Get outside.
Okay, I know we’re all supposed to be social distancing but you can still get outside. Keep at least 6 feet away from any other person and avoid touching anything. But, I personally feel safe in my own backyard. It’s big and fenced off and protected from other people’s germs.
I’ve seen people out on hiking trails, taking a walk down the sidewalk, and in other public locations where it’s easy to keep away from other people and not touch anything. Wherever you go, even if just on your back porch, some fresh air and sunshine (if it’s out) can make all the difference at times like this.
Get moving!
Since gyms and yoga studios have had to close in most places, many are offering online classes and quite a few are offering them for free! Look around, check Youtube, and you’ll find some options. I’ve even seen free dance classes with Debbie Allen and other celebrities doing similar things on Instagram and other online platforms.
FabFitFunTV offers some free workout videos as well. Some are locked and only available for people with paid FFF box subscriptions, but I found several that were available for everyone.
If you like working out with others, how about a Facetime Pilates (or yoga or whatever) session? We have to be creative right now but it still can be done. And don’t forget – you can still go for a walk or run (with social distancing).
Get comfortable.
Take a break from the stress (anyone else constantly scrolling through social media?) and try some prayer or meditation. Even just a few minutes away from all the news and information overload to breathe and refocus can be so valuable.
10 Free Guided Meditation Videos on Youtube
Family Rosary – Live streamed from St. Anne’s Parish daily at 6:30
Stations of the Cross – St. George Parish Fridays at 7;15 PM
Get together.
Are you at home with your family? This is a great time to make some popcorn and have a movie marathon. Or start a new read-aloud together (choose a novel so you can read some each day!). Sit down and make some crafts together. Camp out in the living room or have a picnic in the backyard.
Skype, Facetime, or use some other online service to visit with friends and family you can’t be with in person right now. Just because we can’t be together doesn’t mean we can’t still keep in touch and boost each other’s spirits.
Or how about watching a movie together – even with your friends and family from afar? Netflix Party is a new way to watch Netflix with your friends online. Netflix Party synchronizes video playback and adds group chat to your favorite Netflix shows.
Let your kids have online playdates. They can choreograph dance routines, play a game together – there are so many things they can do even while staying at home. As for you, have a virtual coffee or wine date with your BFF. Being there for each other is what it’s all about, right?
Get some time alone.
The kids have to go to bed eventually right? It’s so hard when you’re all cooped up together to get some precious alone time, but if you’re like me, you just need a little time to decompress.
What are those things that bring you comfort? For me, it’s digging into my Bible study. Some quiet time with God can help calm me even when the world around feels like it’s spinning out of control. Sing, dance it out, go sit in your car and scream if that will help.
We always talk about self-care as getting mani-pedis and facials and massages – ohhhh I would love a good massage right now! But it is so much more. Getting lost in a good novel might be what works for you. Or how about a nice, long soak in a warm bath?
Get help.
This is not the time to try to be stoic. Ask others for help if you need. I know that many mental health care providers have moved to offering phone and video therapy sessions, as have some priests and pastors.
Reach out to friends and family. Join a Facebook group for your neighborhood – ours is always posting requests for items they need and can’t find or simply serving as a place to let out those feelings. I’m an introvert by nature but even I find myself drawn to community at this time.
Call your local government or reach out to the media if you need help getting food or other needed supplies – many of them can point you in the right direction. Or simply ask on social media. You’ll find the answers will start pouring in as people are trying to be so helpful to each other.
Give help.
It sometimes feels like there’s nothing that can be done while you’re stuck at home. It’s not true though. Reach out and ask others what they need. Sometimes just someone to listen to them is a huge help. Or maybe you have some extra supplies to share.
If you’ve got a great recipe that uses mostly pantry items, share it! Know some fantastic kids’ activities that can easily be done with things on hand? Let people know about it. If you’re not having to self-isolate or be under quarantine, run some errands for an elderly or vulnerable person so they don’t have to risk going out.
I’ve been trying to send at least 5 texts or messages to people each day. I’m checking in on them, seeing how they’re doing, letting them know I’m thinking about them. It’s a little thing, but it can mean so much.
What are you doing during this difficult time to stay hopeful and helpful?
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