By this point I’m sure you have heard of social distancing. It’s a buzzword that’s showing up all over the internet. I want to stress the importance of staying connected socially during this time while keeping physically distant so I’ve been using the term physical distancing. (I also want to stress to my boomer mom to actually physically stay away from people). Here are 10 ways I am spending my time while physical distancing.
Establish a routine.
I work from home almost every day. It can be challenging at first but having a routine certainly helps. Try your best to wake up and go to bed at the same time every single day. Work out consistently, shower and stay consistent in your self-care, and keep your home clean. To make sure you have a well thought out routine, sit down with a pen and a piece of paper and write out a routine that is both attainable and productive. Then put it somewhere you can see it daily and reference it when you need to.
Check in with friends and family.
Just because we can’t see people in person at the moment, doesn’t mean we can’t keep lines of communication open! From texting to phone calls to FaceTime, staying in contact with loved ones is easier now more than ever. If you haven’t caught up with certain friends or family members in awhile, now is the perfect time for a FaceTime chat. Send out encouraging texts to friends who are isolating alone. Have daily check ins with friends who are good at keeping you accountable with your goals. Also, don’t forget to send thank you texts or make thank you calls to any friends or family that are currently working in essential roles (i.e. hospital workers, grocery store workers, etc.)
Send some snail mail.
Kick it old school and send someone snail mail! If you are like me, you have quite a few cards laying around that are ready to put a smile on someone’s face. If you don’t, this is a great time to support a small business and order some stationary. Even an old school letter would do! There’s something special about getting something personal in your mailbox. Especially in these uncertain times, a bit of kindness in the mail can really brighten someone’s day.
Host a Netflix party.
I haven’t done this yet but I can’t wait to! I’m an AMC A-List Member and watching movies with friends is one of my favorite past times. I live about thirteen minutes from the AMC theatre at Disney Springs and I usually find myself enjoying a movie with John and friends about once a week. I love being afraid together, laughing together, and crying together while watching films. I can’t wait to host a Netflix party and watch some great movies with friends.
Try a new workout.
So many businesses are offering free online classes right now. From local gyms to Beachbody.com, there are lots of great options if you want to try something new while you are spending time at home. Also, don’t count out simple options like YouTube or Instagram. There are so many great, free options for workouts on those platforms. Some of my favorites are Brittne Jackson, Whitney Simmons, and Kearia LaShae.
Cook something new.
I’ll be honest…I don’t cook often. John handles most of the day to day cooking because I can’t cook unless I’m completely relaxed. Cooking within certain time restraints makes me feel stressed. Now that our daily schedule is less hectic than usual, I find myself wanting to cook more often. I don’t feel rushed and I feel like I have the time to actually be creative in the kitchen. I can’t wait to try out some new dishes that I have been wanting to make and I hope to carry this habit with me even after we go back to our regular schedule.
Read a book.
A book can take you anywhere at any time. It’s my favorite form of escapism and a great way to relax and learn at the same time. The best part is that many libraries around the country are still offering delivery in addition to the ability to rent e-books. Audible is also currently offering many free titles if you prefer audiobooks. This is also a great time to support independent bookstores in your local area that are still delivering.
Enjoy nature.
This can be a tricky one depending on where you live. In some areas, there isn’t a lot of green space outside and heading outdoors may mean risking coming into close contact with other people. In these cases it would probably be best to open your windows, enjoy the fresh air, and get a few plants to enjoy. If you are able to get outside, take a walk every day and enjoy the benefits of connecting with nature. Just be sure to say at least six feet away from anyone else who is also enjoying the outdoors.
Learn the basics of another language.
So many of us have been saying we are going to learn another language for years. However, it may seem like you never have the time between your commute, meetings, and other daily responsibilities. With a lot more time on your hands, it might be the perfect time to get serious about learning another language. Even just a consistent 30 minutes a day can make a massive difference when trying to learn a new language.
Take your self-care to the next level.
There’s a lot of uncertainty going on right now. Self-care is always important but with the current news cycle and being stuck at home, it’s even more important. Whether it’s a morning meditation session, a mid-day yoga break, a face mask, or a dance party, you should fit as much self-care into your life as you possibly can right now.
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