LMH Health / Surviving at Home

Social Distance

13 Tips to Keep from Going (too) Stir Crazy by Jessica Brewer, LMH Heatlh

The coronavirus pandemic is impacting every-day life for all. We all have different needs and different responses to what is happening around us. It’s important to stay informed, but not surrender to anxiety, boredom and negative emotions.

The key is to stay active, physically and mentally, and fight the sense of isolation by getting creative. Use this time to practice something you’ve being wanting to do, discover new resources, share your talents, or rediscover a forgotten hobby or passion.

“Self-quarantine” and “social distancing” don’t have to be boring. Here are some suggestions for things you can do while keeping everyone safe...

1. Try a New Recipe - During this time where it is advised to stay inside, decide to cook or bake whatever you’re craving. Try a new dessert recipe or a fancy new dish. Once it is safer to be around others, go support your favorite restaurants, but for now, try to create your favorite dish yourself and hire your children as the sous-chefs.

2. Schedule a Virtual Date - Despite your kiddo not being able to play in person with their friends, have them give their pal a FaceTime to let them keep in touch without risking exposure. Check out the games you can play on your computer for your kids, or you, to play virtually with others wherever they are. And this suggestion is for you, too. Plan virtual visits with your friends and family, even if it’s just quick emails or texts. Or go old school – give them a call on the phone or write letters.

3. Plan Dinner and a Movie, at Home - Make sure you take some time for yourself. If you’re spending your days at home, entertaining your kids for long periods in one setting can be overwhelming. Take some time to relax and have an at-home date night. Put on a movie and try to enjoy some quiet time with, or without your children.

4. Complete a Puzzle - There is nothing more satisfying than placing the last piece of a puzzle in its place. Find a simple or extremely complex puzzle to do alone or with your family. This can make time go by quicker, especially with a movie or some music on in the background. Enjoy some brain-stimulating games that are relaxing, and be sure to wipe it down after you’re finished.

5. Bundle Up and Build a Fort - Throw it back to your childhood and join in with your kids to get cozy in your jammies and build a fort. Gather all the chairs, blankets and pillows you can find and build the tallest fort you can. Be sure to stock the fort with games, movies, coloring books and or educational materials that you can do with your kids.

6. Keep Physically Active - Keeping active without leaving your home is possible. You don’t need a gym or fancy equipment to stay in shape. Get creative! Use soup cans and water bottles as weights – even a baby can be a good weight to hold during some exercises. Check out online resources and work out while watching a fun video. Make exercise a family activity.

7. Go Outdoors - Nature is open. What a great time to get some fresh air! Step outside and enjoy some outdoor activities without many people around. Hike, bike, walk, garden. Explore the Lawrence Loop trails. Find some fun outdoor games and play with the whole family. Be sure that if you or your kids play with any toys that they are sanitized before and after use to double ensure health safety.

8. Take a Drive- Hop in the car and take a drive – long or short. A relaxing drive can help your mind escape and give you a chance to get out and about, sing to some car tunes and see some sites. Take a trip around town and maybe adventure to spots you haven’t been before. Drive around and visit the murals, or go park hopping.

9. Escape on a (Virtual) Vacay - Bummed that you’ve had to curtail travel plans? Then take a virtual vacation. Many zoos, museums, national parks and other worldwide landmarks are offering free virtual tours. You can even take a trip to Mars! Just search online for “virtual tours” and the world will open on your computer.

10. Call on an Elderly Neighbor- This can be a very scary time for those for whom the virus affects the most severely. Call or FaceTime your elderly neighbors or friends who could be scared or concerned. Though you won’t be able to comfort your loved ones with a hug, human interaction and simply seeing others’ faces is a way to comfort them from afar. See if there is anything you can do to safely assist or provide for them in any way. Your kindness will not go unnoticed.

11. Have a Cleaning Party - Sounds fun, right? Sort through your possessions and organize or set aside to donate what doesn’t bring you joy. (Check first with receiving organizations before delivering any donated items.) Take advantage of having the whole gang together to take a few hours to deep clean the house. To make it fun have rewards for the cleanest room or hide items around the house that can be found when cleaning. After the place is spotless, enjoy some downtime.

12. Do Some Digital Spring Cleaning - What a great time to clean up digitally, too! Clear out your inboxes, delete any old files and apps you aren’t using, upgrade your software, and update your passwords.

13. Take Care of Yourself - Enjoy some time to just relax or do whatever helps you manage stress – read, write, yoga, meditation. Times are stressful and it’s ok to take a day to do absolutely nothing. Paying attention to your own needs is especially crucial for people who take care of others. Don’t make plans, just relax with your significant other, your kids, your pets or some quality alone time. Make sure to take care of yourself and enjoy some TLC.

Try to enjoy this time away from the masses of people. We hope these activities help you and your family to feel less confined so that the time away helps the community bounce back as soon as possible. LK