THINGS YOU CAN DO DURING HOME

Things to do During Home Confinement

Leanne Allen

Firstly, this is in no way of minimising what is happening with the Covid-19 Pandemic around the country and the world. But the way we handle it is going to make a huge difference to our wellbeing, which in turn effects our immunity. So, here are some tips to make the most of it!

Have you ever heard yourself say, ‘I need more time’, ‘I just need a break’, ‘I wish the world would stop so I can get off’. Now suddenly COVID-19 has created that time, do you know what to do with it?

Unfortunately, you may also find that work has significantly reduced or stopped altogether. And if that is you, then your mindset and what you do with your time is even more important.

The way we feel about any given situation depends on our mindset. So, let’s drop this horrible word ‘Lock down’ and change it to ‘Retreat’. With retreat you can take ownership of what you do, it is not forced, it is something that feels good and gives us time to breath, it is our choice.

Here are some things that you might not have thought to do during your retreat:

1. Use YouTube to find some things you always wanted to do.

2. Do an online course, something you have always wanted to learn. (Check out Udemy).

3. Do a spring clean, the pantry, the linen closet, bathroom and laundry, even your wardrobe.

4. Gardening is great! Create a nice space with the resources you have.

5. Plant that veggie garden you have always wanted. 6. Call your friends, talk to them, not just on text. Use video calling too.

7. Write—this is your opportunity!

8. Get creative. Paint, draw…even Lego. Make something, just have fun.

9. Play music loud, and dance! Here is your opportunity to dance like no one is watching, because no one is watching!!!

10. Clean all the junk off your computer.

11. Organise your digital photos, create a photobook to print.

Now could be the time that you finally catch up on all those things you have been meaning to do,

12. Reach out and see if anyone around you needs any help.

13. Dig out those old board games and cards to play.

14. Read books.

16. Play with the kids and the pets, like you are a kid!

17. Ask for help if you need it.

18.Rearrange your furniture or wall hangings.

19. Do a gratitude list every day, five things you are grateful for.

20. Catch up on your tax returns.

21. Clean out your filing cabinet.

22. Remember what you used to love to do, woodwork, tinkering with broken things in the garage or shed.

23. Research things to do when you can get out again and make a goal list.

24. Breath deeply. Even this will cause you to feel calmer.

Here is what NOT to do.

1. Don’t obsessively worry about the future, it will stifle creativity and make you feel terrible.

2. Don’t binge on Netflix, you need to move your body.

3. Don’t eat badly. Instead nourish your body to boost your immune system.

4. Don’t Ignore the people you love— retreat is about being safe, not about being isolated.

5. Don’t argue. Be mindful of how everyone in the house is feeling, including you.

6. Don’t screen time overload, it will just exhaust you. 8. Do not spend loads of time watching the news and social media, you might want to consider turning it off for a few days.

9. Do not feel sorry for yourself. The whole world is going through the same thing. We can get through this!

I even surprised myself thinking about 20+ things I would love to do but rarely have time for!!! Maybe I don’t want to clean out my filing cabinet, but it will feel good once it is done!

Leanne Allen (BA Psych), Is the Principle Psychologist and Coach at Reconnect Wellness Centre. She works with clients online and in person. She has a passion for working with men, and has recently launched the online course “After the Divorce: A Guide For Men”, to find out more go to https://leanneallen.coach/ where you can also book in a free strategy session.

Nutrition