What I’ve Learned Social Distancing | Ways to Spend Time in Quarantine
FRIENDS, IT’S A WILD TIME FOR OUR WORLD.
A month ago… hell a couple of weeks ago…I thought this whole Corona Virus/Covid-19 was something that would blow over. It “didn’t affect me” and it felt all too safe in my little corner of the world here in Vancouver, Canada.
I was wrong.
Turns out this thing is bigger than any of us ever probably expected, or at least hoped, it would ever be. The local hospital 5 minutes away has had to shut their doors to only emergencies due to outbreak, all parks, recreation and non-essential stores have close.
It’s been hard to not feel like it’s all a bit apocalyptic.
So, enter in social distancing, self-isolation and me learning a whole lot about myself in the meantime.
TURNS OUT, STAYING HOME ISN’T HARD FOR THIS HOMEBODY.
Surprise! Someone who’s painfully shy and has terrible social anxiety doesn’t mind not being social! Obviously, I miss spending time with friends and family, but I’ve never been one to need a thriving social life, so all this staying at home is kind of just… normal to me?
You know, minus the toilet paper hoarding and generally chaotic mindset all around us.
I’m just one of those people who really enjoys her quiet time.
… BUT SELF QUARANTINE WITH A TODDLER AIN’T FUN
With a toddler in tow, quiet time is exceptionally rare.
Right now it is just business as usual for most of us stay at home moms. Thankfully my daughter is only 2, and doesn’t really know what’s going on. They’ve closed playgrounds here and we are not fortunate enough to live in a home with a yard, so being cooped up all day has been tough. I can only imagine the struggle it would be with older children who are used to the stimulus of school.
My toddler has some delays with speech and behaviour, which has made it more of a struggle to keep her entertained. I’ll admit, I’m relying on a lot more screen time than I’d like, but it’s self-preservation at this point!
“When you leave the house because you’re bored, please think of ours and many other families out there who don’t have that luxury.”
I KNOW IT’S NOT EASY FOR EVERYONE TO STAY HOME…
Something I have come to realize is how hard it can be for others to just stay home. I have 20 years of retail experience behind me, and when you are forced to be in and around the public all the time, I think it’s a bit easier to see the beauty in staying home and having alone time.
I know that for many, their mental health can be greatly affected by being isolated, and I urge you all to invoke the use of social media, video calls, workplace virtual check-ins and whatever you need to do to get through this time, safe and sound at home.
BUT SERIOUSLY, JUST STAY HOME.
Like many things in this life, often once people are told no, they automatically want yes.
I’m continuously shocked to see how many aren’t taking the concept of social distancing seriously, even after seeing first hand how this virus has devastated other countries. As someone who has a partner who currently works in an essential service that is high contact, I’m begging you all to stay home if you can. He’s working so hard so that others who have the option to stay and work from home, can.
When you leave the house because you’re bored, please think of ours and many other families out there who don’t have that luxury.
[click_to_tweet tweet=”When you leave the house because you’re bored, please think of ours and many other families out there who don’t have that luxury. ” quote=”When you leave the house because you’re bored, please think of ours and many other families out there who don’t have that luxury. “]
IF YOU NEED SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR TIME
If you are used to sticking to a strict schedule, quarantine might be exceptionally challenging. Here are some ways I humbly suggest you spend some of the many hours of your day.
*It’s also super important to note that if you spend your time doing a whole lot of nothing, that’s ok too. There is no rule book on how to spend your time, nor should anyone place expectations on you. You are NOT lazy for coming out of this without learning a new skill or losing 20lbs with home workouts. The only thing you SHOULD try to come out of this all with is your mental health.*
WATCH SOME FILMS PEOPLE LOVE, BUT THAT YOU’VE NEVER SEEN
Here are a few of my all-time favourites to get you started,
- Splendor In The Grass
- The Shawshank Redemption
- The Wizard of Oz
- Almost Famous
- Monty Python Quest For the Holy Grail
- Donnie Darko
- Psycho
- The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (this one could kill a whole day on its own lol)
- The Dark Knight
- The Labyrinth
One I haven’t seen that is considered a classic? The Godfather. I guess it’s on my itinerary now!
SUBSCRIBE TO DISNEY+ ALREADY
You know you want to; All the classics we grew up with, out of the vault. Now is the perfect time to indulge in some nostalgia and keep yourself (and your kids!) sane.
“Kindness always prevails during times like this.”
START MAKING A DENT IN THAT PILE OF BOOKS BY YOUR BEDSIDE TABLE
Ok so maybe I am the only one that has this looming book stack that I never find time to read? I’m sure many feel that it’s hard to find time to read in regular day to day life, but if you’re at home (and don’t have to watch littles like a hawk-like me) pick up a book or ten!
Bonus props if you order it online from a small business bookstore to help them stay afloat during this time.
DROP IT LIKE ITS HOT. CLEAN IT LIKE IT’S NOT.
Why not turn up the tunes, and get a little dance party going? Get some healthy sweat going, even if it’s just to clean your house and finally dust under the sofa (note to self, it’s been never awhile…). If you have kids, it might get them involved. If you have neighbours that can see in your windows, it might terrify them. Either way, it’s entertaining for YOU.
DO SOME PANTRY COOKING
You know all those random cans of beans, half used boxes of pasta and ground flax seeds that you were certain you were going to start putting in smoothies? Now is the time to get creative and make some recipes that call for the ingredients just sitting in your pantry. You can use websites like All Recipes to enter your ingredients in a reverse search.
If you’ve got flour and yeast – try your hand at baking bread! I’ve got a few recipes saved in my Pinterest board that are super easy. Bonus if you make a few loaves and leave some at a neighbours door. Kindness always prevails during times like this.
FINALLY, PUT ALL THOSE PHOTOS YOU PRINTED FROM VACATION 6 YEARS AGO IN AN ALBUM
Don’t like to me, I know you have a box of photos somewhere that just never made it in an album. Or perhaps, like me, you have a half-written baby book that hasn’t been updated since your kid was 4 months old. Either way, nows the time!
LEARN SOMETHING NEW
Now is the perfect time to take an online class or learn a new skill.
Maybe try learning a new language? Or how to sign? Or calligraphy? Or how to market your small business? Or how to use your fancy camera? (fun fact, if you sign up for my newsletter you get my free photography cheat sheet!).
Chances are, there is an online class for that! Many are free, some are paid, and there are loads of great websites like SkillShare, Alison, and FutureLearn.
Think of all the amazing skills you could pick up for when the world is well again!?
USE YOUR BEAUTY PRODUCTS
If you’re anything like me, you might have loads of makeup and yet still find yourself wearing the same look every day because it’s what you know. If you’re stuck at home for 2 weeks, it’s the perfect time to rock a new look! Wanna master winged liner finally? Have you always been nervous to wear that red lip? Have a million sheet masks at home but never take the time to use them?
Being self quarantined a home is a great time to just play. Who’s going to see you? The Amazon Prime guy? I promise, he’s seen worse!
(hey, I wouldn’t be a beauty-focused blog if I didn’t at least suggest some beauty self-care!)
ULTIMATELY IT’S A STRANGE TIME UNLIKE ANY OTHER FOR MOST OF US OUT THERE
Stay home.
Stay safe.
Stay 6+ feet away from others who don’t share the same home as you.
And if you can, stay smiling.
