20 Simple Ways to THRIVE in the midst of a Pandemic
I see you, mama. You may be waking up each morning trying to figure out how to keep your kiddos and you from going stir crazy. Or perhaps, you are waking up excited to start the day thinking of all the ways you can spend this quality time with your loved ones. Or a combination of both?
We are living in unprecedented times, that's for sure. But it doesn't have to be stressful or feel claustrophobic. Can you thrive during this time and come out the other side with your sanity and even JOY intact?
YES!
I have compiled a list of some ideas you can utilize to see you through this trying time and I hope you enjoy them! Learn, grow, spend time outdoors and just BE. Know you are not alone and we are all in this together!
#1. Pray. Ask God for His mercy and grace and direction each morning. Spend devotional time with your children and read His Word. Look up your favorite verses and talk about them together. Pray for family and friends that don't know Jesus.
#2. Learn a new skill. Is there something you have been wanting to learn? Maybe knitting or learning French or Spanish. Is there is DIY you have been wanting to try? A craft you want to learn? Pop on some You Tube videos for you and the kids and learn together!
#3 Great New Courses. Have you seen those Facebook ads for Great New Courses? It is an amazing website that has videos and documentaries for every category imaginable. National Parks, Cooking, Mathematical Probabilities, how-to's for everything. Check it out! I think it is about $10 a month and has unlimited things to watch, good for the whole family.
#4. Gardening. Have you been putting off that weeding? Find a space outside to build a small garden or prep your existing space for Spring. Make it a family project today! Being outside has a way of changing our attitude and perspective around so quickly.
#5 Trail Walks. Walking is so therapeutic and the benefits of exercise for the body and the brain are many. Getting outside in Gods creation feels so good and it takes your mind off of being cooped up. It releases those endorphins and helps manage those anxiety and stress levels!
#6 Play catch up. Are there things on your mental to do list that you can cross off? Do you need to write next months calendar or balance your checkbook? Do you have bills to pay? Things to mail? Appointments to schedule for future dates? Make a list if you don't have one of things you can catch up on.
#7 Purge and declutter. This one is huge! Put those kids to work in their own rooms. They can help get rid of things they are done playing with by selling them or donating them to a local thrift store or Goodwill. Go through cabinets in the bathroom or kitchen and purge. Prep those closets for the next season by clearing out this seasons clothes. Just keep a few staples and put away those things not needed. Donate what you know you won't need next year.
#8 Outdoor play. Why not play an old fashioned game of outdoor tag or hide and seek. Create an obstacle course with outdoor items. Paint, draw, sketch things in the fresh air if you have an outdoor table!
#9 Have a picnic. Have the little ones make their lunch and have an outdoor feast. They can create their own menu!
#10 Write letters or cards to loved ones. Kids can create handmade cards or letters for their friends, grandparents or teachers. They can use stamps, paint, colored pencils, markers, scissors, glue. They can even cut magazines up and add fun pictures.
#11 Deep clean with Thieves. This one isn't all that fun but it can be a family affair! The whole family can clean with Thieves ( hello, NO poison in it so it won't harm anyone!). It doesn't have to be all in one day but one thing a day can make a big difference. Add a capful of Thieves cleaner to spray bottles and go to town. Diffuse some Peppermint or Lavender or Peace and Calming. The house will smell AH-mazing!
#12 Pin new recipes on Pinterest. Tired of the same old dinners? Look up some new recipes!
#13 Watch family movies together. Make some popcorn!
#14 Clean out the cars. Wash and vacuum ( again Thieves does the job). You can even pay the kids a few dollars to help out.
#15. Kid questionaries. These are fun to do. Ask the kids a series of questionaires then discuss and document their answers in their baby books for memories. :)
#16 Watch Bob Ross paint videos. So fun to help the kids learn painting techniques!
#17 Video chats with friends and family. Making sure we stay connected with our friends and family is important. Check in on them during this time and see their face onscreen.
#18 Tell jokes, laugh and DANCE. Put on some silly dance tunes and be goofy together! Or Build a fort!
#19 Make gifts for the holidays. DIY gifts are fun. Just make sure you have the supplies. Look up on You tube and see if you have everything you need and get a jump start!
#20. Hugs! Just being affectionate with each other and sharing your love for each other goes a long way towards having a positive attitude in the midst of uncertainty. Supporting each other and talking things out too will create memories they will treasure forever.
Enjoy today and don't worry about tomorrow. This too will pass!
XO,
Erika
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