Are you sheltering in place with nothing to do? Wondering how long you can cope without tearing your hair out? Here are some things you can do to pass the time with purpose. Remember that just because you are social distancing, doesn’t mean you can’t be social. There are lots of ways to maintain a sense of connection and community. You’ll need all your physical and emotional resilience in the coming weeks, so keep moving, look for the best in yourself and others and don’t lose faith.
- Learn a new game or play an old favorite (Bingo, gin rummy). You can always play solitaire, blackjack and more on an ipad or computer.
- Cooking or baking – Check out all the DIY videos on YouTube to learn something new.
- Create a family tree – This may be the time to do an online DNA test through AncestryDNA or 23 and Me.
- Exercise – chair workout, yoga, or walk in the yard. The endorphins will boost your mood and help you cope
- Pick up a book or join a Book Club, or even start writing or journaling yourself. Keep a diary of your feelings and emotions.
- There are enough shows on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and others to binge watch no matter how long this thing lasts!
- Go through old photos and make personalized cards or scrapbook pages to send via snail mail or digitally.
- Make “thank you” or “thinking of you” cards for your local health care workers.
- Puzzles, coloring crafts are good anxiety soothers.
- Play oldies – have your own dance party and get someone to video it to share.
- Facetime or Skype old friends or relatives – share recipes, jokes, worries, or self care tips. These lifelines make a big difference.
- Toss a beach ball around. Try it to music!
- Take a bath with epsom salt if you have it. Use the time to meditate, pray or go over your gratitude list.
- Family laundry folding, make a contest out of it.
- Clean out your closet and put things in trash bags to donate.
…AND STAY CONNECTED WITH A VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUP.
CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT LEEZA’S CARE CONNECTION HAS TO OFFER