Creating Normal in Abnormal Times

Creating Normal in Abnormal Times. Simple tips to get us all through the next days and months.

There is no denying our new temporary norm is just scary and uncertain. Creating a makeshift classroom for homeschooling, hunkering down in our homes and only going out for essentials is not easy for a lot of us. We were thrown into a situation that we have never ( and hopefully will never again) experienced or even thought of.   Although this virus is serious, the steps that our country/world is taking are temporary. We will all get through this, but what do we do in the meantime. How do we cope and adjust to creating normal in abnormal times?

Creating Normal in Abnormal Times

Acknowledge the reality of what is going on

By now most of us get what’s going on.  There are still some folks that are either in denial or slow to get the reality of what is happening. Start those conversations now with your kids and other family members on what is going on and the expectations for the short term. The longer you wait the harder the new norm will be for everyone. With members of my family and good friends on the front line, I can tell you the situation is serious on the front line.

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Stay connected with your tribe

Staying connected is so very critical to your mental health. Each week I send an email checking in with my friends along with a motivational message to help us all get through the week. If you are use to seeing and talking to people daily ( and need this) find other ways to connect. Text, email or video chats will help fill the gaps during this time. 

Focus on your wellness 

These next few days, weeks and months are filled with a level of uncertainty that will create anxiety and stress for most of us. Focusing on your wellness will help to work through that. Exercise and mediation are two great ways to help eliminate some of that stress. I look forward to my 3-4 mile walk everyday with my husband. It’s our ‘date’ walk and gives us some time together.  Something else that I  find comforting is to find quiet time in my day to read or just get some fresh air. It’s amazing what a few minutes outside ( where it’s safe) can do for the mind. Another way to change your mindset is to stick to your daily routine ( prior to hunkering down at home). Get up, wash your face,  get dressed etc.  I definitely can see a change in my mood when I stay in my jammies all day vs. changing into my clothes and brushing my hair.

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Reach out to others

Not everyone will have friends or family around to help fill the void during this time. Offer to make a grocery run, drop off magazines, face time family, send a simple text to check in with your neighbors. Do what you can to reach out to others safely….to make them feel loved and thought of.  Something I started to do last week is have my kids do small video messages for my family in Florida. They send them out every couple of days. It makes everyone still feel connected, they know we are safe and they all love seeing the kids.

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Use this time to your advantage

Some of us may never get this ‘gift’ of time at home again. Use this time to your advantage. Read more, craft more, cook more, play with your kids more.  You have the time, now use it. Last week I made a list of some of the things that I plan to do in the next few weeks. Click here to see some of my Spring cleaning tips that I use on my porch and patios each year.

• Clean the baseboards
• Clean the ceiling fans
• Pull weeds from the beds
• Clean windows
• Paint a room
• Organize the kids closets
• Wipe down the refrigerator
• Gather unused items for Spring donation

Look around your own home, and decide how you want to use this time….at home.  If you are homeschooling for the first time, check out some of my tips here to not lose your sanity while your kids are successful with distance learning.

I don’t want to come across as the eternal optimist ( trust me I had some difficult days in the beginning) but my positive attitude about the current situation was coming across and received way better then a negative one. Just ask my kids and hubby. 🙂  This is I know……we all will get through this abnormal time and get back to being normal again.  What are you doing to navigate these waters in the next days, weeks and months?

My prayers are with anyone who has been exposed to the virus and lost loved ones.

Stay patient, stay healthy and stay home.

Big hugs,