Claiming Control In the Pandemic
Do you feel out of control?
Do you feel like life is turned upside down right now? Perhaps your kids are home from school for a long time, you or a child are immunocompromised, your work life is getting turned upside down, you are trying to figure out childcare, or you are trying to stock up on household supplies while stores are constantly depleted? As we all face this new and challenging situation, I thought I would reach out about practical things that help me get through a time like this, which may help you too! I know that not everyone is stuck at home at this point – but even for those that are not, maybe some of these things will help you to keep your mind focused. I feel like a sense of control helps me face the unknown chaos. Do not hesitate to use this chaotic time to your advantage.
Whatever you choose to do, I suggest documenting your journey along the way to make it easier and see progress! Take pictures, write numbers down, and put some details of starting points and ending points. If you are stuck at home for a few weeks, it will be helpful to see that you accomplished some things and made some progress!
Journaling through this time alone or with your family will also help you share this historic event with future generations.
Please share your ideas of what is helping YOU stay sane!
Get your digital life under control & backed up! Whether you want to do it by yourself or hire me to help, take advantage of this time to get yourself together!
Do it yourself! You can also find other resources I have compiled here.
Hire me! Contact me, and we can work remotely to set up your computer/photos/backups. If you are local, we can exchange data without interacting.
Create photo books
Order photo products for your home
Clean your electronics! Many people do not consider doing this regularly, and NOW is the time! Especially since my husband will still be out of the home and possibly traveling for work, I want a system to eliminate the germs.
Here is an article from The Wall Street Journal to get information about how to clean your phone
Here is another from Wire Cutter about cleaning electronics
Accomplish projects you have been putting off! Here are some that are on my list for myself and my kids:
Re-paint my daughter’s room (with help from my kids)
Clean up garbage around the yard
Organize my pictures
Work on some behind-the-scenes work processes I want to clean up and improve.
Clean out closets
Deep clean each room
Organize storage boxes using Duck Pack and Track Labels
Tackle your kids' artwork - keep only the best and find a storage solution (I like this one) or take photos to make a digital book of their works!
Resources to keep kids busy:
This article from Today talks about the importance of creating a daily schedule for kids
See my friend Hilary Rhodes Design for 25 Things Teenagers Can Do During Social Isolation
Raddish Kids for recipes and ideas of things to make with kids
Raising Wildflower Kids posted a Daily Dose of Nature 30-day checklist
Travel and Leisure put out a list of 12 museums with virtual tours!
Scholastic has offered some home resources
Fluency and Fitness is offering a 21-day free subscription!
Narwhal & Jelly Facebook Live drawing event
Take advantage of your digital library resources. Most library cards unlock multiple apps and other ways to watch movies, read books, or audiobooks for BOTH adults and kids! Even if your library is closed, you should be able to find these resources on their website.
Fun stuff for adults:
Personality Tests - Understand who you are and how you work!
Dive into your family history! Record phone calls with family members to preserve stories. Research your ancestry.
Learn a new skill! Here is a fun YouTube channel: Let's Make Art!
Do a house purge - here is a checklist from Hip2Save!
Re-decorate your house using what you have! Consider switching furniture between rooms or adding accessories tucked away in closets. Moving artwork to a different space or replacing artwork with personalized photos of your family or from trips can change the mood in your room!
Take advantage of your library's digital resources. Most library cards unlock multiple apps and other ways to watch movies, read books, or audiobooks for BOTH adults and kids! Even if your library is closed, you should be able to find these resources on their website.
