We’re coming into the second, or third or, for some of us, even fourth week of lockdown due to coronavirus. It’s been a difficult time for many families and, even though acknowledging it can be difficult, it is sometimes half the battle, while other times we need to do something practical. This might be as a distraction, or to beat the stress of being cooped up with plenty to do but also seemingly endless time to dwell and worry. Here are some suggestions for practical things you can do, either with or without your kids, to prevent lockdown meaning meltdown.
- Keep exercising
If you went to the gym regularly, or out to classes, or even just enjoyed going out and about cycling or jogging, the chances are you’re really missing that. Exercise releases endorphins which are natural mood-boosters and can drastically improve how we feel about a given situation. You might have some equipment at home, exercise bike, trampoline etc. that you can use, which is a great start. If you prefer an instructor for your workouts, then look at this list of top YouTube channels for home workouts. You can try out a few different ones and the videos will specify what area of the body you’ll be working on. If you’ve got a tablet or smartphone, take your workout into the garden if you can so you’re simultaneously getting some fresh air.
Use the right clothing and equipment wherever possible. You can appropriate a lot of things to exercise but stay safe – you can get cheap trainers at Footasylum to protect your knees if you’re doing high impact workouts and stretch after workouts. It’s really important that you try and keep a little time aside for yourself, and fitting in a twenty-minute workout is a great way of doing this.
- Get outside
This is easier said than done for some of us. But, if you live somewhere you can still go outside, then it’s definitely worth getting out of the house for a portion of the day if possible. Go for a walk or a cycle and take the kids with you. Make sure you’ve explained social distancing to them and have a word or a phrase that they’ll hear and understand it’s time to come back to you so they don’t get too close to another person. If you can’t go outside, then try to sit somewhere sunny in your home as long as you can each day. Don’t underestimate the benefits of opening the windows and letting in some fresh air. If it’s really getting you down, then consider a sunlamp to boost your vitamin D.
- Declutter
Your home is now your sanctuary. Don’t think of it as a prison – think of it as somewhere protective. Use this time to sort out that cupboard, declutter under the bed and sort through some toys. You won’t be able to give them away just yet, but it’s a good time to talk to the kids about others less fortunate than them and think about donating old and unused toys. With your space being more sorted, you will feel more relaxed.
Whatever you do, stay safe, focus on something positive and take each day at a time.