I thought I’d do another little check-in post, just to keep everyone updated and to try to stay connected as much as possible. This week, I’ve really been trying to find things that help with the feelings of uncertainty and anxiety, much like a lot of others are doing as well.
To say that we’re all on edge right now is definitely an understatement. It’s an extra difficult situation, because while we’re all trying to keep sane and stay healthy, it’s obviously important that we all recognize how serious the current situation is how important it is for all of us to be extra careful and do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19. For those on the front lines, the stress is obviously so much worse and I recognize that those of us who are on edge, but safe at home, are very fortunate. I’m normally a pretty big homebody, so staying home with just my little family wouldn’t normally cause me too much stress, but obviously with all of the uncertainty and the sudden feelings of impending doom that arise whenever I read the news, even I’m feeling uneasy and kind of trapped at times.
The current challenge for all of us at home is basically to try to find ways to distract ourselves, and even to find things that bring us joy and hope within our own four walls, even with everything that’s going on. It’s no easy task. I don’t know how many times I’ve said this week that I just don’t want any more bad news. Of course, good news is hard to come by right now, so we’re in kind of a “make your own good news” type of situation. Here’s what I’ve been doing and what I’ve found helpful.
Things I’ve Found That Help
Connecting
If I’ve been a little wordier than usual this week, it’s for a good reason. Now that we’re all alone in our houses, feeling a little lost and confused, it’s so important that we stay connected as much as possible. Hearing from others about how/what they’re doing has been helpful for me, and sharing my experience right back makes a difference as well. I also called my grandma and felt better. I had a little video chat with a designer from another local business that we do photos for and that almost made me feel normal as well.
Getting Caught up on Work
Whether you own a small business or you work for someone else, there’s a whole lot of instability going around when it comes to employment and the way people are able to make a living these days. The fact that we were feeling a bit behind on work-related tasks after our little social distancing escape into the forest last week didn’t help. We really buckled down for a couple of days and got caught up. Finding something productive to do can definitely make you feel a little more in control.
Decorating for Easter
I decided that we needed to make our home a little more cheerful earlier this week so I busted out the Easter bin. When you need a change on scenery but can’t leave the house, decorating can be super therapeutic. It turns out that I had actually cleaned out a lot of my Easter decor last year, thinking that I would pick up a bunch of new stuff this year, but even just putting out a few things was really nice. I also spray painted my dollar store bunnies gold, because the silver paint from a few years ago was really wearing off. So shiny. So much fun. 🙂
Getting Outside
I’m definitely starting to sound like a broken record here, but there’s nothing like getting outside and getting some fresh air. Consider this your reminder for the day. 🙂 We were lucky to have a couple of warmer days this week and we did things like go for a walk in the park down the street, which was pretty much empty so we were still completely socially distant. Someone had written positive messages along the path and that was really neat to see.
We also started cleaning up around our property, which is something we don’t usually get to as early as we would like to in the spring most years. For a few hours there, being forced to stay home almost felt like a bit of an advantage because I got quite a few dead perennials trimmed back, the herb garden all cleaned up, and we even had a big fire to burn twigs leftover greenery from Christmas. When it comes to the yard, I actually feel like we’re ahead of the game now.
It’s also amazing to see what’s already growing in the garden. I don’t think I’ve ever noticed how early things like chives, thyme and oregano start growing before. Jack’s already been snacking on chives from the garden pretty regularly when we’re out there.
Not Checking the News too Much
Even during normal times, checking the news is often kind of a downer. It’s hard not to check and re-check the stats on the growing numbers of cases, or to reload the news network sites multiple times an hour in hopes that there will be some good news. I really had to cut myself off though. All that bad news started to get to me and there really isn’t anything I can’t do other than stay home, keep my family safe, and reminder others to do the same as much as possible. I’m trying to check the news only once a day so that I can stay informed, but I’m trying to keep things positive and productive for the rest of the day in terms of things that I’m doing and what I’m reading.
Reading: It’s Been Hit or Miss
Like a lot of people, I thought now might be a great time to finally get into some books that I’ve been wanting to read. I’ve been really surprised to find that books (or even Netflix shows) that are even a little dark or negative are really affecting me badly right now, instead of being a distraction or an escape. Is anyone else finding that? We watched a stand-up comedy special on Netflix the other day which should have been mostly funny, but instead I just felt more nervous when it was over and like the world was doomed.
I actually have six different books on the go right now, which is really strange for me, but I just keep getting about 30% through each book and feeling like I just need to come back to it later. Luckily, this is pretty easy since you can buy e-books anytime, anywhere and start reading them right on your phone. I did start a new book last night that’s really just so fun and uplifting and right up my alley. I immediately felt inspired and transported to a happier place. If you’re into learning about new ways to create a cozy, welcoming home a highly recommend you check out Home Sweet Maison. I’m only just started with it, but it was just what I needed. 🙂 I’ll keep you posted if I find any other good ones.
How are you holding up? What have you been doing to try to stay positive and keep yourself in a good frame of mind while all of this is going on?
MORE RECENT POSTS
- Checking in – What Social Distancing Has Been Like For Us so Far
- 10 Yard Maintenance Tasks Kids Can Help With During Social Distancing
- This and That – Recent Home Updates
- DIY Jelly Bean Easter Branches
This post contains affiliate links.
Courtenay Hartford is the author of creeklinehouse.com, a blog based on her adventures renovating a 120-year-old farmhouse in rural Ontario, Canada. On her blog, Courtenay shares interior design tips based on her own farmhouse and her work as founder and stylist of the interior photography firm Art & Spaces. She also writes about her farmhouse garden, plant-based recipes, family travel, and homekeeping best practices. Courtenay is the author of the book The Cleaning Ninja and has been featured in numerous magazines including Country Sampler Farmhouse Style, Better Homes and Gardens, Parents Magazine, Real Simple, and Our Homes.