Finding Light in the Chaos

So, we are only on day two of home-school/self-distancing from the COVID-19 virus and I already feel my anxiety kicking in. I am so thankful for my family and home but am totally freaked out with all of the news, media, and uncertainty floating around. Luckily, my kids have taken the news (the amount that their little bodies can handle) really well and have embraced our at-home life, treating it like a game of house/school. I am happy to have them as a distraction, but also have thought of a few things that will ease my mind and help get me mentally through the next few weeks.

I have started a schedule that the kids and I will follow loosely on “school days.” This actually has the kids excited (for now) and gives us goals to work toward. If they follow directions and have a happy attitude, rewards will follow (ex. baking sweet treats, outside time and later bedtime). I’m hoping this won’t lose its charm, and that we can continue to have some decent structure in our lives during our time at home.

For me, I have decided I need three things to keep my sanity.

1.    First, a tidy home! I am so much more relaxed when our house is somewhat clean.I also have a few home projects that I plan to tackle, and they will help pass the time and give me some satisfaction. This is obviously easier said than done with two small kids in the house ALL THE TIME, but I am committed to staying on top of it! I also have Rip on board, because he knows his life is much better if I am happy, ha!

2.    Next, workouts! I am going to miss my gym, but I am really going to try and stick to my running schedule (training for the half marathon that may not happen) and to get in as many at home workouts as possible.

3.     Lastly, I have decided to make time every day to practice gratitude and read some encouraging books. The first is a devotional called “The Better Mom.” I got it over the summer and have read it here and there, but have never kept a consistent pattern. The next is by Hoda Kotb (I love her!) called “I Really Needed This Today.” I found this one randomly at Target a few weeks ago, and got a copy for myself and a couple of my friends. Both are set up to read small portions daily, are really encouraging, and are(most importantly) just a breath of fresh air!

Don’t get me wrong, there will be plenty of screen time for the kids, wine and Real Housewives watching going on over here. I just wanted to set a few small goals to try and help my sanity in an uncertain time. Hoping these tips may help some of you! And, PLEEEEEEASE, share yours tips in the comments below.