Well let’s talk about the big elephant in the room! I have chosen to not talk a lot about what’s going on in the world right now, mainly because you all are getting so much information and opinions from the news, FB, social media, friends, etc. and I don’t want to be another place to overwhelm you. I want to continue to bring you design inspiration and DIY projects that you can do during this time and be a positive place you can escape to. But on a personal note, this entire situation has been heavy and hard at times. We are all under so much stress and uncertainty and I really had to dig down deep and find some ways to bring some normalcy to our days at home and make the most of them. SO if you are in the same boat, I wanted to share some of my personal tips for quarantine, aka staying home. The little things I’m doing every day to help my mental health.
My Tips For Quarantine
- Start every day with quiet time. For me it’s reading my devotional, but it could also be meditation or an inspirational book. I have been reading Jesus Calling through this and find a lot of the scripture very relevant.
2. Drink plenty of water. Because we are not in our normal routine of going to the gym and being out and about I noticed I was forgetting to drink water. So after I have my first cup of coffee I make sure to pour a glass of water and take my vitamins. I honestly don’t love the taste of water, so I put nuun tablets in mine for some electrolytes and it helps me get that first glass in!
3. Make my bed! Since we aren’t leaving house, it’s easy to fall into the lazy trap and let the house go and the beds remain messy. Getting myself into a daily routine of making my bed (and having the kids make theirs) helps the house feel tidy and setting us up for a new day. I will admit, the days are already starting to run together and it feels good to set each day over.
4. Along with making my bed, I have made a conscious effort to get myself and the kids ready each day. Even if it’s not until a little later in the morning, it has really helped me feel a sense or normalcy. If you are good with sitting in your PJ’s and relaxing all day, that’s OK too. But for my personality it has helped me a lot. I am the type of person who gets ready for ‘work’ even if I am working for home because it puts me in work mode, so getting ready has helped me feel more normal on these days when we are just at the house. Helps me feel more productive!
5. Put together a project list! If we are going to be spending so much time at home, we are going to make the most of it! I’ve been putting together a list of project that we can here to help pass the time. And you know what, we have actually felt super busy this week starting to tackle everything and it’s been a great distraction. I will be sharing more of my items later this week, but you can start with small organization projects that never get done, tidying loose ends from older projects and starting some outdoor ones for the summer.
6. Enjoy the little moments. In some ways, I have really enjoyed this time with just my family. We are enjoying the slower pace of life, no schedule, no personal to-do lists, or trying to get things done. We’ve had a lot of baking sessions, science experiments, game nights, art projects and cuddle time. Enjoying those moments and being grateful for family has been wonderful.
7. Exercise! Just because gyms are closed doesn’t mean you have to sit on a couch all day. Whether it’s doing yoga in the mornings from a YouTube video, going for a run, Or doing a home workout. Keep your body healthy and your mind off everything. We have been doing family walks and at home CrossFit workouts and it helps!
8. Get more sleep. I will be the first to admit I don’t get enough sleep on a normal basis. But I have been making a conscious effort to go to bed a little earlier, allow them kids and I to sleep in before we start school. Rest is so important.
Hope you all are taking care of yourselves during this time. Are there any routine you have incorporated that help you through each day?
About Taryn Whiteaker
Taryn Whiteaker is the voice of style behind TarynWhiteaker.com (formerly Design, Dining and Diapers) ! Taryn is a previous PR/Marketing professional who got back to her creative roots after becoming a mom and now shares her passion for home decor and design for the world to see. Taryn lives in the greater Seattle area with her husband and three kids and loves coffee, the outdoors, and exploring with her family.
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