A lot of plans are being changed, cancelled, and delayed right now with what’s going on in the world. I don’t handle not having a plan well. I’m the definition of a planner. I have almost every aspect of my life planned that I can. I’ve been a ball of anxiety for the past week. I saw all of the plans I made and all of my friends’ plans falling apart around me and my heart broke and started to race at the same time. I watched my best friend’s wedding get cancelled. I watched friends’ jobs get taken away with no promise for when they’ll be able to go back. I see fear in the eyes of my friends who work in healthcare. I was told that I can’t treat my sweet OT kiddos until at least mid-April, but I have a feeling it will be longer. There’s a lot of unknowns that everyone is facing and it’s scary. I would be lying if I said I haven’t cried this week as things have unfolded and I’m sure I’m not the only one. My heart breaks for the brides who won’t have the weddings they planned. My heart breaks for families who are going without. My heart breaks for the healthcare workers.
It would be really easy to be angry. Instead I pray everyone focuses on what they can control, even if it’s something small. I pray that even though times are tough, we’ll be tougher and will come out stronger when this is over. I pray that everyone does their part to stay healthy and to keep others healthy too. I pray that people use this time to slow down and see what is truly important in life. I pray we never take the simple things in life for granted ever again. I pray that our healthcare employees stay safe and healthy.
In the meantime, let’s try to find the good in this. Let’s try to stay positive and productive. Sitting at home binging Netflix can only last so long before you start to go insane. I have a to-do list of things I’m trying to do every day to keep me busy and another list of things that I won’t do daily, but will help pass the time as this continues. I’ll list both below incase there’s anything that catches your eye and will help you stay busy and stay positive too.
Daily to-do list:
1. Workout- I try to move my body every day for at least 30 minutes. There’s tons of gyms and fitness coaches on Instagram and Facebook that are doing daily home-friendly workouts each day. Some are charging to use their services, but some are completely free! My gym, Powerworks Fitness, is charging $15 a month for non-members to have access to their multiple live virtual classes per month. This is a great way to keep yourself healthy and support a small business. If you don’t have it in your budget to pay for access to online classes, Tyler Cameron and Hannah Brown (where are my Bachelor/Bachelorette fans at?!) stream a live workout with a group of their friends on Instagram each day at 2 pm EST. I’m sure there are many more like them on social media, but they’re the only ones I’ve found so far.
2. Read- I try to read at least one chapter in my book each day. It’s something that can pass time other than watching TV and Netflix. I have a feeling that many of us will be going through a lot more than one chapter per day, so I’ll put together a list of my favorite books and share the list of books that were recommended to me at the beginning of 2020 for everyone to have access to. Coming soon!
3. Work my Rodan + Fields business- I’ve never been more thankful for a home based/online business than I am right now. I don’t have the option to work from home with my OT job and I’m beyond thankful this will help me get through this time. I know I’m beyond lucky to have something to fall back on, so I make sure I find time for it every day. If you have a home based or online business, please don’t be afraid to work it right now. Don’t be rude or boastful about it during this time and work it sensitively and with class, but keep doing it. Be proud of what you have.
4. Get outside (weather permitting)- Sunshine is medicine to me. It makes me beyond happy. It makes me even happier if it’s paired with warm weather. I plan to walk Rory every day that the weather will let me. Riding bikes and jogging are also some great options if you don’t have a dog to walk.
5. Spend more quality time with my family- This is one I hope everyone’s doing! Life is usually so busy, so I’m making a point to use this unexpected free time to be with my family either in person or over the phone if they’re someone farther away or someone I need to keep my distance from to protect them while this virus is a risk.
6. Practice gratitude- Each morning I write down at least 5 things I’m grateful for from the day before. I tried to do this every day before all of this craziness started, but I think it’s even more important right now. I use the Hollis Company’s Start Today Journal, but all you need is a simple sheet of paper and something to write with.
Other to-do list:
1. Deep clean the house.
2. Clean out the closet and donate any clothes/shoes I don’t wear regularly.
3. Reorganizing all closets after cleaning them out.
4. Have FaceTime or Zoom dates with my friends- A great way to see people’s faces and stay in touch while things are locked down!
5. Do online continuing ed courses for OT.
6. Self care- I’m trying to take a little extra time once or twice a week to do something that I don’t do regularly that make me happy and fill my cup.
I hope these are helpful and hope you stay healthy, both mentally and physically during this time!
