It is a crazy world we are living in right now. A quickly spreading virus has literally shut the world down! It’s easy to become overwhelmed with anxiety and fear with all the social media posts, daily news reports and extensive distance from our loved ones.
Here are 4 ways to stay intact as an individual and as a family during this worldwide crisis:
- Check on yourself.
You may have started neglecting the necessary things that would normally boost your mood. Don’t neglect yourself! Get up in the morning with purpose, get dressed and stay active. Being forced to stay home can be a little daunting, but look at it more as time to be still and chill. see what I did there. lol Accept it and all the feelings that come with it, then address it.
Ways to truly understand what you are feeling:
- Write it out on paper
- Cry it out in the shower (crying is cleansing)
- Talk it out with your partner or best friend.
Understanding your feelings and accepting those feelings gives you room to learn more about yourself and truly connect within. We can’t always fight off our anxiety, depression or moodiness; and in my opinion, that could do more harm than good to force yourself to do so without proper steps. The goal is to acknowledge it (I see you -anxiety, I understand you -depression and I’m going to do something about it -moodiness). These are all examples, you may experience other emotions, but they are all valid. After we acknowledge our emotions, we then make a choice/plan to move from there.
Don’t stay there long, we have a life to live! Although we are in the house, each day is still passing by. Make it count! I believe in you!
- Check on your spouse
Date night is on a permanent hold! Or is it? No, you can’t go to the movies or out to dinner. But, you can go to your livingroom and Netflix and chill. You can also have quiet time where you check in with each other.
- How are you feeling?
- Anything I can do to help you more?
- Anything you want to talk about?
- What do you want to do once this is over?
- Let’s take a walk.
- Would you like to read a book together?
- Wanna go upstairs… or not?
There are so many questions and things you can talk about. Just make time for each other, plan together, hug and kiss each other. Keep uplifting, encouraging and inspiring each other. Take on a new project together.
You can still leave that sweet note in hubby’s lunch box, well… next to his lunch. You can still bring some flowers home or pick them from outside.
Don’t lose sight of each other. Let them know you see them and that you are there for them.
- Check on your kids
Oh, boy! I don’t know about you, but my kids have run me all the way crazy! I’ve caught myself yelling more and I had to immediately check myself and apologize. Not only am I going through this, my kids are too. All of a sudden their world has halted from library visits, park fun and play dates. As the adult, I had to explain the importance of staying secluded for now while trying to make life a little exciting for them!
We play all kind of games, do all kinds of crafts, go outside, ride bikes and read books. I check in on Malia (my oldest baby) once a day to make sure she’s not sad and of course, I give unlimited hugs and kisses.
One thing for sure, kids are honest. She will tell me she is bored in a heartbeat. But, I’ve also had to explain to my 4 year old about personal time.
It’s no secret that what the world is experiencing now is hard and forever life changing.
Parents, you’re doing a good job!
- Call a Family Meeting
After checking in with yourself, call a family meeting. Whether you all live under the same roof or not, contact your family and schedule a time that works for everyone. It does not have to be super long, but it’s intended to check on each other and be heard. You can ask questions like:
- How are you doing?
- Anything on your mind you want to talk about?
- Anything bothering you?
- How do you feel about the coronavirus pandemic?
- Are you getting enough alone time?
- What was the best part of your day, today?
Everyone has free range to speak about whatever they want to talk about. It’s important to actively listen and comment when necessary. Family meetings are fun, a great way to bond and join in unity as one. We must be supportive, compassionate and non-judgmental to get through this tough time together. Have your family meeting and feel free to stop back by to share how it went or the questions asked.
Be safe, stay encouraged and know that this too shall pass.
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Jasmine
Live Happi Girl
Great read Jaz!!!! I can say I had to catch myself a couple times… yelling at Layla. Once I get myself together.. I do apologize. But overall this is a great time to be with family and work on things you have been wanting to work on!
I agree! Soak in all that time with your mommy!
Great read! I’m definitely getting more agitated but trying to calm it down. We are trying to reverse the stress and focus on the boys and getting things done around here. We did a call around to check up on family but we do ask for them to keep distance until this mess is resolved! Let’s keep sanity alive and well!
I’m sure the family appreciates you giving them a call and thinking of them. Stay lifted Katie. This too shall pass mama. <3