Holy moly, friends. I don’t know about you, but recently it feels like the world has gone topsy turvy. As I write this, I’ve been home with our boys for 41 days practicing social distancing.

First, let me say how deeply grateful I am to have a home where we feel safe and can ride out the pandemic. That coupled with a steady income and healthy family and friends, all things considered, we’re doing really well.

But, that doesn’t change the fact that our new normal is very different than before and comes with its own new set of challenges (like parenting a 2 year old and 10 month old without any outside help, ha!). Generally speaking, I’ve found this time to be a rollercoaster. Some days I feel like we’ve totally got this, while other days I just feel a little down or overwhelmed. If you’re having a similar experience, I thought I’d share some of the things that have been helping.

Whats helping:

• Regular texts and phone calls with the people I love. This seems obvious, I’m sure, but it’s so helpful. Stay in contact and love each other well.
• Getting outside! If you’re fortunate enough to have access to somewhere outside to walk and get fresh air, while practicing safe social distancing, do it up. The days I get outside are always better than the days I don’t.
• Make your bed. Seriously. Just make it. It’ll help. I promise you. If I’m wrong, you’ll mess it up again at bedtime!
• Give permission to show yourself grace. I’ve definitely eaten more ice cream and chocolate than normal, but I’m okay with it. I’m being kind to myself and allowing some small comforts that aren’t normally part of my routine.
• On the flip side, the majority of the time eat foods that bless your body. That make you feel strong, and bright, and full. Not heavy and gross.
• Prioritize moving your body. It could be doing bodyweight exercises via YouTube or Aaptiv, taking a class with Shiny Happy Yoga, or going for a walk, but make it a priority in your day. There are so many benefits to joyfully moving your body, but for me personally, it’s all about my mental and emotional health. I can process and work through just about anything if I’m given the chance to run or sweat it out.
• Leave time for fun! My husband recently bought his first new Xbox since he was 16 years old, and at night we’ve really been enjoying what we call “together alone time.” He puts on his gaming headphones and plays Xbox, and I put a show on my phone and sew facemasks, do an Artsyville coloring page, write letters to friends, paint watercolors (Shayda Campbell on YouTube has been really fun to learn from!), you name it. That’s our “me time” to do whatever it is we want or need to do in order to clear our heads and be the best partners and parents we can be.
• Practice gratitude. My Start Today Journal has never been more important. Counting my blessings each and every day helps immeasurably. And writing down my 10 biggest goals keep me motivated to move forward each day. Better and stronger, day after day.

And finally, and most importantly if you ask me, be diligent about what you feed your mind. Did you hear that? For the people in the back, one more time. Protect what goes into your mind the same way you protect your physical self. Sure, you could watch CNN 24/7, but I can tell you from experience that it doesn’t help. In fact, it might make you feel more anxious and generally freaked out. Instead, stay informed (for the love of all things holy, stay informed and don’t be dumb), but after you’ve digested the amount of news you need – change the channel, put down your phone, just learn what you need and then stop. Switch gears. Put something positive, uplifting, or encouraging on. Here are some places I’ve been finding joy and confidence!

• Some Good News – Watch it! You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll want to speak in a Boston accent. Trust me. This is time very well spent.
• Rise Podcast – Let R Money herself speak some fire into your soul, and maybe even join the upcoming Rise LIVE event. All the fire of Rise…in your freaking living room. See you there!
• Music – ALL THE MUSIC! Feeling stuck? Blast your favorite song and rock out. This Pentatonix remix of Daft Punk has been a favorite in our home this week. I dare you to dance all out and not feel better afterwards. Stop overthinking it. Nobody is watching. Just do it!

Above all, friends, be kind to one another. Lift each other up. Thank all the people in your life who are making a difference. And be grateful for all you have. Give to those in need, whether it’s financially or with your time or expertise. Spread joy. Make someone smile.

I’d love to know what’s been helping you during this season. Drop a comment below to share your insight!

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