Positive Things You Can Do for Yourself and Your Family During Coronavirus Quarantines

Whether you’re on day 2 or day 8 of staying home, you are likely feeling both anxious and stir-crazy. You might have too much company (kids bouncing off the walls in small spaces) or feel a lack of companionship. Whatever the case is for you, we hope these ideas help you pass your days with less stress and more enjoyment.

Boost your immunity

Following are proven ways to boost your immunity.

• Eat immune-boosting foods: While we’re not against some comfort food in times like this, fresh green veggies, berries, citrus fruits, nuts, shellfish, garlic, ginger, and chicken soup all offer benefits for your immune system.
• Exercise daily. Being physically active is critical to fending off illness—and even as little as 30 minutes a day of brisk walking can boost your immune system. If you are unable to find a socially distanced way to walk or take a run, take advantage of the plethora of workout videos on YouTube, from vintage Jazzercise to yoga to HIIT.
• Practice stress reduction. Stress weakens the immune system, so it’s important to be watchful of your stress levels in times like this. Simple breathing exercises can help, and if time allows, consider adding a daily meditation to your routine.
• Get enough sleep. Sleep and the circadian system have been proven to be “strong regulators of immunological processes.” Even if you don’t have to jump up and run to work for the time being, set a bedtime for yourself and make sure you get about eight hours of shut-eye.

Diversify your entertainment options

Look beyond Netflix and Hulu for other ways to entertain you and your family members.

• Take a virtual trip to the zoo or aquarium. The San Diego Zoo’s webcams are sure to provide soothing and family-friendly entertainment. If you prefer to go under the sea, try exploring the Georgia Aquarium from home. For a daily dose of cute, check out the Shedd Aquarium’s Facebook to watch resident animals explore exhibits during daily, adorable field trips.
• Take in an opera. New York’s Metropolitan Opera is currently streaming performances online so you can enjoy shows from home. You might even consider dressing up and making a night of it!
• Stream Broadway. Not everyone loves opera, but there’s bound to be a Broadway show that will pique your interest. You can stream shows in high-definition via this service.
• Enjoy museum coloring books. Coloring is soothing for people of all ages, and it doesn’t just have to be cartoon characters. Museums around the world have released art that you can download here. Another option is watching Kennedy Center Artist In Residence Mo Willems doodle!
• Try an at-home spa day. Painting each other’s nails, trading massages, deep conditioning hair, making avocado face masks, and more are a great way to occupy a Saturday at home.

Kondo your environment

Cleaning out that junk drawer or organizing a closet can bring a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

• Consider adding 15 minutes a day of tidying to your family routine.
• Favor simple projects. Unless you are alone and have tons of time on your hands, it’s best to pick simple, finite projects that will take ½ hour or less. It will give you a sense of accomplishment and improve your space while avoiding an exhausting project.
• All ages can participate. Even little kids can categorize items and say which toys they want to give away to others.

Take up a new (or old) hobby

Hobbies, particularly meditative ones, can be very beneficial in times like this.

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• Knitting or crochet. It’s inexpensive, requires little to get started, and is fairly easy to learn. You can find online tutorials or consider calling an older friend or relative for tips!
• Wood carving. The idea might call up images of 1850 and grandpas by the fireside, but wood carving is equally satisfying today. With just a few simple tools, you can get started. You might even have some branches of wood in your yard that are large enough to be fashioned into small items, such as a toy or spoon.
• Plant a garden. Even if your space is limited, getting a few things growing in containers can be very satisfying. It’s also an excellent project for children.

We hope these ideas add a positive boost to your life over the next few weeks while we all do our part to reduce the spread of coronavirus. We also encourage you to stay in touch with us via Facebook and Instagram for more news and ideas!