This is certainly not a year we are bound to forget. Just a mere Christmas and New Year's Day ago, Covid-19 was not on our radar. However, panicking is not the answer as we can clearly see, for it causes ripple effects of hardship for everyone. It's time to stop the panic response and instead go about calmly and commonsensical, helping each other out. Otherwise, it's just a never-ending circle of less than attractive human behaviour that impacts on everyone.
Self-imposed isolation is on the forefront as a smart way to stop the virus from spreading to protect yourself and others, with hygiene definitely topping the list. Get all the deets and stay informed on the government website with up to date information. Keep the page open on your computer so you can check in on this pandemic and stay abreast of the latest, and also check on the symptoms and how the virus spreads. The Royal Melbourne Hospital also has rolling updates for the community as does the Department of Health and Human Services.
The human psyche is such that; we are happy to stay home in isolation and have time to ourselves, days on end, enjoying me time. However, the moment we are told we have to stay home, all hell breaks loose within, and in some, panic and anxiety may set in, and we feel the need to break out of the inactivity of just chilling. Don't panic, keep calm and carry on. Engage, connect, stay positive and challenge yourself to make the most of uncertain times. It's times like these that that puts the focus on what's really important in life.
There's more than ourselves to think about, so get the ball rolling and add to the list of things to do for families of all ages. Share your ideas. Social media is the obvious tool of engagement to check on the elderly and all family members and friends. Reading, television, movies online, podcasts, having a sticky beak on those you follow on Instagram, Twitter and the likes are the obvious go-to to keep your mind off things. However engaging these pursuits are, it can also isolate those around you. Let us count the ways we can share the love and stay connected; to learn more about each other, forge stronger bonds, practice the art of conversation and truly be present in the lives of each other, especially our loved ones. This time could well be the building block for forging better and more meaningful relationships.
All of the above suggestions are not even close to a complete list of things to do and all are interchangeable, but it gives you a head start to keep on adding fun activities to the list. There are so many ideas to access via YouTube, the Library and so on. There are also a lot of great websites with ideas for things to do. Kidspot is filled with amazing suggestions and games to play for the young ones and so has Frugal Fun for boys and girls.
We have too much to distract our minds that sometimes, taking a drive to a quiet spot and being outdoors could be the answer, especially for those living in apartments, and there is no garden to escape to. Let us know how you're occupying your time and share your tips on how to cope with a situation that involves the whole human race.
Jen you're the best! Like most people, I'm feeling a little anxious, but reading your wise words really helped...and the useful tips about things to do with kids could be a lifesaver for us! We're not quite sure how we'll be passing the time together yet, but can keep you updated if we come up with some good ideas. Hope you're managing ok!
