It’s the first day of spring. (And my mom’s birthday! Happy bday mom!) First off, how are you guys doing? I know we all have dramatically different life circumstances, but I truly want to know how you are. Please leave a comment with an update.
Feelings of anxiety and nervousness are likely at an all-time high right now. We are lucky to have some social interaction through the internet. When I start to feel the stress creep in or get a little claustrophobic, I go outside. The air is fresh and clean. Instead of viewing the cup half empty during a time of isolation, I’m trying to look at it half full and make a list of family activities we can do as well as other actions to take.
As we took the boys out to a big field near our house last weekend, I started to think of other activities we could still do during this time.
Family Activities During Social Distancing
- Go hiking, fishing, or for a bike ride
- Start a spring garden (assuming you already have tools/supplies on hand)
- Have picnic lunches with the kids in your backyard or an (empty) park
- Host mini olympics for your fam in a field
- Declutter your home
- Make a scavenger hunt for your kids
- Draw with sidewalk chalk and write positive messages and drawings for pedestrians
- Bake cookies
- If you have someone also under isolation to watch the kids, go on an outside date with a picnic.
- Make poster board signs with positive messages to put on your fence or in windows
- Write a years worth of cards and some extras for nice people to send in mail
- Make your Christmas list
- Order a new board game online and learn it as a family
- Try a new home workout or try a new You Tube workout for something you might not be brave enough to do at the gym (like dance fitness or a hip hop class – you should have seen me learning a You Tube Hip Hop class this week – lol!)
Ways to help when you feel helpless:
- Donate to Feeding America or the PB&J Fund (Cville local)
- If you’re local to Cville, this site is a great resource for ways to donate both time and money
- Hand write notes or make photo calls to those who might be feeling lonely
- Visiting with your elderly neighbors through your fence/porch/window/storm door
- Buy gift cards to small businesses to help them stretch through
If your kids need extra emotional support:
My friend David Kalergis is a child and family therapist based out of Charleston, South Carolina. In an effort to support families during this transition of daily life in the home, he has pivoted his sessions to an online face-to-face platform. Using a shared screen, he is engaging children through a number of fun therapeutic lessons, activities, and games to help them be better prepared to deal with the ever changing present. His services are great for both the kiddos AND parents! In addition to providing these lessons, his social media platforms will soon be rolling out free daily information, activity ideas, and 1-minute videos to support families nationwide. Check out his website here and up-and-coming Instagram page here.
Silver linings to this situation:
- My calendar is totally clear. No appointments = more time.
- All the reduced travel and remote working means less driving = less gas = better for the planet, if only temporary.
- We’e all less likely to get any of the other hundred sicknesses that normally go around
- Hygiene habits might stick around for the long term
- Follow Upworthy and the Good News Movement. Lots of good happening when it seems like nothing good is happening.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Glad to see you are coping well! Stay strong, Kath! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Shanae says
It has been a cold rainy for a few days here and this morning we woke up to a decent amount of snow! I am so itching to be able to spend more time outside and to keep the house windows open. Starting to get a little stir-crazy here!
I will also say… I love seeing the generosity of individuals and organizations during this time and think there are definitely a number of other perks to slowing down and being together as families more.
Kath Younger says
Snow! I can’t imagine if this were happening at the beginning of winter. I’m sure we have lots of rainy spring days ahead, but getting outside has been a lifesaver. Agree about the generosity!
The Many Thoughts of a Reader says
So far so good here. Worried about my parents who are wintering out of state. They finally decided to come home early and will start the drive back Monday. A little worried about how that will play out for them and the fact that they have like no food at their house when they return. I’m worried about so many kids who are in situations that are not ideal and for how long???
Jessica says
I just want to say that your blog continues to bring me a lot of joy! My husband and I live in Washington DC and have spent a lot of time in Charlottesville as our go-to weekend getaway from the city – we even got engaged there a few years ago. We were there just last month and the memories of that relaxing time is helping to sustain us during this season of anxiety and stress. Enjoy this extra time with your family, stay healthy both physically and mentally, and thank you for continuing to post uplifting things!
Kath Younger says
Thank you so much! Can’t wait for you to visit again <3
Kelli H says
Definitely feeling stress and anxiety here in California. Mandatory shelter in place for an unknown period of time is scary. Talk of kids not going back to school until next fall breaks my heart. I have friends losing their jobs. It’s so unsettling. On top of all that my family is planning an out of state move to Idaho. My husband leaves next Friday and I have to deal with the movers on my own. Just feeling lots of anxiety. Tried doing some breathing exercises last night and it really helped. I’ve been having lots of digestion issues and headaches. My guess is stress related. I’m also pregnant so that just adds to everything too. It’s hard because we’re trying to say goodbye to family and friends and now no one can see us and we don’t know how long until we’ll be back for a visit. Anyway sorry for the rant! Your blog has continued to bring me joy when I read it in the mornings so thank you.
Kath Younger says
So much of this is out of our control, but there are things we CAN control and we must find peace in that. I’m sorry you have so much to manage at once. I feel very lucky that I didn’t have anything in the immediate future, but this is all so much harder for those of you who are trying to navigate moves, surgeries, births, weddings, and other big life events. Hang in there Kelli!
Kori says
I love your posts and positive voice! These are all excellent ideas. Yesterday, the weather here was incredible, and we nearly reached 80 degrees. I slathered on sunscreen, put on shorts and a tee, and I went out on over an hour long walk. The fact that I could feel that sense of freedom after working in all my PPE at my dialysis clinic was a blessing. I do hope that hand hygiene and community support does continue long after this will be in our past. Sending love to your family.
Kath Younger says
I saw your pic of you in your mask – I am sure the fresh air was much needed. xo.
Allie Stewart says
Hi Kath,
Thanks for asking, genuinely, about how everyone is doing. I am having a hard morning. The coronavirus is a serious, scary, and very real threat here (north of Seattle), and my mom is being admitted for a bilateral mastectomy as I’m typing this. Of course, the virus is impacting the circumstances around the surgery. For one, I’ve been quarantined on my parents’ boat since I got back to the US on Monday. And also, the hospital will accept no visitors. It’s so scary.
I’m not seeking condolences in writing this. This is one of life’s curveballs, and my mom is a resilient, strong, and healthy (besides the breast cancer) woman. And we are ALL suffering right now, in various ways.
By writing this, I wanted to say “Thank you.” Because, just 20 minutes ago, when I got off the phone with my mom and felt SO SAD, I found myself coming here for distraction, comfort, routine, and connection. I’ve been reading since you were pregnant with Mazen, back when I was an undergraduate student. I don’t comment much, but I’d like to.
Almost two years ago, my mom and I took a trip to Charlottesville, inspired by your blog. We both LOVE food and wine. We spent four days trying to check as many of your CVille recs off the list as we could! Three Notch’d, Zocalo, Fridays After Five, Splendora’s, Monticello, Jefferson’s Vineyards, Commonwealth, Sweethaus, Oak Hart Social, Pippin Hill, Citizen Bowl, Veritas, Bodos Bagels, Alley Light, Ace, Tavola, and more. You probably don’t remember, but I actually ran into you at Chaps when I was ordering us some cake batter cones 🙂 I was living in SF at the time and you said your friend was about to move there.
Anyway, ALL this to express appreciation for you and your blog. Thanks for writing. And thanks, in particular, for playing a role (unknowingly) in that amazing trip with my mom. The fun memories and photos bring comfort in times like these.
Take care, stay safe, and keep writing (as long as you want to, of course)!
With love,
Allie
www.becomingallie.com
Allie Stewart says
Gosh, I just realized I wrote an essay 🙂
Kath Younger says
Awwww Allie you brought me to tears!!! I’m SO sorry about your mom, and especially that you can’t be there with her. And I DO remember meeting you!! I’m so glad you guys got to live it up in Cville together. Actually this story is full circle because Chaps was the last place I went in public – one week ago – for a cake batter cone! I’m sending you one virtually right now. Best of luck in your mom’s recovery, and I’m so glad KERF was a place of smiles today.
Megan says
I am so frustrated. Here in southeastern PA (a hot spot, although i know more and more are popping up) I’ve had no known exposure, but symptoms since Monday. I can’t get tested because I’m not high risk. this administration finds new ways to surprise me over and over again, and none of them are good. I’m a small business owner & feeling a lot of uncertainty right now. I’m mostly anxious about my husband and two young children getting sick if this is indeed the virus.
Kath Younger says
Oh nooooo! I hope your symptoms are mild. I think the one good thing about getting it is assuming you have a mild case, once you’re recovered you don’t have to fear it. Wishing you and your fam the best.
Steph says
Thank you for the smiles you inspired with the photos of your darling boys! I’ve been working on a blog post this week and one of the sub-bullet points is called “Silver Linings.” There actually are some positives during this unusual time…more family time (and time in general!) and less pollution are big ones. I’m feeling grateful for the quality time we’re all getting together–great for bonding–especially the siblings. And I don’t miss all my errands and playing chaperone! Stay safe and healthy!
Kath Younger says
Pollution is such a huge one. I saw a map of china during quarantine and it was an incredible difference. Really makes you wonder how we can make remote business a thing for those it’s possible for.
LisaL says
Christmas list, that’s great to start hahahh
Silver lining: saving money on gas since not driving to work anymore or really anywhere also saving money on after school care. Will apply it to my cc debt.
Kath Younger says
There is NO rush hour here anymore. It’s nice!
Amanda says
On a positive note,I have taken up jogging and now up to 2 miles a day which is HUGE for me! Yesterday, I ran because I felt so extremely anxious and cried while I ran. It was very cathartic. I felt better after and it’s helping work off all the cookie calories I’m now consuming :). Thanks for still posting!
Kath Younger says
That is awesome! Endorphins FTW.
LC says
“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” ~Luke 12:22-26
Kath Younger says
Beautiful
Gwen says
I’m thankful that my husband and I are doing well, and now working from home together here in California. I’ve been running outside, and have picked up a crossword puzzle habit to keep myself occupied. Actually planning on making your pumpkin and kale lasagna tonight (the one that you posted way back when Mazen was a baby) we love that recipe! Hope you and your family stay safe and well 🙂
Kath Younger says
I need to make that again too!!
Molly B says
Hard for me to find a positive as a physician – my husband is also a physician and we have a ten month old. We are working harder than ever and worried about our little family. We don’t have backup care nearby and our daycare is closed.
So: I’ll write with a plea. You could add to your list of ways to help- DONATE ANY MASKS AND GLOVES YOU HAVE. We are desperately short on protective equipment but will continue to put ourselves on the front lines despite this.
Thanks for your blog which remains a nice escape.
Kath Younger says
Thanks for being heroes during this scary time
Stephanie says
Hi Kath,
I appreciate all the positive productive ideas. Maybe because I live somewhere where this is highly escalated (100’s of cases) and have different media coverages.. I do wonder if there is misinformation being spread with good intentions. i think amending the verbiage here is important
Self isolating is when you behave as if you have the virus, even if you are asymptomatic. if your family are self isolating there would absolutely be no sitter in your home. . I think you are social distancing (also good! probably what is being recommended there) and keeping your circle close. I also bristled at your ig comments, because they aren’t wrong. I think instead of critiquing your actions .. I ask you to review how you are labelling this practice? The importance is that when your state asks people to self isolate, it’s key they understand what it means. Bc unfortunately escalation seems inevitable based on other cities.
That being said, Being stuck in an apartment suck, please enjoy your backyard! it looks wonderful.
Kath Younger says
We are social distancing here in Virginia, as the title of the post suggested. That said, I haven’t been anywhere in public or within 6 feet of anyone outside since schools closed.
Carolyn says
Need more indoor activity ideas! For some of us (in Minnesota), the weather is still pretty cold for the next month!
Shannon says
You are doing a great job keeping your content relevant and not tone deaf. We are doing ok, I worry about my 4 year old who is so used to a daily routine of daycare during the week. We’ve decided to try out a schedule starting today, which of course is challenging. I do at home workouts when I can and go for a run which helps a lot, also when I can. My husband and I talked about this being our new reality for a while and we want to thrive not just survive.