I continually find myself feeling as though I am stuck in some type of bad dream and waiting to wake up. As a nation and world, we are living in extremely uncertain and unprecedented times.
As things continue to change on a daily basis, I am struggling to find normalcy for myself and my family. I realize the utter importance of creating structure in our new realty at home.
As many of our day to day activities continue to come to a screeching halt, anxiety levels are high as our children don't understand what is happening. Creating the structure and routine at home will be crucial in easing these anxieties and creating calm.
Our childrens school will start virtual learning this week. My husband's unit is on a work from home schedule. My work has changed dramatically. My kids just started their spring sports and those are now on hold. We are all feeling like our world is turning upside down as we and everyone else is stocking up on groceries, dog food, cleaning supplies, medicines, you name it. It can be a scary time for us and our children who thrive on routine.
I think about families who were making plans to PCS this spring. Or, families waiting for a loved one to return from deployment. What does their life look like right now? The uncertainty, the timing, the unknown. How do they feel? Those times are stressful enough, I can't even imagine the heightened stress now. How do we now plan? Will it be a last-minute panic? There are many unanswered questions.
As I try to wrap my brain around the changing environment, we all live in, I wonder how can I create some normalcy for my family, myself? What is my game plan? (This may apply more to families with school age children).
Here are my thoughts and please share yours in the comments below. We could all use some suggestions during this time.
GET A PLAN
My initial thought, I need to start with a day to day plan. I plan to sit down and write out what the next week will look like. I plan to do one week at a time since it's ever changing.
My plan will look something like this: wake up, make beds, eat breakfast, virtual learning for kids, work for me, lunch break, exercise break (get outdoors), afternoon school/work, outdoor break, games, dinner, tv, shower bed. Whoa.....repeat.
I think if I can create some type of control of the situation and routine it will help me not feel as though everything is out of control. So, as silly as it sounds, I plan to write up a daily routine for our family.
BUSINESS AS USUAL MENTATLITY
Yes, it's fun to have a lazy day. But, to get through this for the long haul without losing our minds, everyday must have a plan and purpose. Create a business as usual environment at home. Keep the morning routine as normal as possible by continuing to wake up at a decent hour, get dressed and make the beds. Consider Monday to Friday work and school time as normal. This will help us to continue our routine as we know it.
EXERCISE
Exercise is crucial in our household for stress relief. I plan to continue exercise everyday and make sure my kids get at a minimum 30 minutes of exercise. Whether it's going for walk or playing catch or basketball, it's important.
If you are looking for ways to continue to get exercise at home get outdoors and go for a run or walk, the fresh air will help! Or, check out streaming workouts. You can find some free workouts on YouTube. Or, check out one of the many streaming workout companies online. One or my favorite streaming workout companies is Studio Sweat on Demand. I have heard of local gyms offering their classes online as well. Do some research.
You can also join HEADSPACE for free as a military family via Blue Star Families. This is a mindfulness app which is amazing and could be very helpful during this stressful time for families.
SCHOOL & WORK FROM HOME
Much of the nation's schools is on a virtual learning schedule. This will be huge in maintaining normalcy. It will put more load on families but will be so beneficial for our kids. Some online learning companies are offering free online classes during this time to help kids continue to learn from home. One of those companies is Scholastic.
Many companies have moved to a work from home schedule or closed completely. I think the biggest challenge is finding ways for the family to all work from home together. This will just take time to figure out routine.
ENJOY THIS UNEXPECTED TIME WITH FAMILY
If we don't kill each other first, we need to remember to enjoy this time together. I'm pretty certain it will be a time we will never forget as a family. Take time to play games, go for walks, do some art, think up some new projects, grow a garden, read new books, watch new movies, cook new recipes, download audio book. We must get creative in these times.
We also will be limiting screen time for the kids. You can go into their settings and limit anything you would like on their phone so you can help monitor and control screen time.
I thought this was a fantastic idea---visit twelve famous museums virtually.
HELP THOSE IN NEED
This is a very difficult time for those that cannot afford to stock up on supplies or food. It is also a tough time for those that have weakened immune systems and don't feel safe going to the grocery stores. This is a huge opportunity to help those in need. We can teach our children a great lesson in coming together as a community during difficult times. We have opportunities in our community to prepare meals for those in need or run errands. Consider these opportunities.
TAKE IT DAY BY DAY
Our world will be very different for a while. We must work hard to stay positive, keep routine and take it day by day. It's all we can do. If every day has a purpose, it will make things feel much more normal for you and your family. As we keep hearing, these are unprecedented times and that can create much anxiety. Having a plan, routine, schedule can help tremendously, especially for children.
Hugs to everyone, please don't hesitate to reach out if you need any support. We are here for you.
Best,
Jennifer~Founder MilitaryBridge.com
.png)
