The world is a different place right now for most of us. With the threat of Covid19 and the need for mass self-isolation and social distancing we find ourselves with a lot more time on our hands. I have read lots of blogs and articles on how to work from home and what to do with the kids during this time. But what about those who are retired and live alone or with a significant other? There are no kids around to distract, there is no work to do. So now what?
If this is you, then this post if for you! I have asked my friends, family and clients who are in that same situation what they are doing and they shared some great ideas.
Stay Connected
For the most part now a days most of you have a phone, tablet and or computer. This is a great time to learn to expand what you can do with them and how to stay connected with friends and family.
Here are some connection Ideas:
if you are not already on this is a great time to join and connect with family and friends. It is a great way to see what everyone is up to…you don’t need to be the one posting much but can stay in the loop of what your loved ones are doing.
Facebook Groups- I know friends who have created specific Facebook groups for just family and friends so they can share privately pictures, videos, jokes, trivia, stories, recipes and more. There are thousands of groups for every interest too so you can connect with people who are interested in the same things are you - cooking, knitting, sports, photography and well everything!
Facetime/Zoom or Messenger Video Chat
Part of my family had a virtual wine party the other night, my parents in Cap Pele, my sister and brother in law in Blue Rocks NS, my niece in New Zealand, my nephew and his family and myself here in Moncton. All together to chat and laugh virtually on Zoom, it was a lot of fun. (check out zoom and learn to use it if you can, it’s being used for a LOT of online connection at this time)
Read your grandkids a story through video chats
Check in face to face with people to make sure they are okay
If you are on a board or involved in an organization, stay connected with them through video meetings.
Old Fashion Call
I know some people who will sit back and wait for someone to call them. I remember having a conversation with my grandma one day when I was feeling bad for not calling her more often…he response was ‘Well I have a finger too and know how to use the phone’ so I should call you too. So stop waiting for someone else to call you and pick up that phone and call them. I promise most people will be thrilled with the call.
I have an extroverted friend who was in self quarantine after a trip and was in need of connection. She decided to call at least one person a day who lived alone and may want someone to chat with. She was thrilled with the result of each call, chatting with those that may not have too many people to talk to, listening to stories and making others laugh. Those on both sides of those phone calls felt so much better after.
Spring Cleaning and Organizing - You all know I had to add this one right?
With all this down time it is a great time to do all those tasks you always say you have no time for. If you want some assignements and ideas join my 50 Day Challenge for 50 days of small tasks to tackle. http://www.kaossolutions.com/big-50-challenge
Here are a few quick ideas:
Clean out the fridge and freezer. Take inventory while you go and plan a menu to use up all those things that have been waiting to be eaten (if they are still good). Here is a video of my organized fridge and freezer for some ideas.
Tackle that closet, basement or spare room if you are up to it (set aside a space for all those things you will donate so you can drop them off when things open again)
Pictures – it’s a great time to organize those pictures and maybe even get them into digital form. Make sure you organize those digital ones too.
Paper Organizing – who doesn’t have a few files that need purged and shredded.
Keep You Mind Sharp
A challenged mind stays sharp so try to keep your mind working while secluded at home.
Ideas:
Play games and cards – even if they are just solitary.
Wordsearch, Soduko, Crosswords
Read
Puzzles
Virtual games can be fun too – a few of the favourites apps – Wordscapes, Lumosity and Elevate – brain training.
Online Puzzles- J E Puzzles FB group https://www.facebook.com/groups/441664023144618/
Alicia Marie Puzzles - https://www.facebook.com/Alicia-Marie-Puzzles-110356163802167
Embrace Music
Studies show that listening to music can benefit overall well-being, help regulate emotions, and create happiness and relaxation in everyday life.
So go listen to some music
If you play an instrument then go play or go learn how! There are lots of programs and Youtube videos to help you learn.
Turn up the tunes and Dance, it's great for the body and the spirit.
Try listening to some new stuff, expand your listening.
Write a song - get your creative hat on and revamp a song with your own word for fun! My aunt Pierrette loves music so she wrote a song about the Covid19 check it out here.
Learn Something New
There is SO much stuff out there that you can learn. My dad taught me that as long as you are alive you can continue to learn. So why not take this time to immerse yourself in learning something new.
My dad learned to use zoom because he is a consummate learner. Due to this pandemic all the Seniors courses he was going to do this spring were cancelled…so he is now looking for learning online. He is currently participating in online Art Lectures.
There is a LOT to pick from.
There are a lots of places to look for free stuff, start with a Google or Youtube search for a topic you are interested in.
Learn a new language
Play new card games
Take up a new craft or hobby
Learn more about how to use your computer/tablet and things it can do.
Share Your Memories and Ideas
You have done lots of living and I am sure you have loads of stories to tell. Nows is a great time write them down.
Write down your stories -
memories from childhood, favourite games growing up, your first kiss, first date, sibling sotries, favourite meals, favourite time of the year.
Press record on your phone and video yourself telling family stories.
My dad LOVES to tell stories and has so many pieces of wisdom to share. We have encouraged him to record those stories and share them with us. I'll share one with with you sometime!
If you have trouble doing this yourself, ask someone to interview. Maybe one of your kids or grandkids or a friend who can bring the fun out in you!
Don't worry about them being perfect, just do it!
Embrace Your Creative Side
If you are a creative embrace that and allow yourself to create. Creativity is not about the end result or even finishing stuff…it’s all about the process, the fun and the freedom. It’s about just being and doing!
Do your crafts or learn a new one
Paint
Take pictures
learn how to create cool pictures and collages. If you want to do it online Canva is one of my favourite tools for creating.
One of my good friends has a crafting group that always got together one afternoon a week…during this time they have embraced technology and get together on Zoom to continue to craft together and chat.
Get Your Hands Dirty
Nature is a great way to get grounded and reduce stress. This year might be a great year to start a garden if you don’t already have one. Even a few planters on a patio can feel great.
You can order seedlings to get you started online and have them delivered to you.
If mobility is an issue, there are lots of raised planters and beds available to make it easy to reach.
It is proven that getting close to nature can promote positive mindset. So embrace the dirt and have some fun.
Keep Your Body Strong
It is easy to fall into a slump and forget to take care of yourself during isolations but it's important to take care of you.
Keep moving
Walk if you can even if you can't go far
Dust off that treadmill and get on
Follow an online exercise class
Stretch those muscles
Eat healthy
I hear the groans now lol. I know eating and baking is a favorite pastime when we are bored. Baking is a comfort task for me. The problem is I don’t have a house full of people to share those baked goods with so I am trying hard to resist doing too much so I don’t gain too much during this time.
One great idea is to try some new healthy recipes. Get creative!
If you can’t resist that baking then at least break up the goodies and freeze the excess for a time when you can share!
BREATHE
I can't stress how important it is to just take the time to breathe through this all. When you find yourself overwhelmed, turn off all the news and just take a moment to just breathe! The pause is important to regroup and move forward.
Wishing you all peace and love!
xox Kim
