Our lives right now are all about staying home as much as possible, keeping our family and ourselves safe, and trying to contain our worry in a worrisome time. H4TG staff are right there with you trying to figure out how to navigate this new daily (temporary) normal! We'd like to share with you some of the ideas that have worked for us when it comes to de-stressing, figuring out how to work from home efficiently, managing kids, working in some sort of fun time, and more.
How in the world do you not go crazy sitting at home, confined with your family all the time in a small space (I love them, but who knew my hubby could chew loud enough that I can hear him from anywhere in the house?!), while still keeping the household running, the chores done, the kids' homework done, the animals walked/fed, your job tasks completed, and the cows milked? Ok, so I don't have cows, but the other stuff is legit. I am an introvert by nature (weird job choice for me, right?), so the staying home isn't bugging me -- it's the NEVER ALONE part that is difficult. I love my husband and son, but I am absolutely not used to them being in my space all day, every day (well, almost every day - my husband is required to go into work 2 days a week). What's a girl to do?Here are a few ways this introvert is carving out some ME (away from YOU) time over the past several weeks:
- I've designated our guest room as the escape room. This is where any of us can go to get away without being disturbed. When the door is closed, the rest of the family knows that the person inside needs to not see your face for a bit. We've fixed up the inside to be as relaxing as possible.
- I've been going on a walk by myself here and there. While it's been great having family walks, I've decided it's okay to take the dog and (in the kindest way possible) not invite anyone to come along.
- I hate working outside, but it sure is an easy way to keep (at least my son) from wanting to tag along! Pulling weeds in the peace and quiet is ALMOST not a chore!
- I started having baths again, versus showers. Who ever had time for a bath? Not me! Though my job still keeps me busy, I've decided that adding a bath-time back to my life (which I used to love as a teeneager) is a really good way to unwind a little bit. Keeping clean doesn't always have to be a chore. Throw some candles and music in there, and it's like a scene from a movie!
-Desiree Parker, Communications Manager