Do you plan your Stay-At-Home Days?  For the first three decades of my life, everything was planned for me. From the age of five through 21, I was a student. I didn’t have to make any decisions as to how I spent my time.  Go to class, study, recreation, sleep.  The pattern repeated itself every day, for years. 

After college, the routine changed, but my days followed a pattern.  Work, recreation, sleep.  Next came  marriage and children:  Filling my daytime hours wasn’t a problem:  Cook, clean, take care of children, recreation, sleep.  That all changed when my lst husband had a meltdown, and I went to work. Managing  a hospital department while raising three children under ten required a whole lot of planning.  For the next twenty some years,  I made to do lists every single day.  After retiring, I was involved in activities and responsibilities that still required plans and lists.

And then,  the coronavirus hit,  No activities to participate in, or people to see.  The doldrums set in.  I felt tired and aimless.  After a few days, it dawned on me.  This wasn’t going to end soon.  I had to make some plans.

My days needed structure.  I couldn’t just lie around and wait for the pandemic to end.  Although   I couldn’t attend my tai chi classes or go swimming now, I still needed exercise.  How would I keep  my mind sharp.?  Visiting with family or friends was out.   Nor could I take any trips—not even to Indy.  What in the world would I do?

First, I would not stay in bed until noon.  We had always gotten out of bed around 8:30 to have coffee and read the paper.  That would continue.  But no lolling around in pajamas all day.   Getting dressed, fixing my hair, and a little lipstick made me feel normal, and more energetic.

Things to incorporate into my new life:  Reading more books, via kindle.  Spring Cleaning with a vengeance.  Not just washing some windows, but curtains, walls, cabinets.  Cleaning out closets and drawers.  Exercise.   On  rainy days, when I can’t walk outside, I  get my exercise with the dreaded spring cleaning.  You can burn a bunch of calories that way. Since restaurants are closed, it was time for me to experiment with new recipes.   I could play bridge and online. It’s not as much fun as playing with real live people, but it gives you a little entertainment.  My husband ordered some jigsaw puzzles ( Did you know they challenge your brain?.}   Weeding my garden like it’s never been weeded before.  Planting flowers.    Cleaning out my files and drawers.  Writing checks and paying bills.  Sending birthday cards.

Sample daily schedule:

8:30: Make coffee, read the newspaper (home delivery)

9:00  Do morning stretch exercises

9:15   Light breakfast.  Make bed, turn on computer, check e mail and other online favorite websites.

10:00  Start project for the day:  cleaning, gardening, writing, etc..  One day a week, go to grocery store (wearing mask, gloves, glasses).

12:00  Lunch

12:30  15 minutes of unfiltered sunshine (weather permitting)

12:35  Paperwork:  paying bills, filing, writing cards,

1:30   Put in a load of laundry or write blog.

2:00  Walk in park, weather permitting

3:00  Fold laundry or finish blog.

3: 15 Bridge online,or help husband with jig saw puzzles

4:00  Tai chi (3 short exercises)

4:15  Personal care:  Hair,  nails, etc.

5:00  Start planning dinner

6:00 Dinner

6:30 Watch news

7:00 Clean kitchen

The rest of the evening is pure relaxation:   Meditating, Netflix streaming,  favorite TV shows, or more reading.  A warm bath, then bed around 11:00.

The schedule is subject to change at any time,  to allow  for telephone calls. These are usually spontaneous, and can’t be planned.

And so, after 8 weeks of self-isolation, I’m busier than ever.   Do you plan your stay-at-home days during the Covid 19 crisis?