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?