DO YOU PLAN STAY-AT-HOME DAYS?

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.

The pandemic requires everyone to self isolate. Do you plan your Stay At home Days
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we live our lives.

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.

Do You Plan Your Stay At Home Day? Try doing jigsaw puzzles.
Plan Your Stay At Home Days with jigsaw puzzles to help your brain.

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?