Coping During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Y’all “Dat Rona” is crazy. It has taken me this long just to process what is happening. My kids have been home from school for over a week now. I’m drowning in the weight of all the aftermath of this virus hitting our neck of the woods.
Trips had to be canceled and funerals postponed. Restaurants have closed dining rooms. Parents have become at-home educators for their children, while libraries have closed their doors locking all the books away! Salons have had to cut back hours instead of hair. So many live-events are canceled that provide a livelihood to so many. Construction and remodeling jobs are delayed. Weddings and births are even missed. Guys, it’s bonkers. My heart is so burdened for those that may lose their incomes yet still have bills rolling in. I can’t even begin about the elderly and those with low immune systems. The weight of it all is so heavy. We are all facing loss. Things big and small need to be grieved. Emotionally and mentally this whole situation is reminding me of the 3 months of loss I went through a few years ago.
Unexpected Gift
On Monday I went to Trader Joe’s to buy groceries. They shortened their hours instead of opening at 8 am they opened at 9 am. When I arrived at 9:05 am the parking lot was already full, so I had to wait for a spot. By the time I made it to the frozen vegetable aisle most of the freezers were already empty. I know I’m not alone in this. I see posts from friends all over the country where the store shelves are completely empty.
As I was checking out, the girl that was bagging my groceries handed me a free bouquet of flowers. I started crying. The grocery store workers are putting themselves at risk daily yet they are showing compassion for our struggles by handing out bunches of fresh flowers. The kindness, the love– it’s out there. Look for it.
Little Wins
Our kitchen sink facet stopped working on Monday evening. The next day the boys and I watched a couple of YouTube videos to figure out the problem. It ended up being too complex of a problem to repair so we bought a new facet.
The boys helped with the initial preparation then Brent and I finished the job. It’s so satisfying when you can install something yourself. It was our first time and we only got in a few arguments. What a gift is it to have running water!
Self-Care
The best thing I do for myself and my boys (besides spending time with Jesus and exercising in the morning) is setting up a schedule for our day. If I don’t have a schedule in place my kids’ agenda rules the day and I get nothing done. Our schedule is very simple and flexible but everyone knows what happens next.
Something else that has helped me tremendously is giving myself a little treat. I usually do this while the boys are at rest time. I’ll enjoy a cup of tea while sitting outside, watch a funny show, listen to a fun podcast, or savor a piece of chocolate. Just by taking a few minutes to do something I enjoy really helps me during times of stress.
At times I can feel my chest getting tight and I know anxiety is creeping in. Learning how to take deep belly breaths has helped me a lot. Also, saying Bible verses out loud such as 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.” Sometimes after dinner I slip away and take a bath or shower– that time alone relaxes me.
Even if I’m staying home all day I still get dressed and ready as if I were going to work. One of my sister’s friends who is a stay-at-home mom considers her time with her kids at home her “job” so she gets dressed for it every day. This really helps my mood and my ability to feel ready for whatever comes at me. I try to do this before the kids wake up.
Limiting my time consuming the news and social media is a big one. The more time I spend on it the worse I feel. I try to have an audiobook or somethings at the ready so I can do that instead of scrolling. I’ve found I love to create stuff with my hands such as cross-stitch, baking, and painting to name a few.
Here’s a video I made on this topic.
Being outside is such a gift. I’ve been working in my yard, taking walks, the boys have been riding their bikes, and we went on a hike. One of our neighbors organized a fun activity for the kids. We each drew something or wrote an encouraging message and displayed it in our front windows. That way when people walk by our homes they have something fun to see and are encouraged.
The time away from friends has been difficult. I’ve found video chatting helps me feel most connected. Marco Polo is an app that lets you leave a video message for your family and friends. It’s so nice especially in times like these.
We are in this together. If you have a horrible day let someone know, reach out. We all have them. Press on. Keep moving forward. Do the next right thing. Take it one day at a time. You are loved and needed. We can get through this together.
What about you? How are you coping with the stress and anxiety of all this?
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