Calming the COVID Crisis
Updated: Apr 3, 2020
I strongly believe in the statement - "You don't have to "make the most" of this pandemic!" You don't have to write the next bestseller or get in the best shape of your life or start a podcast during this unprecedented time. It's OK to just #COVIDandChill - take a pause; take a breath for yourself and for this planet.
Mark Foster wrote a piece called "Reflecting On The Pause In a Global Plague", which really resonated with me and I recommend you give it a read.
Snippet: "My hope is that as we are in this pause of reflection, we will dig within ourselves and find our soul again... Fear, pride, greed, and selfishness will cause unnecessary deaths. I encourage our leaders to lead with humility. We will come out of this on the other side stronger and more connected. When this storm passes, we can’t forget what it feels like right now. We are fragile. We are not gods. We came into this world with nothing, and if we live our lives only for ourselves, we will leave the world with nothing."
I'm sure you've seen loads of ideas on how to keep busy or relaxed - I've collected a few of my favorites to help spark joy and provide some distraction while hunkering down at home.
At the end I've also provided a list of how you can help those in need.
Daily "Quarantine Questions:"
What am I grateful for? (We can do this all the time). I participated in a #ThankFiveChallenge - See below. It's a great way to spread love and to encourage people to pass it on!
Who am I checking in on or connecting with today? I've connected with more friends these past few weeks than I have in months, we should practice staying more connected and communicative all the time!
How am I moving my body today? From a simple walk, at home yoga class, or HIIT session - there are plethora of options at your fingertips. I'll be writing another blog on this :) STAY TUNED!
What beauty am I either creating, cultivating or inviting in today? Maybe read an inspiring book? To be totally honest , I'm not a huge reader, but I gathered some of my favorite books - pictured below. Also, since this blog's main focus is on my love for traveling. Why not find wanderlust in Dame Traveler's book by Nastasia Yakoub? Escape to places you've been before or start planning for your next adventure.
"Essential" Items to Calm the COVID:
I love my Briogeo Aromatic Essential Oils Kit. This set of three provides the perfect options for you throughout the day. - $38
Traditional Medicinals Organic Cup of Calm Tea is a relaxing beverage to soothe your mind and anxiety. - $4
World's First Apple Cider Vinegar Gummy Vitamins by Goli Nutrition - help boost your Immunity with these tasty gummies! - $19
The Only Elderberry Gummies with Vitamin C, Propolis, Echinacea for Immune Support Supplement for Kids and Adults. - $25
Keep your home so fresh and so clean with Honest's safe cleaning essentials kit! It features a Multi-Surface Cleaner, Dish Soap, Baby Laundry Detergent and Dryer Cloths. - $27
Another beverage option to drink the stress away. Wylde Yoga in a Cup - $35
Mindfulness Cards - An easy way to cultivate mindful moments—anytime and anywhere. This engaging deck makes it easy to bring awareness, calm, and joy to everyday life. Each card includes an inspiring phrase on the front and a bite-size mindfulness exercise on the back. - $16
Virtual Tours:
Imagine traveling to Machu Picchu, Taj Mahal, Rome's Colliseum or even the interiors of the Palace of Versailles from the comfort of your couch. You can climb El Capitan in Yosemite, trek Petra in Jordan or walk the Great Wall of China. (Video)
Watch animals LIVE in Africa. My favorite is watching the Gorillas! You can also watch bears, birds, or ocean creatures on Explore's live cams. It's a treat for adults and kids.
12 Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours - including British Museum in London, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Guggenheim in New York City and MORE! (Video)
Museums Around the World Are Sharing Their Most Zen Art on Social Media to Help People Relax (Video)
National Parks Offer Virtual Tours You Can Take From the Comfort of your Home - including Carlsbad Caverns, Bryce Canyon, Dry Tortugas National Park, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, and Kenai Fjords National Park. (Video)
Happy Place Virtual Tour - time to get HAPPY :) (Video)
12 Virtual Disney Rides That Will Turn Your Home Into the Most Magical Place on Earth (Video)
Beat your Boredom with some of these other Ideas:
Puzzles are great to the pass the time - I like Gray Malin's for a challenge.
Maisonette has a surplus of ideas for kids!
Online Game Nights - Scategories is my go to.
Virtual Dinner with Friends - you all cook the same dish together or cook separately and meet to eat together. You can also make it a #FormalFriday - dress up - maybe pick a fun theme?
Date Night from the Couch - instead of the usual movie, find a play to watch together from the comfort of your couch.
Picnic in the living room with your quaran-tine.
Easter Egg Hunt (adult style prizes with edibles, candy, snacks, $, maybe travel sized alcohol for the BIG eggs?) - in door or outside if you have a yard.
Dance Lessons - Twitch is teaching weekly routines - check his IG!
Dare I say Tik Tok Challenges? I may cave and get an account.
Dating Here/Now is now bringing people together virtually on Zoom.
Write about this experience in a journal.
Color - loads of adult coloring books can be found on Amazon.
Write a card to your friends/family. I'm a sucker for receiving something in the mail.
Drive-in movie theaters are having a resurgence.
Watch TV online for free - how to doc.
The obvious Netfix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime - streaming options galore! Netflix Party is a new way to watch Netflix with your friends online. Netflix Party synchronizes video playback and adds group chat to your favorite Netflix shows. Tiger King on Netflix will take you on a wild ride. A worthy binge!
I don't know about you, but I've been spending far too much time in the kitchen - eating, not cooking, but cooking/baking is also a fun activity if that's your jam.
If all else fails - just take a nap!
For more tips visit HOMENAUTS.COM
All I can hope is that you find one of these tips useful during this time.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WHERE TO DONATE:
For those of you who are fortunate enough to have a job, a safe home, food on your plate and the time and luxury to be "bored" and "stuck" at home - I hope you can share your good fortune with those who are struggling and who need help and for those who are on the front lines trying to end this pandemic.
Help Nurses and Medical Personal with Supplies:
Food and Essentials for People in Need:
lafoodbank.org or your local foodbank
Help Senior Citizens:
Help Restaurants and Small Businesses:
Help Kids Learn While Schools are Closed:
Other Organizations:
"Years from now, when you can no longer see this period of uncertainty in your rearview mirror, you're not going to remember the nights at the bar you had to cancel, the meetings you had to take as video conferences, or the fact that you had to delay a vacation. But you will remember the people who called to check in when you were feeling your loneliest, the extra time to spend with your family, or the loved ones who thought to send resources or a care package when you were going through it financially. Take this opportunity to use your foresight and be the kind of person that others will be grateful for." - thefinancialdiet
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Well.
T.