First of all, if you are social distancing, recognize it’s a privilege. I am grateful that I work for a company that has handled this situation so well and that I can work from the comfort of my family’s home right now. I have not left the house in days, but this is not the case for everyone.
Both of my sisters are still leaving the house for work five days a week. One works in the HR department for an airline in Dallas and the other is a nanny in Seattle. COVID-19 has spread in both of these cities, but their lives have not changed. Because the one is a single mom and childcare is not affordable (or available) right now, my father has been flying across the country to watch her son while she’s at work.
My dad is flying in weekly to care for my newphew while my sister is at work. My mom and other family members also help care for him right now.
Obviously, this is not ideal. My two-year-old nephew has been constantly exposed to people who have been coming from the airport, and my “elderly” father is flying every week. However, we are still relatively privileged compared to many US families. We have plenty of food and housing to make this work — plus we are all healthy so we are not as at risk for serious symptoms if we have or get the virus.
If you are trying to work from home with kids who are not able to go to childcare or school, recognize that (while likely stressful), this situation is extremely fortunate. There are many families that would love to be working from their laptop in a safe home — even if their kids are screaming in the background.
If you are stuck at home with kids/partner/family, treasure this time.
I know, easier said than done. I personally cannot imagine trying to work full-time while managing kids at home. I watched my nephew for an hour today while trying to continue work, and it was no joke. Give yourself some grace if screen time and treats have gone up. However, recognize that this unique historical time is one in which we can bond with our families, especially if they are stuck in the homes with us. Try to carve out quality time with your kids or partner while stuck at home together. This could mean cooking a meal together or starting a new weekly ritual (family movie night, Sunday brunch in bed, etc.).
If you are alone, focus on self-development and helping others.
First, help yourself. If you are anxious or under-slept or sick, start by nursing yourself back to peace of mind + health. Especially if you don’t have kids at home, this is a great time to double-down on self-care. Morning meditation, evening baths, nourishing food, and yoga are some of my favorites that you can do from home. This is also a great time to get your sleep back on track. Try turning off electronics by 9pm and getting in bed by 10pm.
Learn new skills. If you want to continue focusing on relaxing and self-care, more power to you! For those of us who need more discraction to get out of our heads, this is a great time to focus on self-development. What projects or new skills have you been putting off?
Class Central: Top universities are currently offering thousands of free online courses right now! Time commitment and requirements vary across courses.
Yousician: Hours of guided lessons and songs for learning an instrument.
Duolingo: Offers free language learning - great for kids, too!
With no kids and a home to myself, I’m using free time for new hobbies and self-care.
Reach out to others. When was the last time you called your older parents or grandparents? You think you’re bored while working from home, scouring social media, and catching up on Netflix? They are really bored - and maybe even scared. Give them a call (or FaceTime if they can manage). This goes for other family members and friends, too — especially those that might be more isolated. I promise: a call will go a long way.
Support local businesses and organizations. They need your help right now. I know we have all been affected emotionally and financially — but small business owners and service industry workers have probably been hit the worst.
See if local studios are offering online classes. If they are free, leave reviews or share. Leave a donation if possible.
Need support? Hire a financial planner, tutor, therapist, tax accountant, or personal trainer right now. They are all offering services online.
Tip generously. If you are ordering food to be delivered, tip extra. Delivery workers are working long hours and are more susceptible to contracting the virus. If you are working from home and can afford delivery service, you can probably afford to tip above 20% right now.
Order out. Some local businesses are still offering curbside pickup and delivery options. Consider these before stocking up via big supermarkets.
Grubhub: Offering delivery from local restaurants nationwide.
Peoples Rx (Austin, TX): Offering curbside service for healthy deli items, supplements and prescriptions.
Eden East Farm Stand (Austin, TX): They have a limited amount of pre-order seasonal produce bags for $20 or $30. Please email info@edeneastaustin.com and give them your name, what day/time you will pick up between 9am and 1pm, and any dietary restrictions.
Make a small online purchase. These can add up and potentially prevent small business owners from closing shop. If you don’t need anything but have the means, buy a gift.
Gift cards. You can buy a gift card online for your favorite coffee shop, massage studio, or brewery. It will help them pay their rent right now, and you’ll be spending that money throughout the next year anyway.
Rothera Cycling: Purchase a custom cycling cap for as little as $20! I wear mine year-round, and they make great gifts.
Emily Eisenhart: With all this time at home, it might be time to pick up some uplifting art! I love the color of these pieces.
Thank you for showing up every day - whatever it looks like. In uncertain times, let’s find hope in the small moments of joy.