Last week, I posted a short video (see below) on my Instagram account (and on What’s the Difference?’s account) about how one should try to be as “normal”/”routine” as they can while they’re stuck at home. It’s been tough – as someone who works from home, I tend to split my day into parts, taking a couple of hours “off” to go to fitness classes and grocery shop. Well, those fitness classes are now cancelled and I’m trying NOT to grocery shop as often (I’ve been shopping online to avoid an extended amount of time outside of my home) as well as NOT overbuying (we saw a couple spend nearly $700 last week with most of their purchases being non-perishables). But still, working out is necessary for me (stress reliever) and I know I’m lucky to have an elliptical in my unit (my building’s gym has closed). But I can’t JUST do cardio EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!
What’s a gal to do then? Luckily, my Pilates studio is offering live streamed classes. They’ve only had two so far, and unfortunately, neither were held during times I was able to participate. I will, however, try a class at a time I’m able to take part. I’m also taking advantage of a free (for now) subscription to a stretch/strengthening program I’ve been doing for years. I’ll have to pay soon, should I want to continue, but I very well might until this whole thing is over. And who knows when that’ll be?
Both (along with daily meditation) will take my mind off this whole thing and perhaps stop me from stress eating. Yes, that’s what I’m most worried about – gaining weight from over-eating. At least I’m grazing on frozen berries (maybe three or four at a time, three or four times a day)? But still…it isn’t good for me. As for normal meals, I’m trying to be as “routine” as possible – loads of vegetables (I bought a lot of frozen greens and can eat a good 1/4 to 1/3 of a bag at a time) and loads of whole grain and low carb breads in the freezer. Unfortunately, this means I don’t really have much room for more (hey, not everyone lives in a suburban home with an extra freezer in the basement)!! I DO think I have enough for two weeks, especially if I continue to get groceries delivered to me several times a week (grocery shopping three or four times a week is “normal” for me and delivered groceries means I have less prolonged exposure to the outside world). But at least the food I have is (relatively) healthy?
How am I handling NOT going out daily? Not that well (as going out is also a stress reliever for me). It’s hard for me not to see people other than my son and my husband. And stores seem to be running out of things – I started an order for delivery from Fresh City Farms today and they barely had anything. They (as in grocery stores in general) are “assuring” us that there’s plenty, but is there REALLY? And what if we just want to eat healthfully? Not everyone wants to buy cookies and cake (even though I hear many ARE – and are binging on that due to stress)! Maybe I need to think of something else to take my mind off all of this.
I know some people are binge-watching movies and TV shows to take their minds off the whole thing (hey, maybe the. So far, I’ve only seen one – Singin’ in the Rain. I probably should go through some old Disney favourites – The Little Mermaid, Aladdin or Beauty and the Beast (OG versions…or should I watch the remakes? I mean, Will Smith as the Genie? Ummmmm NOOOOOOOOOOOOO). As for TV shows, I really SHOULD be catching up on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (I’ve only seen the first season and the first two episodes of the second) and perhaps start Succession (an HBO series). But that’s only if I can find the time. People tell me the latter is really good.
And not being able to go outside for anything other than picking up groceries means my son doesn’t get to play outside. He loves going out and though we think he’s mostly oblivious to what’s going on at 17 months, I’m sure he’s wondering WHY he’s indoors all of the time. Having my husband work from home means my son gets to spend more time with his dad. We’re still trying to get him to walk on his own. I KNOW he can do it. He walks quite quickly if you hold on to him, running, even, but he just doesn’t have the confidence. He’s really shy. If anyone has suggestions as to how to build a kid’s self-confidence, please shoot them my way. 🙂 Honestly, this kid is pretty much the only thing that is bringing a smile to me these days.
How is everyone adjusting to the new normal? Do you have a new normal? Are you worried about your health outside of COVID-19? Like you’re not getting the kind of food you typically eat? I’m reading that some people have started binging on junk food (like purchasing Oreos instead of their usual greens and whole grains. To be honest, while I’ve eaten cookies recently, I have NOT had an Oreo (or a Chips-a-Hoy or PC’s Decadent Chocolate Chip) in years). Heck, my husband and I had breakfast delivered to us today and I chickened out on ordering from McDonald’s!
In any case, don’t just stay safe and healthy, but STAY SANE! As you can see, I’m trying to be as routine as I can, adjusting here and there where I have to. It’s my only way in attempting to relieve stress. I’m sure many people feel the same way and it’s important to stay stress-free.
Image credit: CLS Digital Arts/Shutterstock
