So, because I experienced respiratory symptoms a few weeks ago (prompting me to research symptoms for a coronavirus post), I’ve been on a self-quarantine at home. I enjoy being a stay-at-home mom to my cat, Larry, and he seems to like it, too. (I imagine all the pets out there are in heaven with their humans at home.) Though I’ve spent the majority of the time in lounge pants, about halfway through I realized I created a daily schedule for my “quarantine life.” Here is my advice on how to keep your sanity during quarantine.
How to Keep Your Sanity During Quarantine
Step One
Admittedly, I nixed my early wake-up time of 5:10 am. Instead, I preferred to let my body wake me up at its natural time (I had to allow myself some perks.)
However, I committed to starting my day with “quiet time” or time with God. I can be a complete bear of a person at times, so getting a dose of God in the morning and listening for Him increases the odds that I will have a good, productive day.
Over the years, the composition of this has changed… I’ve done email devotions, meditations, listened to worship music, and read my Bible. What my quiet time currently looks like is 20-minutes of reading a Christian based book and 10-minutes of prayer (which has not been difficult in light of current events). I set a timer and everything.
In times of stress (as well as at all times), spending time with God is essential.
Step Two
I figure out my plan for the day. Which one or two house projects do I need to complete? (I try to be realistic because I aim to cross everything off my list each day though it doesn’t always happen).
What writing or ministry pieces do I need to work on? (My leadership class takes up quite a bit of time, and I consider that part of my “writing/teaching” sphere.)
Who do I need to call to check up on? Communication and community are so important, specifically in this time of social isolation.
Step Three
People, let me get real with you here. I take breaks. Timed breaks. Here’s why (and it’s the same reason I time my quiet time): it’s easy to get caught up in something you like doing or to misguess the time spent doing something that may be more work for you. Thus, to avoid watching too much TV and not getting my stuff done, I take a 30-minute lunch break and a 15-minute afternoon break.
Step Four
Unlike in “real life,” I count my exercise as part of my “workday.” Lately, I’ve just been going for walks (I literally walk in the road at times to maintain the six-foot rule) because I don’t feel well enough to do anything else. But, well being and sunshine are important parts of my day.
Quarantine Life with Kids
Okay, so maybe you have kids. You can schedule some quiet time (literally) before they get up. Or maybe you read a Bible or thought-provoking story with them first thing in the morning.
While you might not get too much accomplished on your list, you can put them to work having them do one or a few chores per day, have reading time, go outside for some energy release, put a puzzle together, or play a game. Reward them with screen time for their breaks if that’s what they crave. Set specific times for each activity to help maintain focus.
Moving Forward
I’m not sure what life will look like moving forward, but I’m pretty sure I’m supposed to be writing, teaching, and becoming a foster parent. So, I’ll continue to work on those things now. What calling do you feel on your life? Figuring out how to keep your sanity during quarantine can help you stay on track.
I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted (Job 42:2 NIV).
Hey… are we going to go back to wearing jeans once this is over? Asking for a friend…
Love, K.
Author of Ten Iron Principles, Contributor in The Power to Make a Difference
Thanks Ms. Kelly. Structure, whether we’re retired/semi-retired or home due to this latest calamity, is important. I’ve long teased others that “I have CDO. It’s like OCD, but it’s alphabetical like it’s supposed to be.” We can laugh at that, but for some of us structure and order brings a consistency to our lives. My “God time” each morning does the same thing. I’ve not tried to put a timer on it, opting instead to let God lead me through it. Some mornings, I’m done in 30 minutes, but other days I’m prompted to spend more tine reading His word, praying, or stopping in the middle of it to open email and send a note to someone I’m prompted to pray for or communicate with. Am glad your symptoms have (I suspect) subsided, but know that as you are “on the front lines” of this battle against this new illness, I’m continuing to pray for your health and safety.
Thanks for the reminder to include quiet time, especially during these challenging days we’re facing now! That’s so important, Kelly!
Thank you for this advice! Working from home means my schedule hasn’t changed much, which has both positives and negatives. But I need to daily remind myself I’m thankful for a job that I can continue working on during this time when so many are now out of work. Great tips here!
E enjoyed. Nice job.
Love your hints, Kelly. I think you and I are thinking alike this week. I am also trying to keep my days from rushing by in a blue.
I’ve learned that structuring my days during this time is crucial. When I add structure, my days are okay. I feel productive, positive, hopeful, and upbeat. When I don’t stick to my plan (some days are just dang hard) the complete opposite is true. The structure is a bit looser and I’m liking that. I have the time to spend walking further than usual, trying new routes or trails, engaging with all five senses, and listening to God. Because I’m living life at a slower pace, I welcome conversation with the chatty neighbor rather than try to avoid her — at a safe distance of course. I spend more time cooking. I’d forgotten how much I used to enjoy it. And I’m loving the ease of curbside pickup for groceries.
I love this! I, too, have found some benefits to this whole thing… like I spend more “time” with my family over Zoom than I did before the pandemic because our schedules have cleared.
Having a schedule which includes God time, quiet time, time in service to others, and opportunities to work toward our goals are important at any stage of our lives, whether quarantined or not. Good advice, my friend. Hope you feel better soon!
It’s good to get organised and be purposeful, otherwise the lockdown caused by this pandemic becomes boring and frustrating. Thanks for the tips and abundant grace in all you do!
Me, too! Thank you so much!