One Month of Quarantine: What I've Learned

Yesterday marked one month of self-isolation and quarantine due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  My kids have been out of school, my husband has been working from home (I was too, before being furloughed), and Noah and I have only been out of the house for quick essential trips to the store.

During this time, this is what I've learned:

1. I've never spent so much money on groceries in my life. With 6 people in the house it is impossible to make groceries last more than a week.

2. Thank goodness for sunshine. I'm thankful we can spend some of our time outdoors. The sunshine is an instant mood booster and going for walks is a great way to get us moving. I try to get all of us out at least twice a day.

3. Kids are troopers. Through this time I don't think we have given our kids enough credit. They have had their little lives turned upside down too. Their usual structure of school and relationships has been thrown out and they have had to adjust to so much change in a short amount of time. They miss school and they miss playing with their friends. I am proud of the way my children have been handling the whole situation.

4. Americans are some creative problem-solvers. We have faced all kinds of unique challenges through this time. Hospitals are in need of PPE, Teachers are teaching from a distance, businesses are closed, etc. I have loved seeing all the stories of how everyone has found creative ways to solve all the challenges. People are sewing masks, restaurants are thinking outside of the box to serve their customers, we are using technology to help kids continue their learning and more.

5. I am over doing dishes and laundry. Anyone else?

6. I'm content with less. As a family, we used to find ourselves at Target every weekend almost. You know what happens at Target. You go in for one thing and come out spending way more. This whole situation has shown me how bad our spending habits were.

7. Self-care is so important. Spending 24/7 with your family is great and all, but it can be a lot. I have been getting up before my kids to get some alone time and it makes such a difference. During the week I use that time to get a work out in. On the weekend, I just sit with a cup of coffee and enjoy it while its still hot. Just 30 minutes is great for your mental health.

8. It is okay to give yourself a little grace. The days are long and we have so much on our plate. Whether it be the emotional burden or all the extra tasks we are adding on, it can be tough. Perfection is an illusion and it's okay to not do it all. We are all doing the best that we can.

9. It is alright to grieve. I have been on a roller coaster of emotions. I have tried to put on a brave face for my family, but some days are harder than others. I've learned that it's okay to just have a crappy day. It's okay to grieve the things that have been taken from us due to the pandemic.

10. During this time, I remain grateful. I am grateful the virus has not reached my close friends/ family members. I am grateful Noah and I still have jobs. I am grateful for the best support system anyone could ask for. The list goes on and on. This pandemic has been a great reminder that we still have so much to be grateful for.

We will all get through this. We just have to keep the faith, be kind to ourselves and others, and STAY HOME.