I may be one of the few to say this, but quarantined life isn’t that much different for me than life pre-quarantine.
Really, I think my 2-year-old, Julia, has been preparing me for this. She has not been the easiest baby or toddler, so the difficulty of taking her places caused us to stay home a lot. I have had 2 years to adjust to being home more often. Should I say thank you? Ha!
But I definitely think I am in the minority. Not being able to see people face-to-face, not having much time to yourself, staying home most of the time—it’s all a huge adjustment.
These changes are hard if that’s all you have to deal with, not to mention if you are dealing with financial struggles or coping with anxiety or depression. (Praying for those of you in that boat.)
And, the more I talk to other moms, the more I realize what a heavy burden all of it is.
I can’t take that weight off of you, but I can share 4 daily habits that are critically important to do in quarantine that will really help your mental health.
4 Essential Daily Habits During Quarantine
1. Give yourself the gift of music.
Author Wiss Auguste said, “Music frees your soul from the dungeon of your mind.”
I have found that to be true, and that’s why I recommend creating at least 4 types of playlists.
Songs that make you happy
What are those songs or type of music that make you smile? Y’all know that is country music for me. Country has always been a balm for my soul.
Songs that make you want to dance
If you were home alone and no one was watching, what songs make you want to dance? I have created a station called Dance Party on Pandora that is full of Outkast, Pitbull, and Flo Rida. Their songs get all of us dancing around the kitchen.
Songs that help you relax
I think we all need a go-to playlist with music that relaxes us. Maybe that is instrumental music, or nature sounds, or Michael Buble. Confession: I like all three. I usually turn to this playlist at the end of the day when my girls have drained me dry.
Songs that you loved growing up
This is the music I turn to when I’m in a real funk that I can’t get out of. I can listen to 90s country or pop and instantly be transported back to those carefree, teen years when I had little responsibility and little knowledge of the world. I usually go to iHeartRadio for these stations and they regularly play songs that I had completely forgotten about.
2. Give yourself the gift of nature.
John Muir, known as the “Father of National Parks,” said, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”
You see, I don’t believe we were made for this sedentary lifestyle of sitting indoors and breathing recycled air.
I believe we were created to need nature and for nature to pour into our souls. Being warmed by the sun, feeling grass under our feet, listening to the noises of creatures—and we are renewed.
Every day when the weather allows, and even occasionally when it doesn’t, go outside for at least 10 minutes.
Walk, have a picnic, swing, sit on the front porch—whatever feels right to you.
3. Give yourself the gift of movement.
Starting or maintaining a rigorous exercise program may be too much for you right now, either physically or mentally, and that’s ok.
It doesn’t take doing burpees and pushups to benefit from movement.
Think about what kind of movement you like to do. Walking, gardening, dancing, chasing your kids—whatever you enjoy, do more of it.
During hard times you need those endorphins and to help lower your stress levels.
And, don’t forget to incorporate movement into your day by moving during TV commercials, pacing while on the phone, or making more trips up and down the stairs.
4. Give yourself the gift of Jesus.
I understand not all of you reading this follow Jesus, and you are still welcome here. But for those who are Christians, don’t start your day without spending at least a few minutes with Jesus.
Even if you don’t have time to read your Bible, take a few minutes to talk to him.
I forget sometimes that Jesus wants to hear from me. Nothing would make him happier.
I know I wear my husband out sometimes with all my talking, but Jesus never feels that way. He wants to hear about my desires, my opinions, my worries.
Yes, He is Lord, but He is also Friend. ❤️
And our Friend wants to be there for us to lean on. He can carry our burdens a lot better than we can.
Some of these habits can be a part of your morning routine. Movement, quiet time, and music are all things I typically do to start my day, and I can tell a huge difference when I skip even one of them. And, that’s on a normal day. Imagine how much more important these habits are during quarantine.
I am offering a FREE, 5-day audio course that will help you create your own morning routine. Click here to sign up to have it delivered to your inbox each morning.
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