The Coronavirus
Unless you have been living under a rock (and in that case, well done, you’re probably already an expert at social distancing) then you have probably seen that Corona Virus is big news.
The coronavirus is a family of viruses that cause respiratory infections, the newest addition is COVID-19 and is spread via person to person contact. The WHO (World Health Organisation) has now declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic.
Social Distancing & Self Isolation
Effective as of the 16th of March, the Australian Department has advised that non-essential social gatherings should be limited to 500 people. At this stage we have not been recommended to selfisolate unless sick, however social distancing is recommended to slow down the spread of the virus.
Making social distancing beneficial
Whilst many people are very concerned about being stuck at home, and the potential loss of income, I always try to look at the silver lining.
How could there be a silver lining you ask?
Well, whether you are only social distancing, or have decided to self-isolate as a preventative measure, you’re sure to be spending a lot more time at home. So, in this post we would like to shed some light on things you can do to make this a positive and beneficial experience!
Ever wanted to learn a new skill or test a new hobby, or maybe you have some things around the house that need to be done? Instead of sitting around at home worrying or stressing about this situation, I encourage you all to make this time count for something!
Around the house
Whilst you are at home, now is the perfect time to sit down with a cuppa and write a list of all those things that need to be done around the house. I know I fully intended to do this sort of thing over the Christmas Holidays, however as always time slipped away and next to nothing got done!
To start you off, here are some things I should probably get to myself!
• Hello, garage my old friend… Does anyone else seem to have an overflow of household junk just sitting in their garage? I’m not gonna lie, we never even fully unpacked all the boxes after moving in! Get in that garage and sort it out!
• Marie Kondo, round two? My linen closet currently looks like a tornado went through it, I really don’t understand why it’s so messy in there, but it is definitely time to empty, fold and re-arrange. And get rid of those weird mismatched pillowcases while you’re there!
• Move the couch - I know there is about 8693 LEGO and Duplo pieces under ours along with lord knows what else. When was the last time you dared to move yours and question if you have gross little gremlins that hide strange things underneath it?
• Wardrobe time. Do you really think you’ll ever wear that dress again? You know the one, you loved it before having kids, but now? It’s time to let go of the old, and then you have the perfect excuse to do some sneaky retail therapy online!
• Everything but the kitchen sink, honestly, I’m pretty sure that’s what has ended up underneath my kitchen sink! When was the last time you sorted it all out? Get to it!
Just for you
We hear so much about self-care lately. Such a simple concept in theory, yet how many of us actually practice this? Our lives are busy, with children, jobs, partners, households to run... Being a mum is fulfilling, but our daily schedules are often full before we consider anything remotely related to self-care! I challenge you, to take this time to start creating some healthy habits!
• Eat lunch! This may sound silly, if you aren’t a mum! I try to make sure that most days I am sitting down with the kids for lunch. It is so nice to sit with them both and relax, and mindfully consume a meal. Did you know that when you sit down and slowly consume a meal, you not only truly enjoy the food but also avoid overeating?
• Read a book, or two, or three... Read an entire series! Reading for pleasure can reduce anxiety and depression! You can even order used books online, I order from an ethical retailer that saves books from landfill and donates a book to a school every time they sell a book!
• Unplug! Challenge yourself to spend some time offline and unwind. We live in such a digital age, and many of us tend to spend an unhealthy amount of time online. Set yourself a screen-free time target and stick to it! The next day, set one a little longer!
• Exercise! Extra time? Make use of it and MOVE. All it takes it 20 minutes a day, and you can begin a healthy habit of daily exercise. Sadly the 21-day rule is a myth, and it takes a bit longer to build a habit, but you can definitely start! Cardio is my favourite; quick, intense and sweaty! All it takes is twenty spare minutes!
Hobbies
New hobby who dis? Now is the perfect time to learn a new hobby! Did you know that nearly everything I can do, I learnt online! Most of these hobbies you can either learn via online tutorial, or perhaps a book is more your style? Either way you will end up rewarded by mindfulness, and the end creation!
• Knit or Crochet. These two are actually super easy to learn online! I know how to do both, and I learnt by using YouTube tutorials! All supplies can be ordered online, and who doesn’t want to be able to make the cutest squishiest little beanies!
• Macramé. This one is on my own personal to do list! The art of macramé is a simple and affordable hobby, you can start with beginner knots and work your way up! Wall hangings, buntings, pot plant holders… The hard part is deciding what to make first!
• Embroidery. Another one off my to do list, there is just something about an embroidery hoop full of wildflowers that I just love! But it doesn’t have to be flowers, maybe you want to do a name or a quote? I would love to hear your ideas below in the comments!
• Woven Rainbows. With some thick cotton rope and different coloured yarn, you can create a beautiful wall hanging! You will need a few small tools for this one, but the result is definitely worth it!
With the little ones
If you are on here, there is a reasonable chance you’re a mum to small children. If not, perhaps an Aunt or Grandmother? Either way, we have some great suggestions of things to try with the children! And honestly, these can be just as fun as learning new hobbies for yourself!
• Create a sensory bottle! This is a fun and quick idea you can do with or for your little one, using glitter, food colouring, baby oil and a plastic bottle. Super simple and babies and children love them! View here...
• Make Salt Dough. Such a quick and super cheap activity you can do with toddlers or children! Use cookie cutters to create shapes or imprint your little one’s hands! Maybe you could press or mix glitter into the dough too! The possibilities are endless. After baking in the oven, you can paint them together!
• DIY Bird Feeder! Get some cooking twine or any other string you may have laying around. Thread some fruit, berries, bread or whatever else the birds in your area would enjoy, wrap the string tightly around a tree branch and tie, then keep an eye out to see all the birds that visit
• Nature Dough. Whether you already have some wonderful dough or Playdoh, or would like to make your own, adding some natural elements can make it much more fun! We have a collection of polished stones and shells collected from the beach, I also like to go outside with my son to collect gumnuts, flowers, twigs and anything else we can use!
• Nature Paint Brushes. Collect some sticks, flowers, leaves and anything else you can find with your little one. With each stick, bunch up one type of material to create “brush hairs” and attach to the end of a stick with a small elastic band, or hot glue if you don’t have any. Then it’s time to paint!
I hope this post gave you all some wonderful ideas for what to do if you find yourself going a little stir crazy! What are you going to try from the ideas above? We would love to hear from you, just leave a comment below! And if you have an idea you want to see explored further, then we can definitely arrange that!
A note to our amazing customers:
We are aware that at this time due to COVID-19, a high level of health & safety is required. We want to assure you that all of our staff practice high hygiene standards and wear gloves and masks to pack parcels / deal with our certified organic clothing. As you may or may not know, our clothing is ethically produced in India, and at this stage India and our factory has not been negatively impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19. We are sending our well wishes to you all, and hope you are staying safe and coping with the added stress of the pandemic. Below are numbers to call if you are concerned about your health or that of a family member, as well as if you are struggling with anxiety or depression.
Corona virus Health Info Line -1800 020 080
Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636
