Something that I have been noticing lately, as each state begins it’s procedures to open back up after the COVID-19 shutdowns is the fact that we are all observing social distancing at different levels. I have remained self-quarantined; mainly because I am working from home several days a week, and my “better-half” works out of town during the week anyway, so in general I am usually alone. However, several of my friends are doing this a bit differently and are gathering together in small groups, going to some of the re-opening businesses or restaurants and working their way back into their regular life. I see you, and I want you to know, I respect you and whatever level of observance you are at. The truth is, we don’t know what we are doing… This pandemic was wildly unexpected and as a whole we are all just rolling through the motions of what is happening. We do know what the medical professionals recommend, we know what the news and media are telling us… But ultimately we are each going to make the decisions that we feel is best for us and our family. I think the biggest thing we are overlooking as a society is to respect one another including respecting each other’s choices, even if they do not align with the choices we are making for ourselves or our own families.

Regardless of the level we are observing when it comes to social distancing, many of us are still spending a lot of time at home. Personally, I have built a new schedule and a large list of “to-dos” and as time has passed, I have found myself tackling this list more and more rather than focusing on any sort of self-care. I was actually finding myself over-worked and under-slept. Truthfully, I did not feel good because I was not taking care of myself. I was getting a lot of things done, but then every few days I would have a day where I would just need lots of extra sleep or my brain was incredibly foggy. I had forgotten to take care of the thing that mattered the most… ME! I have spent some time researching and reflecting on what the main things are that make us feel better during this social distancing time, and I have compiled an easy to reference list.

Don’t forget to do some of those tasks that just make you happy! I have been so focused on work tasks, that overlooked some of my home enhancements that make me smile when I see them. Today, I spent just 30 minutes of my day putting together some flower pots that I have been meaning to update for a while. This was truly one of those “ahhh” moments that just made me feel GOOD! And the time invested was pretty small.

Find those things that you have been putting off and invest that time – that is self-care! It matters, you matter and you really deserve to take care of the things that bring you joy. Self care is one of the best ways to cope with our current “social distancing” reality.