I’m back with a better attitude. I took the time yesterday to clear out the office space upstairs enough so that it is functional. Now I can separate work & home and reclaim my puzzle space.

Now that is out of the way, I can start adjusting to this new normal. That means taking care of my health, both mental & physical and finding ways to connect with others despite physical distancing. I encourage you to do the same.

For me, taking care of my health boils down to sticking to good habits, creating a routine and getting out of my pjs. Good habits include taking my vitamins, eating regular meals, drinking 64 ounces of healthy fluids each day and exercising 6 out of 7 days. I have let those go in the last two weeks so now there is an index card on my kitchen counter where I track how I’m doing on completing those tasks.

For the exercising, I am walking outside, riding my stationary bike, and working out with dance classes online. Daturaonline.com/ Whenever possible, I choose the walking outside. It is amazing the positive impact that sunshine and bird song have in creating a healthy mental state! Missing your class at the gym? Fitness instructors are offering online classes through YouTube and other avenues. The Fairfax Parks & Recreation Facebook page includes links to some of their instructors online classes: https://www.facebook.com/fairfaxrecdept (Shameless plug for the Fairfax Parks and Recreation) Stuck at home with your sweetie? Now might be the time to take an online dance class. http://www.learntodance.com/online-dance-lessons/ If you try any of them, let me know how it goes!

Creating routine is closely related to those good habits. It’s a survival skill when you are a parent at home with your kids but easy to overlook when there are no kiddos underfoot. I will admit that I am wearing my comfy clothes and forgoing make-up, but I figured out in the first couple of days that I need to stick to my morning routine of shower & breakfast prior to doing anything else. I also do need to get dressed even if it is in leggings and a t-shirt. It gives me energy and helps me settle my mind to the tasks at hand. Creating a routine also means I’m figuring in when to take breaks, eat meals, and making sure there is time for self-care treats like a manicure or facial. On that note, does anyone have a good online source for homemade facial recipes?

Staying connected: I’ve always yearned for more time by myself but now that being by myself is pretty much 24/7, it has lost it’s mystique. I can feel a bit of anxiety around the edges even though I am an introvert at heart. I imagine it is even more difficult for the extroverts. We are meant to be together. Thank goodness for technology. I’m trying to call a couple friends or family members each day to check in. I enjoy seeing my neighbors when I’m out for a walk, even if we are waving and talking from different sides of the road. My kids initiated a Google Hangout last night with their father and me – it only lasted a half hour but it was fun to see each other! Good for the heart and soul! A friend shared that her book group was having a virtual meeting through Facebook Live last night which inspired me to suggest a virtual happy hour tonight using FaceTime with two friends. But it doesn’t all have to be technology based. Remember letter writing? I have a stash of cards waiting to be sent to friends. I’m going to try to send one out each day. Another new habit to cultivate! What is your favorite way to connect these days?

Speaking of that stash of cards… In an effort to wake me up this morning, my cats knocked the basket of cards off the table in my bedroom at 6 AM. When I turned on the light, I found only one card turned right side up and the message it carried seemed very appropriate.

Stay strong and take care of yourselves!