Keep Calm and Carry On

There’s just only so many times you can watch Stranger Things. At some point, you have to get off the couch and become productive, mentally and physically, for your own well-being as well as for those around you.

And with that thought in mind, we've put together the following list of ideas to help you get started on taking better advantage of your time at home while in quarantine. Try to have a goal each week to do at least 2 of these things.

Spruce up your home. Good Housekeeping came up with this list of 33 spring cleaning tips. I’ve already gone through my make-up, much to the relief of my husband, and getting the patio furniture ready is next. Don’t forget to take before and after photos!

Stay physically active. Keeping up with your physical health can help boost your mood during times of uncertainty. Go for a walk outside, practice yoga, or join a virtual workout class at home. My gym, which I miss tremendously, is offering daily classes on Instagram. I’m also quietly contemplating the purchase of a Peloton…

Take a virtual field trip. While regular travel may be off the cards for the foreseeable future, virtual escapes are open to everyone with an internet connection. Tour the MFA or Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, visit the animals at the New England Aquarium or San Diego Zoo, or explore a national park. 

Test out new recipes. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been cooking up a storm. I recently made Chrissy Teigen’s French onion soup and it was awesome. NYT Cooking also has some great easy recipe options. 
 
Read something new. A study from the University of Sussex found that reading can reduce stress up to 68%. Use this time to read a new novel, catch up on articles you’ve been meaning to read, or learn about a new topic. New York Magazine suggests these books to read while you’re at home. You can even join a virtual book club so you can socialize with others.

​Get crafty. It’s Good Housekeeping to the rescue again, with this list of at-home craft ideas. My sometimes-hobby, chalk painting furniture, made the list. There’s definitely something therapeutic about getting out your aggression while sanding down an old table and turning it into something beautiful.

Lend a helping hand. Even during a crisis that requires us to keep our distance from others, we can still come together as a strong, compassionate community. Some local organizations that could use your help are:

• Greater Boston Food Bank -- The coronavirus poses an even bigger health threat to our community’s most vulnerable populations: low-income individuals and senior citizens. As the demand for food during the COVID-19 crisis continues to rise, The Greater Boston Food Bank remains committed to its mission.
• Project Bread - Project Bread is looking for donations to fund its “rapid response” effort for families. Your help is urgently needed to support rapid hunger response to the effects the coronavirus is having on our public health and economy.
• YMCA of Greater Boston - The YMCA of Greater Boston is offering meals and other services to Boston school children during school closures and is asking members to donate their fees to the effort. 
• American Red Cross -- The American Red Cross is seeking blood donations to prevent shortages during the medical response to the virus. Right now, eligible and healthy donors are strongly urged to make an appointment to provide lifesaving blood products to patients.
• The Boston Foundation -- The COVID-19 Response Fund has been established by a coalition of business, government and philanthropic partners to rapidly deploy flexible resources to organizations in Greater Boston that are working with communities that are disproportionately affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

Practicing self care is as important as ever. Taking small daily actions like these to take care of yourself, your loved ones, and your community can help you manage stressful times. 

I hope these tips help bring some calm into your daily lives.

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