WHAT IN THE HECK IS SOCIAL DISTANCING?
WHAT IS SOCIAL DISTANCING?
Put simply, the idea is to maintain a distance between you and other people — in this case, at least six feet.
That also means minimizing contact with people. Avoid public transportation whenever possible, limit nonessential travel, work from home and skip social gatherings — and definitely do not go to crowded bars and sporting arenas.
Other measures include working from home if possible, organizing meetings via video calls rather than doing them in person and avoiding unnecessary use of public transport.
It is also recommended that you avoid physical contact with others in social situations, including handshakes, hugs & kisses.
THE BASICS.
SHUT OFF THE NEWS
If you've been glued to your screens for the latest COVID-19 updates, this is for you. Taking a break from the stream of negative reports can help reduce stress and anxiety and give your brain room to for positive thoughts and ideas.
FOR EMBRACING YOUR INNER CHILD: This adult coloring book
DO HOME PROJECTS
There always seems to be something to do around the house. Kick those ideas and plans into gear with some time at home! Home projects can be anything from remodeling, to building some new furniture. No matter what plans you have, now is the perfect time to get a jumpstart!
BINGE ON FAVORITE SHOWS
Now is the perfect time to get caught up on your favorite shows.
Some of our favorites:
Grey’s Anatomy (Netflix & Hulu)
Parks and Recreation (Netflix)
Breaking Bad (Netflix)
Westworld (HBO Go/Now)
Supernatural (Netflix)
This is Us (Hulu)
Weeds (Netflix)
Unbreakable Kimmi Schmidt (Netflix)
Bates Motel (Netflix)
The Good Place (Netflix)
MOVE AROUND AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
Self-isolating doesn't mean sitting around on the couch all day. Thanks to YouTube, Pinterest, and other sites, you can get a thorough workout from home. (Health also has plenty of free, no-equipment fitness videos, too.) Just 30 minutes of any kind of heart-pumping workout can significantly reduce stress and it'll also make you feel busy and accomplished.
SPRING CLEANING
Thursday is the official start to spring, which means some spring cleaning is never a bad option! Clean out the garage, closet attic or whatever else needs a little refresh!
CATCH UP ON SLEEP
You read that right! Trying to get those recommended 8 hours of sleep can be difficult between work, school , kids and whatever else life throws at you. Being home allows you to take those guilt-free and much needed naps to get get yourself feeling your best!
FOR WHEN YOU’RE FEELING NOSTALGIC:
A stunning photo book
KNOCK OUT SOME TO-DOS ON YOUR LIST
Sitting in front of the TV for days and binging on HBO will probably make you stir-crazy. A better way to stay active and focused? Get on that to-do list you've been putting off forever.
GET SOME FRESH AIR
Get outside and enjoy some fresh air! It is important to keep a safe distance of 6 feet if you are walking with a buddy, but don’t let that stop you from getting your blood circulating and enjoying the outdoors.
There is plenty of opportunity to walk or even take a hike.
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Back to baking
Grab that mixer and take your mind into the kitchen to bake up some delicious cookies, cupcakes and more! Now is the perfect time to try out those recipes you haven’t had time to get to.
Arts and Crafts
Not just for the kiddos. Stocking up on supplies for some DIY crafting is a great at-home plan! Creating a space for you to get creative and let your imagination flow can be a great way to keep busy.
GOT KIDS? HERE'S SOME FUN WAYS TO KEEP THEM BUSY.
Go for a walk or a hike.
Go for a bike ride.
Go outside, no matter what the weather. If it's nice outside, play catch or hide-and-seek.
Movie theaters are limiting the number of tickets they sell in order to practice good social distancing, but with DisneyPlus, Netflix and Amazon, you have plenty of options at home. Make it even more fun by making some special treats to share.
Speaking of special treats, get your kids in the kitchen. You'll be making lots of meals while at home, so why not let the kids share in the "fun?" Give them the run of the pantry and fridge. Do give a few limits though. Like they have to have at least one healthy item.
For the past decade, the Racine Art Museum has invited artists to make their best creations out of marshmallow Peeps. Check out the photos for inspiration, and make your own.
Hand over your phone to let the kids take photos of the signs of spring they see popping up around the neighborhood.
Let the kids collect a few of those signs of spring they see — dandelions, blades of grass, flowers if they're on your property — and make a nature scrapbook out of them.
Fly a kite.
Set up a tent in the backyard.
Dig into those toys, puzzles and games that have gotten buried under beds, in basements and at the bottom of toy boxes. You might find some treasures that will fill up some of those hours. If not, set them aside to donate.
Bubbles are fun for all ages. You can go old-school and just blow some bubbles in the backyard. You can get a hula hoop and a wading pool and make some giant ones.
Grab blankets, chairs and pillows and build a fort.
Make a homemade pinata out of papier mache, fill it with candy and break that thing open.
Start cleaning up your yard and planning any gardening projects. If you have seeds on hand, start planting when the weather cooperates.
Kids love acting, singing and putting on shows, especially if they have an audience. Be that audience; karma will reward your sacrifice.
Comic books and graphic novels are mainstream nowadays. And they're a great way to encourage your kids to read. When they've gotten some inspiration through reading some of their favorites, encourage them to make their own.
You may not be able to visit your favorite paint-your-own pottery place, but you can find some old mugs or bowls to have the kids paint at home.
Clean out your closet. But hold off on the donations. Let your kids play dress-up for a few weeks. If they lose interest, that's cool. That's the time to donate. Otherwise, let them keep a few favorites for their dress-up collection.
STAY CALM.