As most of us have heard by now, social distancing is the most effective way to protect our communities from COVID-19 and make sure hospitals or medical resources aren’t overwhelmed. But social distancing can be pretty daunting, especially if you’re a very social person or just unaccustomed to spending most time at home. For families with kids, it can get even more intimidating. Here are some tips for keeping your family entertained, and safe, while you practice this crucial effort.

  1. Discover new hands-on hobbies 

    It’s tempting to spend your homebound time parked in front of a TV or your phone screen, this is a great time to pick up a new skill or learn a new hobby. Doing something that’s more hands-on (while still frequently washing your hands, of course!) can make your time feel much more productive and will help the time pass quickly. Hobbies are crucial to your mental health, and your mental health is important to keeping your physical health intact!

    Consider using this time to learn to knit or cross-stitch. Order some puzzles and tackle them with the whole family. Maybe now’s the time for some family art time, with paintings or play-doh. Dive into learning new cooking skills or attempting more difficult recipes.

  2. Take some time to rest

    It might be nice to personally reframe this precarious time as an opportunity to reset your work-life balance, and get some much-needed rest and relaxation. Move slowly and mindfully through your days, without the pressure to rush or stress from place to place. Pick up a meditation or yoga habit, or find another practice that helps your mind heal as you give your physical body a bit of a break.

  3. Keep up a daily schedule

    Anyone who works from home full-time can tell you how important it is to maintain a regular working schedule. When you’re remote every day, it’s tempting to start your day at noon and end it at 10pm, or to never log-off at all. While your regular commutes and day-to-day’s are disrupted, it’s important to your mental health and well-being to still think of your work days as work days and to give yourself schedules and timelines.

  4. Focus on a whole foods diet

    More time at home means more time to snack, and the temptation is real. However, it’s obviously more important now than ever to strengthen your immune system through a balanced diet. Focus on whole foods, and eat fruits and vegetables whenever possible. If you’re relying on non-perishable items, lean into legumes, beans, and ancient grains. Switch your coffee out for tea, and avoid foods heavy in sugar or preservatives if possible.