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As a childhood cancer family we are somewhat of experts when it comes to social distancing. As soon as you hear the words “your child has cancer” social distancing becomes a way of life, the “new normal” so to speak. It becomes the best way to protect your neutropenic child. You learn ways to adapt and stay sane in this new way of life.
For those suddenly thrust into this world, it can seem very isolated and lonely. But it doesn’t have to be. It can actually be very enjoyable and productive time. It can be a time to refocus and adjust priorities to what matters most in life.
So how does one make social distancing a positive experience and stay sane along the way?
5 tips to mastering social distancing:
Keep a Routine
This will look different for everyone. But it is a must in order to survive and make the most of social distancing. It’s very easy when you’re at home everyday and the kids aren’t going to school to sleep in, stay in your pajamas all day, and let meal times slip. But don’t let this continue for more than a few days.
I love me a pajama day! But I’ll be the first to admit that I am entirely unproductive when I am having one.
May a daily effort to wake up the same time as you normally do, take a shower, get dressed (including hair and makeup). It’s amazing the change these simple things can do to your outlook, energy, and productivity. Continue to eat meals at regular times.
If you have younger children keep their nap schedule as usual. Keep a normal bedtime and bedtime routine.
If you have older children that are out of school try to make sure they are still doing some form of school. Make sure they still get up in the morning (they most likely are not going to be super cooperative). I’m a firm believer of quiet time in the afternoon (even for teenagers). Everyone benefits from a little down time.
Move Daily
Daily movement is important for both adults and children during this time of social distancing. Continue your exercise routine, even if it needs to be slightly tweaked. Maybe you need to switch to work out videos at home instead of going to the gym. Maybe you could go on a bike ride. Maybe just go for a walk. But move.
There are so many benefits of exercise for both adults and children, so make sure the kids don’t get left out here. Play a game of tag, do some family yoga, there are so many possibilities. If you need more reasons to move check out my top 5 reasons to exercise.
Get Outside
I try to get outside with my kids on a daily basis. It’s one of the things that keeps us sane when Batman is neutropenic and we can’t go to the store, have play dates, or visit the zoo. It gives us a change of scenery and breaks up the mundane.
Getting a daily dose of fresh air has been proven to help babies sleep better and longer. Being outside and in the sun exposes us to Vitamin D, which helps regulate the immune system and decreases susceptibility to infection. So go get your vitamin D and sleep better by going for a daily walk, riding bikes, or playing in the yard. Just make sure to stay 6 feet away from others as you do so.
Work on Your To-Do List
We all have projects that we want to complete but never seem to find the time. Work and church functions, driving kids to and from sporting events, attending said sporting events, large family get-togethers, and other social obligations all seem to get in the way.
Well, now you have mandated “me time.”
So why not use it to take up that new hobby that you’ve been wanting to try. Or finish that DIY project that you’ve had half done for the last year. Why not start working on those business plans that you’ve been dreaming about but never thought the time was right? Use the extra time at home to potty train your toddler if they’re ready. Clean out that neglected closet or the catchall shelf (we all have one).
It doesn’t matter what project or activity you find to do, but do something to keep both your body and mind busy.
Spend Time Together
Since you can’t spend time with the rest of the world, why not take advantage of this mandated family time and spend these extra moments with those closest to you. Turn off the TV, put away the electronics, and interact with each other.
We live in a time where the world is more connected than at any other point in history. Yet somehow families seem more distant from each other than ever before. So play some board games, spend time in the kitchen baking together, or have some family movie nights.
As our lives get busy it’s easy to become distanced from those we should be the closest to. Use this time to reconnect. You may even find that you don’t want to give up this time when you no longer are required to. Through my experience with social distancing over the last 2 years I have gained a greater appreciation of the simple things in life.
