Are you sick of it yet? No, not sick with it, but sick of it! I concede that we probably aren’t doing everything we can to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, but I’m done with it filling up my newsfeed, my inbox, and my mailbox. For example, this picture is a screenshot of a website that I frequent. It gathers health and wellness articles from different reputable places and put them all in one place for me to review. Thirteen of the first twenty articles relate to COVID-19 or the coronavirus. (I didn’t count the others that are about general things you can do to boost your immune system.)

I guess I’m just tired of hearing about all the negative, and let’s agree that there is a lot that is negative right now.

I’d like to think that we’re all sequestered in our homes, enjoying additional time with our spouse and children. I know the reality though, so in this edition, we’re focusing on the positive.

1. I like spending time with my husband. We were married for a long time before we had kids, so I still remember what it was like to spend time with him before the hoodlums were born. I’m enjoying this time together. What about you? Is there someone that you’re getting to spend more time with on a daily basis that is brightening your day, even in a small way?
2. Mayhem doesn’t normally reside at our house, but being home has given rise to opportunities for…let’s call it frivolity. Even the 8-year old got the message below. What are you doing to break the monotony and bring a smile to those in your household? There are simple things, and we might as well employ some frivolity to keep our sanity. It’s a small price to pay.

3. Remember to exercise, especially at home. I’m pretty fortunate that I run, so my regular exercise hasn’t been disrupted. In fact, the weather has been great! Getting outside might be just the thing for you too. If that isn’t practical, you can try other options. I downloaded a simple 28-day challenge app and one of my daughters has been doing that with me each day. The Gateway Region YMCA is offering workout videos on their YouTube channel. You can check it out on Monday at 4:30 PM. They already have one posted for older adults and a couple that include body weight exercises.
4. Think of all the time you can run around without pants now! Yes, I’m only partially kidding, but every virtual meeting and teleconference is an opportunity to take off your shoes and maybe more. That really depends on you, and I don’t want the details. Just be careful not to stand up. Refer back to #2.
5. Check on those who live alone and reconnect through phone calls, letters (yes, the paper kind!), emails, and social media. Isolation is particularly difficult for the elderly and for those with depression or anxiety. Check on them regularly.

There is still a lot to be thankful for even in the midst of a crisis. We’re all doing the best we can, but if you need help, reach out. (No, not physically because of our 6-foot isolation bubble, but you know what I mean.)