If you find yourself in quarantine due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, your lifestyle will likely change. For those with a family, quarantine won’t be as lonely, but it can still be a time of stress and anxiety. With remote learning, working from home, and the juggle of daily life, this period of isolation can take some getting used to.
Creating a routine and boundaries can make the transition easier. With a positive attitude and a few simple strategies, your time in quarantine can be a success. Read on to learn how to survive quarantine when you have a family:
Take a Time Out by Gaming
Everyone needs a break, and gaming can be a reward for completing other essential tasks. Gaming is something that the family can do together, or kids or parents can play with their friends as a way to stay connected to the outside world. Now is the time to invest in technology to ensure your gaming experience is a good one.
With everyone using the internet at once, you may discover gameplay is slower with more lag. This can lead to frustration, but there are ways to overcome this issue. Learn how to test ping, make sure all of your drivers are up to date, and ensure your device meets the game’s graphic requirements. Doing so will improve your gaming success in no time.
Schedule Family Time
While you will see more of each other, having structured family time will give you a chance to check-in and make happy quarantine memories. Prioritizing weekly family movie or board game nights and having meals at the table will give everyone something to look forward to.
With outside routines gone, your children will appreciate the consistency of small weekly highlights. As the days begin to blur together, something as simple as declaring that Fridays are pizza nights will differentiate the weekdays from the weekends.
Create Quiet Work Areas
During quarantine, members of your family might have online school or work commitments. If this is the case, setting up quiet areas will help to keep them motivated. Ideally, everyone will have their own desk, headphones, and clear space, but if this isn’t possible you may need to use the kitchen table. If your family is using a shared space, ensure you pack it up each night to make your house feel like a home again.
Set a routine, and be sure to schedule breaks. It can be easy to snack all day with the fridge close by, but you can avoid the temptation by packing lunches each morning.
Plan “Me” Time
Doing things for yourself can make quarantine more bearable. Exercise is good for both your mental and physical health and can be especially beneficial when you are at home. If you can’t escape outdoors for a run or a bike ride, exercise can be done indoors.
There is a large range of fitness workouts online in different styles and intensities to suit your goals and abilities. You don’t need any equipment, and most options on YouTube are free! In addition to exercise, your “Me” time could be soaking in a hot bath, talking to a friend on the phone, or binge-watching a TV series.
Surviving Quarantine
There are positives to come out of quarantine when you spend it with your family. It gives you an opportunity to spend quality time together and create new memories. To make the transition easier, schedule downtime with games, fitness, or a chat with a friend.
Don’t forget, a quiet work area for each person will help them succeed in work or study. Just remember, be kind to each other and try to keep your sense of humor!
