Families of all types, are feeling “closer” than ever. Literally.
People are being laid off, working from home, home-schooling, and quarantining for the safety of everyone during this pandemic. This means that everyone is home. In the house. All the time.
What seemed endearing and novel at first, is now losing its charm.
So how do we manage any alone time during a global Pandemic?
Here’s my ideas:
- If you are a co-parent; take turns. Plan ahead. Make sure that once or twice a week, you each take a turn being alone. Go grocery shopping solo. Read a book next to the river. Watch YouTube alone in the car. Find something (covid safe), that brings you joy, or at least some peace of mind. Welcome the distraction.
- If you are a single parent, cheers to you. This has not been easy. If you are lucky enough to have an older child, or one who’s great at independent play, take advantage. Work on a project of your own while they do their thing. Any creative activity can be a great stress reliever and give you that sense of accomplishment you may have been missing.
If you feel comfortable, create a safety bubble. Can you create a small circle of friends or family that you feel comfortable spending time with? If so, it can be a great resource to achieve some precious alone time. Trade babysitting with a neighborhood friend or another parent you trust. It’s a win-win for you both.
- If you are absolutely alone with your kiddos, for any reason, you can get through this too. Try these: listen to a podcast or your favorite music (in one ear) when you go on a stroller walk. You can listen to some adult content while your little enjoys the view. Meditate, exercise, or sleep during nap time. Take a moment for yourself after bedtime. Even if it’s just 5 minutes, make it count. Zoom or facetime a friend. Follow a guided meditation. Watch really bad tiktoks in the bathtub; whatever works for you. You will get through this!
- If you are alone, you’re not alone (so to speak). There are countless people who are stuck at home during this pandemic. People who are high-risk, already infected, or just generally uncomfortable in public, are all in your shoes. Try and keep a positive outlook. A tough situation that can be lonely and isolating, can also be a time of discovery. Tackle that project, take an online course, read that book series, start a new hobby. When you do need social interaction, do it. Make that phone call, start an online book club, stay active on social media, write letters.
Feeling a bit trapped is tough on us all. Please try to make some time for yourself, however small. If you need more help than you can manage on your own, please reach out for help. Therapists are still seeing clients, many via telehealth. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day. Call 1-800-273-8255.
Stay safe friends.
We’re in this together.