This Coronavirus is getting real here in the United States. I know it’s on all of our minds right now. I’ve been reading the updates from different states and it looks like a lot of our normal every day routines will be changing. Schools are going to be cancelled which makes me re-think what I need to do or get. I thought I would share with you a few things that are not your typical toilet paper and water that I’m buying.

The first thing I’m buying is a outdoor play set/swing set for my kiddos. Since we are trying to stay away from large gatherings, a new outdoor toy should keep them moving around and outside. With a lot of schools closing, this would be super helpful. You can see some great Lifetime playsets on Amazon here.  If you’re not a fan of playsets, you could grab a trampoline. That could get on my list too!

The second thing that I’m buying are some new family card games and crafts for the family. I’ve heard great things about these two games- Skill King and Cover Your Assets by Grandpa Beck. I actually just bought Cover your Asset today. It’s a good one that younger kids can even play. Take your mind off of the craziness that is going on and have a family game night. Make a fun craft together with the kiddos. I bought some of this air dry clay with instruments. I thought it would be a fun thing for all of my boys. We aren’t super crafty around here.

The third thing that we are more doing than buying is updating and organizing our home. When you are home bound it can definitely get depressing. We had a few trips planned this month that have been cancelled. It’s definitely a bummer, but to be safe we are waiting this out and hopefully helping with not spreading any sickness. With that said, we got out our list of house jobs that we’ve wanted done. We start on that tonight! I would encourage you to do the same. Make a list of things you could do to your home or yard to update and fix. You could also go room by room and organize and declutter. Just by putting some positive energy into my house will help me take my mind off of the anxiety that is in the world right now. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders.

The fourth thing that we are doing is trying to be more aware of those around us. I’m sure you have all seen long lines at grocery stores. It’s pretty crazy how shelves are bare and items are out of stock. Instead of hoarding for ourselves, can we look around us or even ask others what they need? In times of crisis we tend to want to fed for ourselves. However, we could do a lot more good if we check up on others. Even a phone call or text could help.

The final thing we are doing is taking time to be still. With all of the updates that come every few hours, it can be overwhelming and down right exhausting, even my kids can feel it. Take some time off your research and updates. Go take a walk with the family and relieve some stress or just sit in the sun and be still. Pray, meditate, do what you can to make you feel calm. We can survive this.