FRESH AIR / Open your windows and let a breeze flow through. Change your air filters more frequently. Since you’re spending more time indoors, take this time to cleanse your home with an air purifier. Molekule is the only air purification technology that is scientifically proven to eliminate microscopic pollutants like allergens, mold bacteria, viruses, and airborne chemicals. Use this link for $50 off your purchase. Science aside, it doesn’t disrupt the aesthetics in your home, too. WIN WIN.
EXERCISE / I will be the first to tell you that I am no exercise expert. Which is why I will currently last maybe 5 minutes in a real apocalypse. But, hey! Nothing like a pandemic to encourage an at-home work out.
BIRD WATCHING / Oddly satisfying and peaceful, we’ve become a family of “birders”. The best app to download is this one. It’s free, backed by Cornell University and helps filter what birds you’re seeing based on a variety of factors like location, size, color, etc. Other social distancing favorites: Cloud watching (although it depends on, well, clouds). This article breaks down 10 types of clouds (suggested by my friend, @alilewis). Bug hunting is a bit difficult (and some would say dangerous). If you’re on the adventureous side, check under rocks, in cracks, after dark use a flashlight to find some critters. Be sure to release them back to their home after.
CRAFTS / a few favorites that you can do with typical household items (or a prime shipping option) :
make homemade playdough with this recipe
turn those cardboard boxes from your amazon orders (because social distancing) into pretend cars/houses/robots
if you really want to live on the edge and dip your toes (literally, if that’s your thing) into a sensory craft, order these water breads (at your own risk: playtime may last 2 minutes to 2 hours, YMMV)
CUP OF JOE / Some local coffee shops are still open; you can still support them while maintaining your distance. Order some of their beans or tea online and ship it to your door. No pants necessary. There is something calming about brewing your own cup at home. All this teleworking could use a cup of pick-me-up, especially when your bed is looking cozy.
Need a recommendation? One of our favorites is the Tanzania Peaberry from Crestone Coffee Co. In light of recent events, Crestone is shipping all coffee for free. No discount code needed.
READ / hop on instagram and post to your stories asking for some book or podcast recommendations. I’m currently reading Garden City by John Mark Comer and the girls read a page out of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls every night.
tip: download the Libby app — it’s a free app where you can borrow ebooks and digital audiobooks from your public library. You can stream books with Wi-Fi or mobile data, or download them for offline use and read anytime, anywhere. All you need to get started is a library card. No late fees either because they return automatically if you don’t renew them. Where was this when I needed it in college?
LISTEN / three playlists to put on :
when you need to focus and telework
SLEEP / doctor’s orders! Sleep is so important to our immune system function. An adequate amount of undisturbed sleep sets us up to fight inflammation within our bodies. We personally diffuse lavender and thieves every night for a calming environment before bed, take melatonin about 30 minutes before bed and aim to get between 7-9 hours every night.
DIFFUSE / skip the candles and instead freshen up your space with essential oils and a diffuser. Just make sure you choose your oils wisely. We only use Young Living oils because of their Seed to Seal guarantee. Each batch of oils is rigorously tested for purity, potency, therapeutic viability & they are so confident in their products that you can actually visit the farms & participate in the harvest/distillation process.
three diffuser blends I’ve been loving :
clean home — 6 drops lavender & 3 drops thieves
cabin retreat — 5 drops vetiver & 5 drops bergamot
crisp air — 5 drops cypress & 5 drops eucalyptus