There is no way around it. Right now we are (STILL) in the midst of a global pandemic that can often leave us overwhelmed by the uncertain path our lives have taken. In an age with almost too much information available to us, it is easy for anxiety, fear, panic and grief to overwhelm our days. And yet, we are moms with little ones looking to us for… well, everything… so we must soldier on.
Therefore, we want to encourage you to take a moment, breathe deeply and remember God is for us and not against us. Jeremiah 29:11 reads, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” So in the midst of the continued upheaval in our lives, and with this promise in mind, let’s strive towards a continued pursuit of joy with our families and friends.
We’ve compiled some resource lists for you to use in those moments when you can’t think of a single new activity for your kids… you need a date night with your spouse… or as a mom you are simply feeling overwhelmed by everyone else’s needs… We’ve got you covered!
(Oh, and a quick note: We realize there is a continuously evolving landscape of our governor’s executive orders and state guidelines as it relates to COVID-19. Be sure to keep these in mind as you plan your date nights and activities!)
Socially Distanced (At-Home) Date Night Ideas
Feeling in need of a date night, but then you remember… there is a global pandemic steamrolling through our lives?! Us too. Here are some at-home date night ideas. So, make a plan, put the kids to bed and get ready for the Second Evening! You know, those precious hours post-kid-bedtime when you and your someone can start up Round Two of the evening: adult time.
- Movie Night: Order dinner, set the coffee table and watch a movie.
- Order In: Try a new restaurant or stick with an old favorite.
- Cook together: Find a new recipe, turn on your favorite music and spend time together in the kitchen cooking dinner.
- Sweat It Out: Do an online workout together.
- Go to a Museum: Enjoy a virtual museum tour.
- Go to the Opera or Symphony: Enjoy a production streaming online.
- Plan a Trip.
- Update Your Home: Choose a room, a closet, a corner… and make those home improvements you’ve been talking about for years. You’d be surprised how far a coat of paint or rearranging furniture can take you.
- Take a Class: Brush up on your Spanish, paint a picture with Bob Ross, learn how to knit or whittle wood.
- Schedule a Double Date: We’re all experts on Zoom at this point.
- Cuddle on the Couch: Read, listen to music, talk, rest. Just do it side by side and enjoy the moments your little ones are sleeping.
- Dance: Dim the lights, play some music, light the candles, and dance.
- Create a Life Plan: Think ahead 5… 10… 55 years… Where do you want to be?
- Game Night: Even if Monopoly or Settlers of Cataan aren’t your speed, try it one night. You’ll be surprised how much fun it is to simply be together, competing for imaginary land.
- Tell Each Other Memories from Childhood.
- Write Each Other Letters: jot down some topic ideas, put them in a bowl, draw one out and write!
- Book Club… of Two: Start a book club with each other. Pick out a book, read together and talk about it.
Managing Your Anxiety
The very definition of anxiety states it is “a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.” These historic times we are experiencing are certainly uncertain. Anxiety can easily feel part and parcel with the messages we are receiving from the world at large.
However, Isaiah 54:17 states, “But in the coming day, no weapon turned against you will succeed…” We have an abundance of hope in God. And yet, for the days you need an extra boost, here are some ideas to help you manage your worry.
- Pray.
- Read your Bible.
- Journal – write down the good, the bad, the ugly and your prayers. The act of writing helps your mind process life and all the experiences that come with it.
- Attend virtual church on Sundays to connect with your community.
- Join a micro campus to make new friends and supporters.
- Reach out to a friend – you don’t even have to talk about what is worrying you. Just connecting with someone and chatting about a funny thing your kid did that week can help lift your spirits.
- Move your body – go for a walk, exercise, clean your house. Just move! It’s amazing how quickly your mood shifts when your body does.
- Acknowledge your stress – give yourself permission to feel the hardships you are facing, but then find something good about your day.
- Start a Good Things List – text a friend, write in your journal, whatever works for you; but start listing all the good things in life currently. Your morning coffee was delicious, your car runs well, your kids are cute, the sun is out… anything that is a positive when you stop and think about it. List it.
- Manage your media – Limit your social media scrolling, your intake of the news, even your communication with people who tend to be negative. Be aware of what you’re exposing yourself to.
At Home Activities For Kids
- GoNoodle online activities.
- Cosmic Kids yoga.
- Make blanket forts.
- Create obstacle courses.
- Nature hunt: in the backyard or a local field
- Bike ride.
- Scooter ride.
- Jump rope.
- Chalk: hopscotch, four square, driveway murals, encouraging messages for neighbors
- Paint with Marbles.
- Scavenger Hunt throughout the house.
- ABC hunt: write the alphabet on post-it notes and hide them.
- Make play dough.
- Cook something together.
- Bake something together.
- Learn something together using an online tool: foreign language, sign language, painting, drawing, knitting.
- Organize the playroom together.
- Sort their toys by size, color, category.
- Write letters to seniors, hospitals, veterans… anyone who could use some cheer.
- Write a story together.
- Write a play together, and then act it out!
- Paint a mural using old newspapers, wrapping paper, paper grocery bags cut open… anything you can find.
- Movie night in the living room or backyard.
- Virtual playdate with friends.
- Living room picnic for dinner.
Prioritizing You During a Pandemic
As moms we often feel like everyone’s everything – especially when we find ourselves outnumbered by small children. Add to that this unexpected time when our physical homes have become not just the place where we live, but also our workplace, school, church, restaurant, coffee shop, library, gym, playground… EVERYTHING… with us as at the center and oftentimes managing nearly all of the chaos that ensues, and it’s no wonder feelings of overwhelm can easily creep in.
As our stamina flags, as it inevitably will while raising busy kids, it is easy to tell ourselves that if we just get {fill in the blank… then fill it in again… and again… and again… on repeat}, THEN we will be able to sit down and take care of ourselves. Once everything and everyone else is handled, we will be able to care for our minds, bodies, hearts and spirits. But isn’t it interesting how it hardly ever works out that way? Because when we don’t prioritize our own health and wellness, we aren’t able to show up in the same way for our families.
So here are some ideas to help you remember to prioritize yourself the same way you would your child, each time they come to you with a need.
- Take a deep breath. Then do it again. By forcing yourself to breathe deeply and slowly a few times, you’ll find yourself resetting a bit.
- Laugh.
- Cry, when you need to.
- Call or text a friend.
- Take a nap.
- Read.
- Journal.
- Listen to a podcast or audiobook.
- Do nothing.
- Move your body. Even with gyms closed and babysitters unable to help, find time to exercise even if it’s loading up the kids into the stroller and onto the scooter and walking around your block.
- Get outside.
- Plant something for the pure joy of watching it grow.
- Schedule a virtual coffee date with friends.
- Go to bed early.
- Stay up a little later to do something alone.
- Take a bubble or essential oils bath.
- Take a long, hot shower with eucalyptus.
- Paint your nails.
- Wash your hair with that special conditioner you’ve been saving.
- Take a break from social media.
- Encourage yourself, whether you write it down or say it out loud, give yourself a compliment.
- Think about what encourages you… and try to make some time for it.
Annie Evelsizer and her husband live in Minneapolis with their two kids and two enormous kittens. After an extensive tenure working in the fashion industry for a major retailer, Annie opened her own wardrobe and interior styling company, Hudson & Wilde. She is passionate about creating community, and she also loves to read, write, drink coffee, exercise, and travel. Connect with her on Instagram @aevelsizer and @hudsonandwilde!