How to Live Today Well When You're Stuck at Home
Hey, sister. I know it’s tough. The new normal is not normal, and you find yourself stuck at home with a topsy-turvy routine.
Maybe you and your roommates are all working from home, trying to find a quiet spot for video conference calls. Perhaps your children are home from school and you suddenly find yourself homeschooling multiple grade levels. Or maybe you are reading this after the COVID-19 pandemic has passed and find yourself home-bound for other reasons.
Regardless, it is discombobulating to have your normal life disappear in an instant. Here’s a few tips to help you get through this difficult time…
Set a routine, however small
Set your alarm to wake up at the same time every morning. Sleeping in might be tempting when you have nowhere to be, but starting your day with structure will start you off on the right foot. If you normally go to the gym, commit to doing a free YouTube workout video every day at the same time. It doesn’t have to be long; 15 minutes every day will warm up your muscles and get your endorphins flowing. Schedule time to do something you love, such as reading a chapter of a good book, coloring in a coloring book, or baking some delicious goodies.
Take care of yourself
It may be tempting to lounge around in sweatpants when you know you aren’t leaving your home, but consider how you feel when you wear your jammies all day. Do you feel energized and beautiful? (If you do, all the more power to you!) If not, take time to style your hair nicely and follow your skincare routine. Eat foods that make you feel good and healthy. Even if other people won’t be seeing you while running errands or at the office, you can find joy in caring for yourself and dressing in a way that helps you feel beautiful and confident.
Make time for prayer
Start your day right with prayer. Make yourself a nice hot cup of coffee and sit down with our “The Morning Offering Journal” to offer your day to the Lord. Many churches are offering live stream daily mass now that mass is no longer an option. I find great comfort in tuning to watch my own parish priests offering mass everyday. If you aren’t able to stream mass, take time to read and meditate on the mass readings. Praying the Angelus at noon is a fantastic way to refocus your day towards God. Even if you can’t physically make it to church, there are so many ways to offer up prayers throughout your day.
Being stuck at home is not easy, and can seem like your life is paused. With a routine, extra care, and lots of prayer, you will find it easier to settle into life at home. This season of life may be different and difficult, but with a routine, extra care, and plenty of prayer, you can indeed live today well!
Meet Marissa Federline
Marissa is a 20-something wife, stay-at-home mama, and artist striving to find Truth and Beauty in her everyday life. Her days are spent wrangling her toddler, re-heating her coffee, baking sourdough bread, and trying to find time to read and paint. You can find her on Instagram @stella_maris_prints.