Grab the list plus a phone wallpaper file, to help keep these habits front of mind!

We’re all in an unprecedented situation right now. For some, that means extra shifts making sure people are cared for and fed — thank you!! For others, including me, it means lots and lots (...and lots) of time at home.

You know, we have all kinds of human experience — even if we don’t always avail ourselves of it — in how to take care of our mental, physical, and social health. But many of the things we’ve come to rely on aren’t there for us anymore. Social outings, exploration of cultural spaces, organized sports, and more used to be simple ways to connect and grow, but we’ve lost these tools from our tool belts. Now, if COVID-19 meant we had to do without these things for just a couple of weeks, no biggie; we’d suck it up and make do. But that’s not the case. We’re in this for the long haul.

So I keep coming back to this idea: we need to get good at new things.

Just like businesses are pivoting and adapting…just like teachers are taking a crash course in how to do education in a way they never had to before…we all need to get good at thriving when our normal ways of doing so are no longer available. It’s a critical step if we want to show up well in this hurting world.

A few days ago, I was sending a Voxer message to my sister in New York City. I acknowledged the anxiety she feels, as she shelters in the epicenter and thinks of the tragedy unfolding and still to come. I said, “What can you do TODAY to care for yourself?” I rattled off a list of things (“Have you been drinking water? Have you done something creative that feeds your soul?”)…and soon realized I needed a dose of my own medicine.

That’s the inspiration for this post: I created a list of seven things I, personally, want to commit to doing every day. I fully acknowledge that this list isn’t for everybody, particularly those who aren’t able to shelter in place because they’re busy taking care of the rest of us! But if your days look like mine, maybe your needs look like mine too. I also acknowledge the list isn’t complete, but as my gym trainer Kim says, some habits are like dominoes that make others easier. If you exercise and drink your water, that makes your food choices healthier. Similarly, if you check in with others, that opens you up to be compassionate and generous in other ways. So these seven are my dominoes as I try to hold it together against feelings of fear and inadequacy. These seven are easy things I have 100% control over, so I’m positioned to face those that I don’t.

What’s on your list? Instead of just sheltering in place, can you thrive, so you are better equipped to create the hope and light that your home, community, and world need?

1. Get dressed anyway

I #gotdressedanyway with the Sweet Ceramic Studs, Mystic Moon Necklace, and Tempest Necklace. Plus a Twisted TAnk from ZYIA.

See? I told you these would be easy. Noonday Ambassadors are posting our #gotdressedanyway pictures on social media to encourage us all out of our pajamas or hole-ridden lounge clothes, and to get dressed for the day. After all, home or not, our day awaits us and we need to show up for it — for the makeshift “homeschooling,” the working from home, the housework, the family board games, the calling to check on loved ones, whatever. Sometimes, getting dressed is the little boost we need to tell our brains, "time to get up and make today count." (Do I sometimes change back into PJs by 6pm? Yes, yes I do. This is not an exact science, friends.)

I’ll take it a step further: Is there one thing you ALWAYS put on when you leave the house? Maybe it's mascara or lip gloss, or your watch. For me, it's earrings (you’re shocked, I know). Can I encourage you to both get dressed, and keep wearing that thing, even if you're like me and are home day in and day out?

2. Drink enough water

I’m so thankful to have some walking paths in my neighborhood!

This is nothing new, but hey, I need the reminder, so perhaps you do too. You’re welcome.

3. Move your body

It’s important to keep exercising a few times a week (I love that my gym, Lioness Fitness, has live online workouts where all you need are a couple of weights or exercise bands!). But even on the other days, I am trying to make sure I’m not sedentary. It may just be a leisurely walk or wrestling with the kids, some vigorous cleaning, or a few minutes of stretching before bed.

4. Get outside if possible

It may not be possible every day, but with lovely spring days starting to arrive here in Wisconsin, I’m trying to get at least a little sunshine each day. If your living situation allows, get outside or at least open the windows for some fresh air.

5. Check in on someone

Gosh, this shelter in place thing looks different than it would have 20 years ago, doesn’t it? It’s so easy to connect. Every day, think of someone to check in on. I’ve tried to reach out to friends who work in healthcare. Friends with special-needs kids, who are facing extra challenges with doing learning from home. Friends who I know have mental health struggles. When India went on lock-down, I reached out to my Indian friends who still have family there, to see how their loved ones are doing. Do you have friends who are bartenders or waiters or performers, who may have lost their income? The list goes on, and a little touch point will help you feel less isolated while blessing someone else by showing them they are seen and loved. Ask how you can support them. If you wish, call or send a voice clip instead of a text, to better replicate in-person interaction.

6. Do something creative or new

This seemed like a good time to introduce the kids to The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. I’ve read the series several times, but it had been a while.

Maybe you already have a creative habit and just need to keep it up. But even if you don’t feel like a creative person, how can you stretch your brain a little each day? Grab some paper and start doodling. Download Duolingo and learn a few words in a new language. Try a new recipe. Read a fictional book that transports your imagination. Join your kids in a drawing tutorial (Art for Kids Hub is so great!).

7. Do something productive

I hesitated to even include this. Aren’t we all sick of feeling bad because we aren’t “taking advantage” of this time to keep our house spotless, lose 20 pounds, and write the great American novel? But here’s the thing: doing even just one tiny (and I mean…tiny) productive thing each day, over and above the work of our jobs and/or of guiding our kids’ learning, can be a huge boost, without being a time suck. Yesterday, as part of my very slow KonMari process, I pulled out my tea collection, wiped the container, tossed those that are old or don’t spark joy, and arranged the rest. It took maybe 10 minutes but was something I could feel good about! So clear out a few emails. Tighten that pesky screw that came loose. Finally sew that button back on. Do your taxes. Whatever. The goal here is not to come out on the other side of COVID with a perfectly put-together life. It’s to have a little victory each day so you come out the other side ready to face the world, rather than battered, bruised, and lethargic.

Download this and set it as your phone screen to stay on track each day!

If this list is helpful, download this image to use as your phone home screen, as a reminder to stay on track. And tell me in the comments: what’s on your list?