Well, what’s going on here then? I don’t know about you, but I feel as though I’m definitely living in a bit of a beautiful nightmare at the moment.

I’m half way through enjoy spending time at home with Jamie and Rico, and the other half being so worried about what’s going on in the world, and in so much disbelief that this is actually happening. A virus that, if we’re all being honest with ourselves, everyone thought would be another one of those things that would come, cause some panic, have some media coverage until something else popped up and suddenly disappear and become a “do you remember that virus, what happened to that?!” But no. Coronavirus is here and here for the summer it seems.

So, how do we cope? How do we prepare? As a parent, it’s actually so hard. If I didn’t have Rico, I’m sure I’d be enjoying this a lot more. I’ve realised I’ve taken for granted all the lovely activities, groups and play dates we have so readily available to us as parents. It’s almost like I feel guilty (here she goes again with this mum guilt I can hear you all saying) that we can do anything. Even though he doesn’t seem to know any different, being out of the routine of nursery, home and activities on our days off really is hitting home. So here’s my top 5 tips for staying sane at home during the time when Coronavirus claimed 2020.

 

  1. Stock up on things to do – Rico has SO many toys, but where you’re stuck inside all day, they don’t seem as fun. Having a feeling this would happen – I went to Poundland, Home Bargains and B&M and stocked up on arts and crafts, bubbles, colouring pencils, stickers, the lot. All ranging between 50p and £4.99. I was able to get so many new bits to keep him engaged. I take one out of the bag everyday and that’s our new thing (God help me when the bag runs dry).

 

  1. Have a routine – day one and two I spent the majority of the day in my PJ’s, lounging around, having a sofa day (which is fine) but it did get to the point at 10pm after I’d showered and put on a new pair of pyjamas that I started to feel a bit down. The next day I made sure that once we were awake, we got washed and dressed even though we knew we weren’t going anywhere and it really did make a difference to my mood (I even brushed my hair!).

 

  1. Go for walks – going for walks is always good to do, quarantine or not. Going out to get fresh air and take in Mother Nature is never a negative, so weather providing – go outside and spend some time walking.

 

  1. Read a book – escape reality for a bit. Dive into a new juicy read and enter a different world. It will take your mind off the constant news and horrible headlines that we’re all a bit too obsessed with at the moment. It will also give you some time to just be still. We could all do with that right now, I’m sure.

 

  1. Make a list – there’s so many things I always think I need to be getting on with in my house that I never have the time for. The laundry cupboard, throwing away the old pans I don’t use, clearing out the freezer. Make a list of things to do in true Mrs Hinch style, and slowly but surely get through all the things that you always wished you had the time to do. Nothing more satisfying than ticking things off a list right?

 

I hope you and your families are all safe and keeping well in these times. I pray this is all over as quickly as it started!

 

Until next time my lovelies