Feeling stuck at home?
Our lives have changed. I used to run full speed 50 to 60 hours per week and barely made it home in time to throw something on the table for dinner (when we didn’t grab take out or eat at a restaurant). Now, I’m getting bored trying to find something that interests the family for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. That would be 21 meals every week, but we all know that doesn’t happen. Instead it turns into oatmeal for breakfast and snacking throughout the day.
Let’s look at some options for healthier eating during our time at home.
Maybe it’s time to share Mom’s favorite recipes with the family and ask for help with those duties. The good news is that we have time to talk, share stories and listen to one another. The bad news is that chicken can get redundant. I suggest each person in the house take a day of the week to plan a meal of their favorite foods. One person cooks while others help clean up afterwards, making it a team effort. Look for new recipes online. And, to make things more interesting, research the nutritional value of items from your meal. For instance, did you know that red peppers have more Vitamin C than an orange? Broccoli has only 31 calories per serving plus has iron, potassium and vitamins C & K. What foods are best options for Omega 3’s and why are they important in our diet? The whole process of researching and cooking could be a great learning tool that children can use for a life time.
Share how you interpret the recipes and any short cuts you have for preparations. For instance, how do you hold the knife when you cut veggies to prevent cutting your fingers. Try healthier options for old standards such as veggie pizza with goat cheese rather than pepperoni which is full of saturated fat. Rather than French fries, we love butternut squash cut into small pieces (you can find them at the grocery store already cut for you), and mix with a bit of olive oil. Bake at 375 for about 25 to 30 minutes and it’s delicious.
Perhaps it’s time for a paradigm shift?
Rather than thinking of this time as being stuck at home, let’s think about it as quality time to spend with family. Even though you might be getting on each other’s nerves about now, look for ways to enrich the lives of those closest to you? Enjoy your children with all their quirks (after all they are a product of you!). Ask questions about what they are thinking, find new games to play, or help them see the future. Encourage everyone to write down their thoughts and develop stories about what they plan to do as adults (even the parents may want a change). If you have young children, let them draw pictures. If kids are getting frustrated in isolation, let them vent. However, show by example the best ways to handle frustration without being disrespectful to others.
Children are probably mourning their friends and classmates and maybe even the teacher who didn’t give them straight A’s. I’ll bet you may be missing that teacher as well. Luckily most people have access to social media for contact with family and friends. While it’s not the same as being in the classroom, it can help. Get creative. Write letters to teacher, friends and those on the front line to say Thanks!
How about going through old photographs and sharing stories about the Grandparents? Maybe you and your spouse can do some research on your family tree? Sign up for classes online to learn a foreign language or play the guitar. My husband has taken guitar lessons online for years and he continues to get better and better. Show off some dance moves or plant flowers in the garden. Each spring it’s exciting to see all the flowers start to bloom. Let each child plant seeds in the house first and once the plants start to sprout, move outside to the garden.
In addition to boredom, some families are becoming more anxious because the income stream may have dwindled as well. While we can’t predict the future, we can find activities that don’t cost anything. I grew up in a large family and “eating out” usually meant on the picnic table in the back yard. And, Netflix didn’t exist. Instead, we listened to music, played board games and cards, or watched movies together. We also rode our bikes and played outside until Mom called us in for dinner. When I needed alone time, I took my transistor radio outside and sat on the hill listening to the Top 40. Make certain each person has space to be alone when needed.
Now that spring is in the air, there are many things to do outside so the whole family can enjoy fresh air and get some exercise. During your walk, try identifying the different types of trees of your community, go hiking at the state park or play basketball in the driveway. If you have a neighbor that is home-bound, perhaps you can drop off flowers or food. And, count your blessings!
Feel free to share your ideas.
Submitted by Jane Missel, Marketing Director for Managers Success, LLC.
