I dedicate this rant to my Sarasota Sister who unknowingly inspired me to write this humorous piece. The power of friendship knows no distance.
So…today I wake up at a reasonable hour, skulk around in my PJ’s for a bit wondering what to attack first on this glorious sunny day as we close out the second month of quarantine. But the more I ponder my options, the more I squander my time. Snap out of it!
I take to the computer to work on a new article, get distracted by Instagram and all the flashy posts that easily snag my attention, go down the dark hole of a blogging site I follow only to feel sub-par after viewing a few new splashy blogs, and subsequently crash back to reality.
I go further into this spiral of non-productivity by texting a few friends and spewing my rant. Eventually I make a post or two of my own and start writing my next article, but after all the distraction and ranting, I am now writing THIS little ditty for your weekly pleasure instead.
Turns out, the distractions weren’t all for not. I am turning my rant into my next great idea, which is this:
I long believe we truly are ‘all in this together.’ We maintain and manage similar anxieties and stress, so, if I share my own daily neurosis, perhaps these ideas will help you minimize your own stress because, you guessed it, we are all in this together.
If I haven’t made you crazy by now and you are still with me, I now share some tips I use for destressing during these most stressful of times.
1. Select one task to get your day started
- It could be as simple as making the bed or responding to emails – or getting out of your pajamas. I find putting regular clothes on – okay, sweatpants – allows more productivity.
- The actual first chore I like to accomplish each day is emptying the dish washer. For some reason, this simple task gives me a great sense of accomplishment; I’m able to clear the space so we can start eating, drinking, snacking, making a mess all over again. And the best part? It can be done in your pajamas.
2. Enjoy the great outdoors
- Rain or shine, open that front door and breathe in the fresh air!
- One of my favorite outdoor activities is walking the dogs. It is a way to multi-task my efforts of exercise for the dogs and me, bonding time with them and even with the neighbors while we actively participate in 6-degrees of separation, and occasionally making phone calls using my beloved air pods. Oh, and it is the perfect time to get my creative juices flowing as many a great topic has been drafted in my mind on these outings.
3. Always make time for exercise
- No excuses. Find some form of exercise whether walking, jogging, or breathing.
- With my favorite workout studio shut down, I am left to the devices of streaming, Zooming, or other online apps for exercise. The two I have relied on the most during these shelter-in-place weeks are the OrangeTheory at Home Workout app (my home studio also offers classes: All Out Ardmore Community on Facebook) and Bulldog Yoga in Villanova (@bulldogvillanova – Yoga Sculpt with Jane is the best!).
4. Sneak a moment for the mundane
- We all have our secret pleasure. Don’t be embarrassed to admit yours even if it is simply scrolling through social media or watching reality TV.
- Occasionally, I need to take a break from everything – household chores, writing, conversing – and hop on my phone for a quick word game. Ruzzle and Word Crossy are my two-long time favorites. I feel no shame in honing my word skills, and for some reason, it relaxes me.
5. Work on your passion
- Everyone has that one hidden gem they like to craft on their own – volunteer work, knitting, gardening, cooking, fashion, photography – so take some time each day, set it aside for yourself, and just do it!
- In my case, it’s writing. Some days it is easier than others to get the words to flow on the page, but I keep plugging away. I find it cathartic.
There you have it; my public service announcement, a.k.a. rant, for the day. Until the next dosage, stay safe, stay home, and take care; mainly, be kind to yourself, especially if you are still in your pajamas at noon.
Click Here for Orangetheory information
Click Here for Bulldog yoga information
13 comments On A Quarantine Rant for the Weary
Thank you for the shoutout!!! Yes, we are all in this together!! Thanks for the article and the support!!! XO
Love what wrote. I know and can identify w what yuh ou saud ss always. I feel like you’re writing to me. Another add take care of you. As you said wslks. Ect. One thing I noticed I was getting headaches and double vision and making typos. Finally decided after three weeks call eye doc. My excuses in my mind. Was doc to busy see me but underneath scared a lot found out have cateracd and need get operated on but due what happening now have wait till sept. Thank you for writing and giving me a laugh. Too. Love. Eileen
Always great to hear your voice either by text, phone or through your blog writings! I enjoy them so much dear friend! I will think of you tomorrow morning when I unload my dishwasher and relish in the mundane. I will probably be in my pjs with my barefoot dreams sweater over it! It’s my guilty pleasure- barefoot dreams along with some tea , knitting and hallmark!
Thanks, dear friends. I need to see that sweater – did you knit it?
Dearest, most fabulous Neighbor – loved this one as it’s smart, super timely, light, upbeat, and inspiring – like YOU. Really great to see you and yours during our socially-distant walk around the hood today. Your writing is a true gift. I hope to celebrate the liberation of lockdown with you soon.
Always a pleasure to have a Boyle-sighting on the street and your support in the comments section!
Brush your teeth?? Does that even count towards doing something to start your day?? Great blog!
Wish I had thought of that! Good one!
Good morning wonderful friend! Half my daily battle is getting dressed. I am more successful now that I have my new doggy and do have to walk the neighborhood! She’s giving me more to look forward to! Hope I can remember how to play tennis when the time comes!!!!!
seriously you do it well, pinpointing the obvious for us all- but putting it into words to feel comfort in the fact that we are all in this together- nice write, sister! not a rant- a good piece that solidifies how we all feel- now, when did you pick up yoga???
Good Morning, Yes it is still morning, so my pjs are still appropriate. Just picked up your blog on your Mom’s fb. Glad I did. Funny and supportive. Always need reminders to exercise (well, move) and to get outdoors! Guess I should get dressed now. Have a great day and keep up the inspiring words.
Love it! So helpful at pulling out what we feel and what we need to hear! Feeling more connected just by reading this post! Thank you as always!!!
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Mother of two boys, house manager, ex-chauffeur, organizer of all things, pet proprietor.
Seeking to find my voice through the written word.
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