T.O.P.'s Tuesday: Re-Claiming My Home

I don't know what day of COVID-19 Shelter in Place this is but I'm sure:

• The new normal has grown old 
• ​I need to separate home and school
• My mental state of mind is overwhelmed
• I had to figure out how to separate, improve my mental state, and resume some normalcy within our home
  

It took four weeks for me to reach this state and on Good Friday, after a cancelled coffee date, I went to work. I don't know if it was clarity from Bible Study the night before or the cocktail hour with my school peeps but one thing I knew for sure...if I was to remain strong, sane, and productive...change was necessary. 

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My first question to answer, "Where do I set up school in our small house?" The past couple weeks I had rearranged the living room and claimed a spot at the kitchen table. On the surface this worked but when it came time to relax, since our living room and kitchen are one in the same...I never got away from school.

I could sit in my comfy chair yet when I looked up, I felt smothered. The piles of school work, textbooks, schedules, work, and my school laptop eliminated any relaxation I attempted. I could read my book but each time I looked up, the clutter confined me. Instead of piles of books to read, Bible studies, or writing projects awaiting and enticing me...the never ending school work was stacked on top of the leisure and relaxation. It wasn't until Friday morning that I had an idea of how to create a healthy balance. The cancelled coffee date was a gift of time and energy, I reclaimed my home and created a work space.

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Our front room is now an entry, classroom, and recording studio. Hubby helped me rearrange furniture, clean, and reorganize. The space worked and looked good until I turned on my computer camera. Ugh. Since space is limited and there isn't another location for the office, I hung a table cloth and created a wall. Perfect. 

The next project was to clean and reclaim our living room and eating space. My comfy chair is open and a welcoming me again. As I sat in my chair over the weekend, the view was of hope, inspiration, comfort, and relaxation. I spent time reading, writing, blogging, and podcasting. It was wonderful and offered the rejuvination needed. Since we don't know how long we'll be sheltered in place, it's necessary to balance home and work so you are able to maintain recharging when home. 

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Let me encourage you to figure out how to clean your table off and free the space around you. As you work, teach, and live during COVID-19 will determine your health and wellness in the future.

If you have children and others living with you, they are watching you. Model a healthy and productive life in the midst of crisis.

We are all forced to live in this new normal and we each have the choice in how we respond, model, and live the healthiest lifestyle possible. Every couple weeks I reevaluate what is working and what isn't working. Reassess, make the necessary changes. How are you reaching out to help and encourage others? Have you written a note to someone today? Have you called a loved one? Did you do the laundry and dishes? When is the last time you showered? If you can't remember, take a shower.

Some of the routine things you've let go will uplift you in ways you can't imagine. Spend time reading, playing games, and recreating your space. You deserve it!

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What are you doing or changing to maintain
a healthy mind and body?
Share your tips in a comment below.