Quaren-time

How are you spending your time while staying at home and social distancing? I know that this time is incredibly challenging for many people because of losing a job, having to suddenly work at home while also teach children and losing in-person support networks because of the need to self-isolate. For me and Sean, this time together has been a much-needed pause button on life. We feel grateful to have a job, a place to live (that supplies us with toilet paper) and each other while getting through this crisis. To be honest, although it's been strange not to be able to go out and socialize, we are the most relaxed and happy that we've been in a long time. I think this is because we don't have the rush and stress of hurrying to be anywhere, we're getting enough sleep, we're eating healthy and not going out to eat and drink in restaurants, we're going out to walk and run together (following social distancing rules) and most of all we're spending time just enjoying being together while playing ping pong, card games, doing puzzles or having fun with Google 3D animal images.

I talked to my sister yesterday and she mentioned that she felt like she suddenly had energy again to plan events (albeit virtual ones), be creative, connect with others and think up future projects. She thinks this new-found energy is because she's able to work from home and take a break from life's pressing obligations and the stress of the normal daily grind. I completely agree. Here's some of the things that Sean and I are enjoying during the stay-at-home order when I'm not teleworking:

• Cooking
• Playing ping pong
• Doing the NYT crossword together every day
• Watching streaming services (the hotel provides Netflix, Showtime, Prime and HBO)
• Going out for walk or a hike
• Writing letters and postcards
• Taking online classes (Sean's working on an MA I'm working on a PhD)
• Connecting with others via social media and FaceTime
• Talking on the phone
• Taking long showers or baths
• Playing cribbage and other card games
• Indoor camping
• Taking naps
• Reading
• Listening to music
• Studying Chinese
• Doing yoga
• Listening to podcasts
• Journaling
• Doing puzzles
• Planning future vacations

What are you doing to stay survive and thrive during COVID-19?