It’s already near the end of January, and we feel as if so much is going on around us globally as well as locally. We wanted to touch bases with you, our family and friends, many of whom started as our clients, and see how you are holding up.
Re-Evaluating the Way We Work, Play, and Learn
We are ten months into a stay-at-home order that has caused us to re-evaluate the way we live, work, recreate, and learn.
For many working parents, staying at home with kids is more than a challenge. For those with younger children, we are torn between our commitments to our children and our commitment to our work.
Having an important Zoom meeting while our children unknowingly interrupt, come down for lunch, or need our assistance is becoming less of an America’s Home Video and more the norm.
Trying to find ways to entertain our children away from the computer, the TV, and any internet device so we can grab a piece of solitude or time to return an email or phone call requires more patience and creativity than we have ever dreamed.
Re-Inventing the Outlay of Our Homes
We have re-invented rooms in our homes. Nowadays, it’s not odd or unusual to find gym equipment in the living room or in a dedicated space that used to serve as a bedroom.
The home office is now the Zoom room, often being shared by all members of the family. Kids’ rooms or hallways or spare bedrooms have become school rooms with laptops and desktops all vying for a piece of the family’s WIFI system.
The kitchen serves as the center of our livelihoods where parents and kids meet to discuss more than just “how was your day at school”? Parental check ins with kids takes the place of normal dinner talk, with parents wanting to make sure the health of their children is a primary topic of discussion.
Creating Habits to Keep Us Healthy Mentally as Well as Physically
As we continue to watch reports of tiers, read emails and newspaper reports of updates, and listen to experts who will determine when it will be safe to resume operations and send kids and teachers back to school, we all need to pay attention to our health.
When we, as parents, demonstrate healthy habits, our kids can pick up on them, thereby alleviating the stress and anxiety that we are all undoubtedly facing. An action becomes a habit once it is done repeatedly. Therefore, rethinking the way you live, eat, work, or workout can be a positive transition for the entire family.
Tips to Keep You and Your Family Healthy While We Shelter at Home
The Gamache Team wants you and your family to know that we, too, feel the stress that comes from our restricted way of life. Here are a few tips that help us relax, enjoy life, have fun, and most importantly, appreciate what we have rather than what we are missing.
- Wake up every morning with a positive attitude. Your mind is a powerful force-choose to be positive and see how that makes a difference in your day.
- Go outside for a half hour or an hour a day. Walk around the block. Play soccer or catch. Sit outside and enjoy your coffee or a hot chocolate. Even sweeping leaves or trimming roses helps lift your spirits. If you have a dog, think of the benefit he or she will receive from walking outside with you.
- Send someone a note to let them know you are thinking about them. These days, we can all use a nice note from someone we love.
- Eat a healthy diet. Make an effort to eat foods that are good for you: vegetables, fruits, foods that are low in fat, high in protein and fiber. The internet has many sites for you to choose healthy recipes to try.
- Perform at least 20 minutes of exercise daily in the form of walking, stretching, yoga, HIIT, weights. The internet is full of free or low cost workouts to inspire you, train you, and motivate you.
- Tell someone you love them. The endorphins that come from sharing an expression of care make both parties feel good.
- Hug someone you care about. Physical touch does wonders for depression and anxiety.
- Before you go to bed, write down 2-4 things you are grateful for.
- Make a list of the tasks you need to do to alleviate your mind so you can sleep better. A good night’s sleep does wonders for your health and well-being.
- Take care of yourself. This comes in many forms: take a bath; don’t be afraid to put yourself on a time out for a few minutes to gather your thoughts or feelings; write in your journal. Meditate. Put your earphones in and listen to an audio tape. When you take time for yourself, the entire family benefits.
The Gamache Team Hopes to See You Soon
We sincerely wish you and your family health, safety, and wellness. We miss you and look forward to the day we get to see you in person!
