Social Distancing: How to Turn Lemons to Lemonade

19 Mar Social Distancing: How to Turn Lemons to Lemonade

There is a lot of important health information that is being shared amid the Covid-19 pandemic, especially social distancing. So what is social distancing? Social distancing is a public health practice that aims to prevent sick people from coming in close contact with healthy people in order to reduce opportunities for disease transmission. The Governor of Illinois has ordered all schools to close and has also mandated all bars and restaurants to close their doors until March 30^th. With schools switching to e-learning, extracurriculars being canceled or postponed, sporting events and events no longer taking place, one may find themselves alone or suddenly around family, and this can feel overwhelming.

How to Make Lemons to Lemonade? 

A lemon can be too tart or too sour for some, and just like in life, we get handed a bunch of lemons sometimes. Instead of focusing on how much you don’t enjoy a plain old lemon, challenge yourself to see things from a new perspective. Turning that lemon into lemonade, lemon bars, lemon meringue; okay I think you see where I’m going with this.  We’re not changing the situation that is handed to us, we’re changing our relationship and experience to the situation.  We’re making lemonade out of lemons.

Social Distancing Tips for Kids 

Having young ones in the house can feel overwhelming at times. If you have young children who are now at home with school-aged children, because of the closures, there may be times when you, or they, run out of things to do.  If the weather isn’t ideal, being outside isn’t an option. Well, do not worry because here are some great ideas to keep your little ones busy:

• Busy Toddler is a great resource for all different types of activities
  • Sensory bins made with rice or water
  • Art activities like building and creating recycled items
  • Quick and easy activities like Find the Shape
• Take Virtual Tours from around the world, like the San Diego Zoo, The Great Wall of China, or Yellow Stone National Park
• Check out Highlights for activity and game ideas

Social Distancing Tips for Teens

Not being able to hang out with friends or leave the house can bring on a sense of cabin fever. Teens who are usually socially or academically active may not be used to spending so much time at home.  So being able to come up with ideas of things to do can save you some stress and anxiety.

• Overdrive or Libby are two great apps for reading or listening to audiobooks. If you have a local library card or if your school is linked to the app, you can rent eBooks and audiobooks at the comfort of your own home, for free!
• Stay connected! Utilize FaceTime and check in with your friends. Texting, sending memes, and checking in on people can be some ways to stay connected to your friends and loved ones. We’re all in this together, let kindness keep up strong.
• Work on your E-Learning.
• Gather old clothes to donate, so you can be ready for your spring wardrobe.
• Learn a new skill
• If weather is permitting, go for a mindful walk or bike ride. Movement and exercise are always great ways to feel better
• Bake or Cook something with your family.
• Watch a TED Talk
• Journal

There are so many other great ways to spend your time and I challenge you to create a list of your own goals or ideas for how you can use your time at home!

Social Distancing Tips for Families

Social distancing can allow us to spend time with our families that we may not see as much during the week due to the hustle and bustle of life. So how can families come together?

• Take a family bike ride.
• Enjoy a movie night where each member of the family has a night where they get to pick a movie for the family to watch. You can take time to explain the importance of the movie, why they chose it, or how it has impacted their lives. Through Google Chrome, Netflix has the option to create a watch party so that you can watch shows with others from your own home.
• Board games
• Puzzles
• Cooking or baking
• Talking about life’s experiences and what you all look forward to
• Put on a play or skit
• Family cleaning day
• AKC has a Coronavirus Tips Guide for dogs at home

Whatever you choose to do as a family, allow yourself to do it mindfully. Try putting your phone in another room for a while and disconnect.

North Shore Family Services Therapist

North Shore Family Services is a team of skilled and approachable therapists that help parents, children, teens, adults, and couples reduce anxiety and stress, learn effective problem-solving techniques, and manage emotions and behaviors that inhibit personal, school, family, and relationship success. We make therapy a productive, engaging and relaxing place for everyone to work hard and make the improvements they desire. To find the right-fit therapist for you and your family, visit our clinician’s page.