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Pandemic Winter Survival Guide for Families
As we head into fall and winter, pandemic restrictions will become harder for many. With less daylight and fewer outdoor opportunities, families will need to come up with good coping mechanisms to help reduce conflict and foster positivity. Keeping your home clean and decluttered will help lower stress levels as we head indoors for the colder weather.
Keeping your home clean
Maintaining a clean home will have a major benefit for keeping the peace over winter. A messy home can harbor negative energy, which will in turn foster conflict in your household. You can keep the house clean with small tidying every day: cleaning up workspaces and clearing off countertops will help you maintain a clear mindset while spending more time at home.
Another great option for clearing bad energy is burning sage, also known as smudging. Burning sage is great for a number of reasons: sage helps purify the environment and also helps invite positivity into your space. After burning sage, you can further eliminate bad energy by pouring salt into each corner of your home and letting it sit for 48 hours.
Indoor activities
To stay sane through the winter months, it’s vital to come up with some fun indoor activities you can do as a family. From board games to online fitness classes to taking up hobbies such as baking, there are plenty of options to keep your family occupied.
Board games are a great form of entertainment, so try to schedule a weekly game night. While watching TV and movies is a great way to unwind, it’s good to break up the week by adding in some gaming evenings. You’ll have a chance to laugh and solve puzzles with your family members, which will also go a long way in keeping the mood light.
With gyms closed and winter settling in, it’s important to come up with some indoor fitness activities. Yoga is a great exercise to do with your family. Find an online class that’s appropriate for all levels, grab a few yoga mats, and get bendy. Even if you’re not professional yogis, you’ll have fun doing it and reap all the wonderful health benefits, too.
Consider taking up some new hobbies for the winter, such as baking. If you want an ongoing project, you could make a sourdough starter and eventually make some delicious sourdough bread every week. Other great indoor hobbies include sewing, knitting, puzzles, or learning a new language.
Coping mechanisms
Even the most loving households experience conflict, so don’t be discouraged if it happens in your family. The important thing is to learn how to cope, whether it’s going for a walk in nature, spending some time alone, or consulting a family therapist for help.
Taking a walk in nature is a great way to relieve stress. Fresh air is naturally soothing, and being surrounded by the natural world will help you release tension and let go of negativity. Spending time alone is important if you’re constantly surrounded by family members, so seek out alone time where possible. And finally, if your family conflict is becoming overwhelming, consult a family therapist to help you learn how to cope.
While it will be challenging to head back indoors to get through the pandemic this winter, using this guide will help you manage family conflict and keep it at bay as much as possible. Keep your home clean, burn sage to release bad energy, and come up with some fun indoor activities to keep your family sane. And remember to have some good coping mechanisms up your sleeve for when conflict arises, such as getting out into nature or spending time alone.
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By Amanda Henderson <