#StayHome: How
to Create Functional Spaces in Your Home
During the Coronavirus Outbreak
During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus
(COVID-19), many of us are spending a lot more time at home. We’re all being
called upon to avoid public spaces and practice social distancing to help slow
the spread of this infectious disease. While it can be understandably
challenging, there are ways you can modify your home and your lifestyle to make
the best of this difficult situation.
Here are a few tips for creating comfortable
and functional spaces within your home for work, school, and fitness. We also
share some of our favorite ways to stay connected as a community, because we’re
all in this together … and no one should face these trying times alone.
Begin
with the Basics
A basic home emergency preparedness kit is a
great addition to any home, even under normal circumstances. It should include
items like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, first aid kit, and other
essentials you would need should you temporarily lose access to food, water, or
electricity.
Fortunately, authorities don’t anticipate any
serious interruptions to utilities or the food supply during this outbreak.
However, it may be a good time to start gathering your emergency basics in a
designated location, so you’ll be prepared now-—and in the future—should your
family ever need them.
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Ready to start building an emergency kit for
your home? Contact us for a free copy
of our Home Emergency Preparation Checklist!
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Working
From Home
Many employees are being asked to work
remotely. If you’re transitioning to a home office for the first time, it’s
important to create a designated space for work … so it doesn’t creep into your
home life, and vice versa. If you live in a small condominium or apartment,
this may feel impossible. But try to find a quiet corner where you can set up a
desk and comfortable chair. The simple act of separating your home and work
spaces can help you focus during work hours and “turn off” at the end of the
day.
Of course, if you have children who are home
with you all day (given many schools and daycares are now closed), separating
your home and work life will be more difficult. Unless you have a partner who
can serve as the primary caregiver, you will need to help manage the needs of
your children while juggling work and virtual meetings.
If both parents are working from home, try
alternating shifts, so you each have a designated time to work and to parent.
If that’s not an option, experts recommend creating a schedule for your
children, so they know when you’re available to play, and when you need to
work.1 A red stop sign on the door can help remind them when you
shouldn’t be disturbed. And for young children, blocking off a specific time
each day for them to nap or have independent screen time can give you a window
to schedule conference calls or work uninterrupted.
Homeschooling
Your Children
Many parents with school-aged children will be
taking on a new challenge: homeschooling. Similar to a home office, designating
a space for learning activities can help your child transition between play and
school. If you’re working from home, the homeschooling area would ideally be
located near your workspace, so you can offer assistance and answer questions,
as needed.
If possible, dedicate a desk or table where
your child’s work can be spread out—and left out when they break for meals and
snacks. Position supplies and materials nearby so they are independently
accessible, and place a trash can and recycling bin within reach for easy
cleanup. A washable, plastic tablecloth can help transition an academic space
into an arts and crafts area.
If the weather is nice, try studying outside! A porch swing is a
perfect spot for reading, and gardening in the backyard is a great addition to
any science curriculum.
In addition to creating an academic learning
environment, find age-appropriate opportunities for your children to help with
household chores and meal preparation. Homeschooling advocates emphasize the
importance of developing life skills alongside academic ones.2 And
with more meals and activities taking place at home, there will be ample
opportunity for every family member to pitch in and help.
Staying
Fit
With gyms closed and team sports canceled, it
can be tempting to sit on the sofa and binge Netflix. However, maintaining the
physical health and mental wellness of you and your family is crucial right
now. Implementing a regular exercise routine at home can help with both.
If you live in a community where you can
safely exercise outdoors while maintaining the recommended distance between you
and other residents, try to get out as much as possible. If the weather is
nice, go for family walks, jogs, or bike rides.
Can’t get outside? Fortunately, you don’t need
a home gym or fancy exercise equipment to stay fit. Look for a suitable space
in your home, garage, or basement where you can comfortably move—you’ll
probably need at least a 6’ x 6’ area for each person. Many cardio and strength
training exercises require little (or no) equipment, including jumping jacks,
lunges, and pushups.
And if you prefer a guided workout, search for
free exercise videos on YouTube—there are even options specifically geared
towards kids—or try one of the many fitness apps available.
Socializing
From a Distance
Even though we’re all being called upon to
practice “social distancing” right now, there are still ways to stay safely
connected to our communities and our extended families. Picking up the phone is
a great place to start. Make an effort to reach out to neighbors and loved ones
who live alone and may be feeling particularly isolated right now.
And while parties and playdates may be
prohibited, modern technology offers countless ways to organize networked
gatherings with family and friends. Try using group video conferencing tools
like Google Hangouts and Zoom to facilitate a virtual happy hour or
book club. Host a Netflix Party to watch (and chat about) movies
with friends. Or plan a virtual game night and challenge your pals to a round
of Psych or Yahtzee.
There are safe ways to connect offline, too.
Rediscover the lost art of letter writing. Drop off groceries on an elderly
neighbor’s porch. Or organize a neighborhood “chalk walk,” where children use
sidewalk chalk to decorate their driveways and then head out for a stroll to
view their friends’ artwork.
Of course, there’s one group of people who you
can still socialize with freely—those who reside in your home. Family dinners
are back, siblings are reconnecting, and many of us have been given the gift of
time, with commutes, activities, and obligations eliminated. In fact, some
families are finding that this crisis has brought them closer than ever.
YOU ARE
NOT ALONE
Even with all of the tools and technology
available to keep us connected, many of us are still feeling stressed, scared,
and isolated. However, you can rest assured that you are not alone. We’re not
only here to help you buy and sell real estate. We want to be a resource to our
clients and community through good times and bad. If you and your family are in
need of assistance, please reach out and let us know how we can help.
Sources:
2. TheHomeSchoolMom.com - https://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/benefits-of-homeschooling-2/
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