How To Stay Organized In Quarantine

INTRODUCTION:

Has your life become unfamiliar, uncertain and disrupted? You’re not alone! Ironically the world has never been more united against a common foe; the Coronavirus. Social distancing and self-quarantine are the only measures to help flatten the curve. The pandemic has led to closed schools and businesses, panic - buying, telecommuting, and distance learning. With all this going on, can you really stay organized? Of course! Here’s how:

Follow A Routine

Social distancing doesn’t have to mean utter boredom, but it can’t be binge - watching netflix and snacking into oblivion either. Staying organized takes some dedication - especially if you have kids stuck at home and not in school. Following a routine promotes calmness and a sense of normalcy. Knowing what to expect during a tumultuous time is comforting. Weekends can be lax, but your weekday routine could be: shower, breakfast, get kids ready, kids activities/telecommute, lunch, exercise, dinner, TV, call loved ones, and bedtime.

Make A Task List

On Sundays, I do a walkthrough of the house and pantry, and then I make a task and grocery list for the week. It’s important to keep track of supplies and food. Having a list just makes it easier. Have at least 3 goals for the week. Make sure they’re realistic and attainable. Hold yourself accountable and cross off items as the week goes on. Examples of items that have been on my task list: respond to emails, update the family budget, sort mail, pay bills, wash the car, organize the office, restock the pantry, pick up prescriptions, do laundry, workout.

Be Active

While you’re home and the gyms are closed, it’s more important than ever to stay active. Regular exercise is important for our physical and mental wellness. A brisk walk once or twice a day, should get your endorphins flowing, and heart pumping. It’s okay to go walking or running alone, or with a family member. Sometimes I enjoy a lone stroll. It’s a good time to reflect or practice mindfulness. Other home exercises you could do are lifting free weights, yoga, and jogging around the yard.

Prioritize

Remember your task list? You have to determine what’s most important on the list, knock those out first, then work your way down. Things to consider when prioritizing: time sensitivity, necessity vs. discretionary, and financial impact. For instance, if the laundry hamper is overflowing, but there’s enough food for a few days, do the laundry before buying groceries. Alternatively, you should pay your phone bill first if the bill is due tomorrow and your phone will get cut off.

Try Something New

Doing something new is a great way to reconnect or strengthen family bonds. Experiencing new things together brings positivity and harmony, especially in uncertain times when irritability and restlessness is more likely. You can cook a new recipe, play new indoor or outdoor games, or begin projects like repainting a room, repurposing furniture, or art and crafts.

We’re in this war together. There’s enough chaos out there, so let’s stay organized together here!