Disconnect to Reconnect…
With world events as concerning as they are, information overload reaching a critical max and government officials telling us 24/7 to social distance and self-quarantine in our homes, we’re all looking to find creative ways to ESCAPE; to keep ourselves busy and amused. It doesn’t matter whether you’re home alone or sheltering in place with others, it’s very easy for all of us to quickly go a little stir-crazy. Even those in essential service industries who are still going to work outside the home, are also, now more than ever, wanting to come home to a place of comfort, peace and relaxation. Or maybe you’re working from home for the first time, pulling your hair out, trying to get all the bugs and kinks out of having to work remotely. The end result is the same… it’s our home, our comfort zone, and you want to feel safe, secure comfortable and happy within it.
For me, the answer is to put down the newspaper, turn off the tablet and start thinking of what I would change around my own home… both inside and out, especially now that Spring is coming. As an Interior Designer, that’s how I disconnect to reconnect! It may be an occupational hazard, but I also know that I need to look forward to something both in the short as well as long-term. So I start by setting goals and, before you know it, quickly get excited, looking to making the changes that will make things prettier and/or more functional! A proven way to keep my mind occupied and amused while make me happier. So, what better time than now to plan to improve the space that you and your family occupy. That is why, with all of the ugliness going on in our world right now, you owe it to yourself to look toward something pretty for your own surroundings.
Now that does not mean that you have to start, right now, ordering random things from the internet just for the sake of trying to make yourself feel better. What I’m suggesting instead is that you keep yourself occupied setting goals so that you will have something nice to look forward to once things get moving again. Start looking around and decide what about your home—inside or outside—you would like to change or update. Then you can use the time you now have to diligently research what your ideal look would be and bookmark or catalog all your finds with online services like Pinterest. Maybe you would just like to spruce up your outdoor living so that you can enjoy the summer months to come. Or now that you may be working from home more, you need to fix up your home office area to accommodate your needs. You may even decide that you want to do a complete “house facelift”. Whatever you think you would like to change, now is the time to start planning to do it. Practice hope, rather than despair… Planning can be mentally uplifting while energizing us for a better tomorrow!
Tell us what you’re doing to stay sane and busy during these times.
Great post!! I’m trying to finish up work so I can have some down time to enjoy gardening and baking and time with my family. Was going to redo our kitchen for the One Room Challenge, but that’s been delayed. We’ll see. Setting goals is such a great idea!
It’s so important to focus on being productive and wellness during this time. I am painting my kitchen!
I have all of our current projects caught up, so I’m starting to design my downsizing dream home. I need to keep my creative juices flowing and I am not a sitter. I get antsy.
Over the weekend, I turned off social media and also put the newspaper away. I felt my brain needed a recharge of energy!
Good for you! During these unprecedented times, we need to find what works for us.
I have been staring at the walls in my family room and I’m determined to order wallpaper and have it hung by the time this is all over. I’ve dragged my feet for so long and it’s now or never!
Yes, good time to plan.
I love your admonition to practice hope :). Planning for positive changes in your living space is definitely practicing hope in action!
For sure. We all need hope and to focus on something nice to look forward to.
I drew plans for finishing our basement 5 years ago and now it’s happening. We are working together as a family and framing walls and putting up drywall. We have also added risers to the stairs. We predict the project will be done by the end of the quarantine. Luckily, I had a plan in place.
I love this! Your plan served you well. I hope you share your finished project.
We all need to re-invent ourselves and our lives Doreen. I am actually appreciating my home way more than ever and I love working in a safe, loving environment. But I am ready for some hugs too!
Agreed, Maria!