How To Spend Quarantined Time During Coronavirus

Whitney and I had a discussion recently about how people are wondering how they will spend their time at home if they are quarantined at home during the Coronavirus.  Some are treating it like an extended “Snow Day.”  They’re eating, watching movies, and scrolling through social media.  While there’s nothing inherently wrong with any of those activities, I’d like to challenge us to use this time to refresh ourselves spiritually, emotionally and physically. If you’re wondering what in the world you’ll do if you’re forced to spend a couple weeks at home, here’s a list of ten suggestions that can leave you stronger at the end of the virus, rather than just entertained for its duration.

1. Spend longer times in God’s Word. Find passages that will remind you of Who God is.  Psalm 46 is a great place to start/park! Listen to Scripture on your phone.  Pull up podcasts that give Truth!
2. Turn every care into a prayer.  Pray specifically so you’ll know when God answers!
3. Keep a journal of the things that God is teaching you each day. You will forget these lessons when life gets back to “normal.”  These truths can be an anchor for the next trial that comes!
4. Tell others what is comforting you during this time!  Is there a promise you’re clinging to?  Do you have assurance of God’s presence and peace in times of a storm?  Be ready to give the Hope of God’s Word to others who are afraid.
5. Unplug.  Rather than using your extra time to have more screen activity, why not limit yourself to 30 minutes a day?  This will allow you to hear One Voice.
6. Read other sources that can encourage you.  Fiction books are fun, but why not use this time to read that which will teach and tether your heart to God?
7. Pray about how you can be resourceful.  Those apples that are mushy? Cook them into applesauce.  The strawberries you’re worried will mold before you can use them?  Flash freeze them and put them in smoothies or frozen salads,,breads or desserts. Run out of meat?  Look for a pasta dish using the fresh veggies you have on hand. Try not to be tempted to jump on board and order extra food or produce because you’re afraid you’ll run out.  Wisely use what you have and take one day at a time.
8. If the weather and restrictions permit, go outside.  Take a walk.  Trim back your rose bushes.  Get the raised beds ready for planting.  Clean up the yard and prepare it for spring. Get your porch spring-ready while you’re at it!
9. Do some work. It’s amazing how just doing something normal can settle anxiety.  Start your spring cleaning.  Sort out a closet.  Straighten up the garage.  Move out your winter wardrobe.  Dust the winter out and sweep in spring!
10. Spend greater times together as a family. 
    Talk.  Share concerns.  Listen.  Pray. Pray together for people affected by the virus – those sick, the medical personnel, those out of work now, the children in need of care, those in the nursing homes who are restricted from their families, people in roles that have to make hard decisions – our president, other governmental officials, pastors, and the list could go on and on.
    Be together. Cook together. Serve others in your neighborhood. Look for ways your family can be a blessing.

If you’re finding it difficult to deal with the stress and anxiety of this situation of the Coronavirus, I invite you to this page of my blog, Help for Troubling Times.  or to this post. Also, Whitney wrote a wonderful post, What To Do When You Don’t Know What To Do that I know will encourage you!

Make the most of this time and refresh yourself – whether you’re quarantined, or just forced to slow down!

I’m curious, what do you find is making you most anxious about this time of the  Coronavirus?