How to Turn House Arrest into a House of Rest in 10 Steps
In the spirit of keeping sane, and the great tradition of the listicle, I have compiled a list of ten things that have kept me in a more positive spirit during the conf-ides of March and rain pains of April.
1. Make a schedule. And then ignore it. I’m a man that works against the confines of a strict schedule. I need a reason to feel guilty for sleeping in for so long. It helps me find my normal. But seriously, treat this like it’s your dream job. If you could make your own schedule, what would it look like? Mine has half an hour set aside just for coffee!
2. Brush your teeth. Twice daily.
3. Mange Mange. It’s time for you to get 3 to 7 square meals a day. I’d recommend tossing a fruit or two in, if there was any canned pineapple left at the store.
4. Bake—If you possess the means and an oven, you can create some fairly inexpensive staples. These are also much better than baked goods from the store. Who knows, there maybe a pastry chef hidden under that pile of sweats.
5. Put some pants on—even just to take them off. Maybe it’s just me but I think this is a good way to keep some thrills in your life. Nothing feels better than removing the societal strain of jeans at the end of the day.
6. Correspondence—A phone call, Zoom, FaceTime or a telegram: anything to keep your vocabulary current and your social needs met. I have a weekly “Night Out At The Bar” with my old coworkers. The drinks are cheaper, and there’s never a line for the bathroom.
7. Get out—For a walk or a run, but either go alone or with your partner. Though your health is important, both physical and mental, it is imperative to remain physically isolated this isn’t actually house arrest. You can go for walks and get a little exercise. Frankly, I encourage it. But the importance of keeping your circle as small as your residence is what’s going to save lives. Keep it smaller if you can. The only one you can really trust is the dog.
8. It’s Quarantime somewhere!—For my social imbibers, sipper sisters, and guzzling gals, this is your time. If you want to have brunch on a Wednesday and make mimosas at 10:00 am, go for it! For those of you who can, make this the vacation you wanted but never had the time for! Is that a heated pool in Cancun, or just a bathtub? Only you can decide! (I know for a fact this post wouldn’t be as interesting without my midday Manhattan.)
9. Breathe—Namaste. This too shall pass. I find yoga really helps. My boyfriend and I are trying a 30-day, free yoga class on YouTube. He is on Day 4... I have yet to get past Day One. I would like for you to imagine the grace of a 6-foot tall man, who is all torso—and not a slim one--trying to walk from downward dog to Brooklyn bridge pose after a midday Manhattan and a lazy Long island iced tea: let’s just say I found myself on the wrong side of Queens. The important part is to try.
10. Plan— what you are going to do when you get out of this? Is it a trip? Maybe you’ve finally realized what you want to study? Maybe it’s divorce—the important part is to plan for something positive that you can look forward to.
Maybe skip the afternoon cocktail before heading out for that mental health walk.
We’re stronger together, and safer apart..
Stay hopeful,
Evan
PS: Here's a link to the free Yoga. Honestly it's enjoyable just to watch. Your welcome ;)
PPS: This is the EASIEST recipe for baking bread. Rember bread is like people-the lumpiest ones are usually the nicest on the inside.
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