Quarantined at home? Now what? Ideas on how to keep busy...

So, we are staying safe at home, homeschooling our children, and taking walks for entertainment.  We've decided to get serious about gardening since there might be food shortages, and turned it into a daily hobby.  Although quarantine can be daunting for some, and having to homeschool children can seem like an impossible task for the person not trained in early childhood education and child psychology, I have found the process to be somewhat enjoyable.  I might be trying to look on the bright side of all this and trying to steer clear of the negative news media, but there really is a bright side.  I feel as though I am really able to spend quality time with each of my children...and have learned that their fighting is a way for them to "figure it out" on their own.  Although some days are harder than others, and some days I wish I could just bury my head in the sand, I try to keep things interesting around our house with activities both indoors and outdoors to make life more enjoyable!

     Daily walks or bike rides.  This is tough to do on the days I am homeschooling and when the kids protest about going for a walk, but I try and take at least one walk each day.  Although it can be challenging, getting the kids to join you is always a great idea!  I am a big believer in the fact that children need exercise.  It helps oxygenate all the cells in their body and their brains.  Kids who exercise regularly tend to be smarter and more able to focus.  If I notice that one of my children seems to have too much energy, I usually prescribe bike riding, walking, running or jumping on our trampoline.  I notice, exercise tends to help kids regulate their emotions better.  So, get outside, get some sunshine and break out the bikes, scooters and hiking shoes!
     Gardening.  Now, I am the type of person who thought I would kill every single plant I was given to take care of.  What I realized, is that all plants need are a little TLC.  Just some water, sunshine, fresh air and love, and your garden will grow and help feed you and your family when you really need it.  I am successfully growing garlic, onions, basil, tomatoes, lettuce, mint, lavender, avocadoes, mandarin oranges and rosemary!  Although most of my plants are planted in planters, the rosemary, lavender and avocado tree grow just fine in the ground.  Every morning, I wake up and look forward to watering my plants and getting some early morning sunshine in.  There is nothing better than smelling the fresh, clean air and connecting with nature.
     Hair bows...do you have girls?  Then grab your hot glue gun, thread, ribbon, and metal hair clips.  There are so many amazing websites that show you how to make hair bows and there are so many ways to make them.  This is a great bonding activity for you and your girls...this and making beaded bracelets!  If you have beads and elastic cord, you can figure out beautiful ways to put the beads together to make unique and colorful jewelry.
     Origami.  The art of paper folding is always a way to keep things interesting.  I just purchased origami paper from Amazon and then realized it was way too small for my taste in making origami, so just make sure to get the right size paper.  I will probably have to figure out another project for my too small origami paper...although the designs are beautiful.  If you look on youtube.com there are many instructional videos detailing how to make a heart, frog, bird, box, etc. all from paper!
     I hope I gave you some fun and interesting ideas of ways to stay interested and engaged in life during your quarantine.  Yoga, spirituality and meditation are also great ways to stay centered during this time.  Stay safe and be grateful no matter what life throws at you!