This week, we are excited to have The Nashville Mom, Dawn Burns, as a guest blogger giving us tips on how to engage the family and have fun during social distancing!

Life certainly looks differently these days with schools, businesses and restaurants being closed. We are strongly encouraged to stay in our homes and “socially distance” ourselves from one another in order to “flatten the curve” and help slow down the transmission of COVID-19.

Honestly, I am overwhelmed and if I let myself watch too much of the news, I can feel anxious and fearful. I know that God works for the good in all situations even if sometimes it’s hard for us to see. I know that life is turned upside down but I believe there’s still beauty and joy to be found each day. Here are a few positive ways to spend our time during “quarantine”.

Fun Social Distancing Activities
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I usually have a stack of books on my nightstand collecting dust. Now is the time to grab a cozy blanket and get lost in a story or adventure. Consider joining an online community for book recommendations and discussions.

Get Outside

Spring is blooming all around us! Take time each day for fresh air with a walk or bike ride around your neighborhood. Take in all the beauty you see! And if you’re looking for an adventure, All Trails is a site that helps you find hiking trails close by and ranks them by difficulty.

Be Active

Moving can help relieve stress and impact your overall well-being during this time. Many gyms and fitness programs are offering online classes, some are even free on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. You can check out my Workout From Home Guide on The Nashville Mom for resources.

Create New Recipes

A lot of us are used to running from place to place and have gotten into a familiar routine of picking up dinners on the go. While many restaurants are offering curbside pickup and it is important to support them, we should use the time to dust off our cookbooks to get creative in the kitchen. They may make the process a bit messy but children love helping cook. It’s a great time to engage them in meal prep and learning good manners in helping to set the table.

Spring Cleaning

While we are spending so much time at home, it’s the perfect opportunity to tackle your spring cleaning! Clean out your closets, pantries and garages to donate to your favorite charitable organization. Grab your gardening gloves, pull some weeds and spruce up your yards. The neighbors will thank you!

Savor Simplicity

One positive thing coming from this quarantine is that life is much simpler. We have extra time with our families at home. Our calendars aren’t full of appointments and responsibilities and we can even wear pajamas all day if we’d like. Try to enjoy these days and the extra time with your families. Take note of all of the blessings around you.

For more kid-friendly ideas and resources, visit The Nashville Mom website www.thenashvillemom.com or follow Dawn on social media @TheNashvilleMom.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” -Romans 12:12

Mercy Multiplied is a nonprofit Christian organization that equips people to live free and stay free through Jesus Christ through our free-of-charge residential program and Outreach services. Follow us on social media @MercyMultiplied for more uplifting content.