Spring Break is here! Even just a few weeks ago, this was not how I envisioned our spring break going. We were going to spend a weekend in the Twin Cities visiting friends and sightseeing. We were going to spend our mornings at my 6 year old’s favorite local museums and playgrounds. But last weekend all of those plans got thrown out the window.
I felt sad and disappointed for myself and for people all over the world who have experienced cancelled trips, delayed adoptions, and cancelled wedding celebrations. I felt heartbroken for those who have lost their jobs, for doctors who are working without proper protection, and for children who have lost a parent.
All of these events are real and they matter. However, to improve my own emotional well-being, my goal for the next week is to be contingent of which things I am able to control and to choose a positive mindset.
I will work to tune out the news as much as possible, because although a lot of it concerns me, the things that are happening are outside of my circle of control. I will focus on what I am able to control (we are self-isolating, staying at home or being in nature, only going out once/week to buy groceries) and how my choices help others. I will think about all of the things I GET to do instead of the things I DON’T get to do. We still have freedom and choices during this pandemic, and we can choose kindness and positivity. đź’›
If you’re struggling, please know that you’re not alone! Sometimes our emotions feel out of our control. If you are feeling anxious, sad, or lonely, please check out North Central Health Care’s website for resources.
Self-Care
- Soak your feet in a foot bath
- Try meditating
- Go for a bike ride
- Paint your finger or toenails
- Listen to a funny or calming podcast
- Watch a funny movie
- Go for a walk
- Apply a face mask
- Try forest bathing (link to article from The Guardian)
- Take a (real) bath
- Make something for fun (knitting, sewing, woodworking, etc.)
- Write a letter
- Print your favorite photos and display them
- Read a book for fun
- Color in a kid or adult coloring book
- Do yoga
- Call a friend or family member
- Drink some hot tea (or other hydrating drink)
Local Activities
- 5 Koshas Yoga and Wellness has online classes for kids and adults (some are free)
- Boys and Girls Club of Portage County is sharing daily activities on Facebook
- Center for the Visual Arts has daily activities on Facebook to encourage creativity
- Clay Corner Studio offers kids clay painting packages to-go
- #FromMyWindow promotes spreading joy by displaying artwork it in your windows
- Marathon County Public Library offers audio-books and lots of online resources
- RaiseGreatKids.org & Marathon County Early Years Coalition share great resources
- Your student’s school library may have a list of recommended resources!
Local Food Options
- BiteSquad restaurant delivery (Referral: New users get a $10 credit)
- DoorDash restaurant delivery (Referral: New users get $5 off their first 3 orders)
- FREE grab-and-go bags of food for ANYONE in the Wausau area
- Trig’s offers free grocery delivery on your first 5 orders (Promo code: 5FREE)
- Pick ‘n Save offers free grocery pickup from now until 6/1/20 (Clip the coupon.)
- You can also call your favorite restaurant to inquire about delivery or take-out
Educational Resources
- A HUGE list of education companies offering free services due to school closings
- Amazing Educational Resources (Yoga, science, math, and more!)
- Astronauts reading books in outer space
- 12 museums that offer free virtual tours
- 10 great free websites for elementary school students
- Sign up for themed weekly outdoor play emails or browse DIY outdoor activities
- LUNCH DOODLES – Daily learn to draw videos with Mo Willems
- Daily zoo video and activity at 2pm
- Free yoga classes until at least April 1
Resources from Wausau Mama
