By admin Published March 27, 2020

It may feel like our world has turned upside down overnight, and honestly, for most of us, it has. We are suddenly out of work, our kids are home from school/day care, and now we have to adapt to a Stay at Home Order. Many of us are wondering where we are going to find the money to keep going, how to entertain ourselves/families, and how to strike a normal balance among it all. We are fortunate to live in such a wonderful community and have access to responsible, outdoor recreation, but what other healthy ways can we occupy our minds during this time?

We came up with a list of ideas to help answer this question and to hopefully provide you with some inspiration to get those creative juices flowing.

For You

• Get in the cooking spirit! Now’s the time to try that daring recipe you’ve had your eye on, but no time to make. Bake something that makes your belly happy and your home smell amazing. We promise it’s much easier to stay inside when chocolate chip cookies are in the oven!
• Dust off those shelves, that’s right, Spring Cleaning! Organize your outdoor shed, your garage, your closet. Embrace your inner Marie Kondo!
• Schedule a virtual dinner party, movie, or dance party with your friends! There are many platforms to make this easy for you such as Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype, or Facebook Video Chat.
• Take a free online class. Sharpen your skills or learn something completely new!
  In fact, there are numerous things that you can do for free that weren’t free before. Check them out!
• This is a great time to dive into a book, start a puzzle, or play a board game. If you live alone, you can play games on your phone such as Words with Friends. Have a craft night, paint a masterpiece, or try out origami!
• Try to limit your TV and social media use during this time. Your mind will thank you.

For Kids

• Try to keep to a routine schedule. Sit down the night before with your child and plan out the next day for them. This could include learning, fun activities, and outside time.
• Music! This is the perfect time for your little one to put on a performance whether that be singing, dancing, or playing an instrument.
• Allow them, if possible, to use a video chat platform (with supervision) to see and talk with their friends. You can set up virtual play dates and have games, crafts, or music lessons ready for your little ones to enjoy.
• Keep your child busy with arts and crafts! Here are some quick and easy ideas.
• Be sure to check in with your kids and find ways to explain to them what is going on right now, you can have them write or draw their feelings about the situation.
• Try to limit social media and tv use during this time, or stick to educational movies/shows.

Responsible Outdoor Recreation

If you are going to recreate outside, please, follow the CDC guidelines and social distancing practices. Stay 6 feet away from others and do not congregate in groups. We encourage you to help others in the community by gently reminding them of this protocol.

• Hike, walk, jog, or run. Start training for that marathon you’ve always wanted to do!
• Bike! Check out the Rio Grande trail.
• Fishing – seriously this is a great social distancing sport, plus it can be very relaxing by the river.
• Uphilling / Skiing – please be respectful of closures, regulations, and resort guidelines. PLEASE do not go into the backcountry if you have not had proper training, or have the proper equipment. Let’s help our SAR and local health workers as best we can during this time.
• Rollerblading, skateboarding and anything else that can get you outside and enjoying the fresh air.

If you would like more information regarding proper outdoor etiquette, please reference this article by 9News.

Challenge Yourself

• Learn a new language! Try out the app Duolingo, an easy way to learn right from your phone
• Try brushing teeth with your weaker hand while standing on the opposite foot
• Check out some online crossword puzzles or your local newspaper
• Write and send letters to family and friends
• Try doing everyday tasks with your non-dominant hand
• Brain teasers

We hope that this gave you some new ideas and inspired you to try new things while you are at home. If you have any questions regarding the Stay at Home Order, we encourage you to read these FAQs provided by the state. If you would like to submit some of your own creative ideas for keeping busy at home or have additional questions, please feel free to reach out to your friends at the Carbondale Fire District.