5 Things We Do to Keep From Going Lockdown Crazy

We are almost in the middle of the month in which the summer heat peaks. Only two days ago, while the maximum temperature was at 36ºC, the reading also stated that it 'feels like 44ºC'. It makes me glad we are at home, in doors, safe, away from the direct heat of the sun, cocooned in the shade of drawn curtains and running air conditioners. There is, of course, the occasional headache and nosebleed, but nothing that a few litres of water down the gullet cannot take care of. 

In the mean time, is the near two-month lockdown driving the family crazy as yet?

I am so glad to tell you: No, it isn't. 

As a family we have a routine going that keeps us all on track and sane as well. And now, as I pause to think about it for this blog post, I do believe we are all quite enjoying it. 

Forecast: under lockdown but it 'feels like' this!

So, here are 5 things we are doing to keep ourselves happily occupied.

1. Rough Schedule

We have this lose schedule going everyday that pretty much works like this:

- wake up 

- quiet time, tidy-yourself up time, chow time

- work time

- lunch

- chill time

- tea

- exercise time

- bath

- dinner

- family prayer 

- family time

- bed

As you can probably tell, it is quite a comfortable schedule that gives us leeway to be very flexible. 

2. Early to Bed and Early to Rise

Now this, we find, is very important. Late nights and late mornings make for extremely lousy days. Those days have to be some of the most unproductive days we can have. And so, we make it a point to crash no later than 10:30 every night, and this means The Husband and I are up and about before 6:00 in the morning, and The Fairies are up before 7:30. 

Early mornings give us all a good start to the day. We have time to loll about, sip tea, read the papers, gaze aimlessly out the balcony while the eyes feast on greenery (though it's sweltering summer, the green is still there - lovely!), and generally be all relaxed before beginning a productive day no later than 9:00 a.m.!

3. All Play and No Work Makes Jack a Bored Boy

This is so true! We have one day in the week (Sunday) when the whole family does absolutely no work. We lounge about the house the whole day, doing nothing fruitful; sometimes gazing at the ceiling and stubbornly insisting that THIS is my HOLIDAY! By the time night falls we are all so exhausted and bleary eyed from doing nothing, that we are raring to go on a Monday morning! 

In other words, we need to work. We need something that makes us feel accomplished. Even if it is just a page of worked-out sums or a few pages to read or some writing or practicing music or drawing or any kind of learning or productive output - at the end of the day we need to have accomplished something that makes the reward of 'chilling' worthwhile (not to forget other rewards that are in the offering). 

4. Exercise has Its Place

It definitely does! We spend every evening, as a family, exercising. This generally entails The Pixie and The Brownie hopping onto their cycles and racing around the compound, while The Husband and I walk briskly (or run) for about an hour. 

This really sets off little happy bubbles in the brain, and our limbs begin to feel like they've finally had their productive workout! It also keeps all the aches and pains at bay while tiring us out for a good night's sleep.  

5. Plenty of Family Moments

These do not particularly have a time and place. These are little moments of interaction with each other that makes staying at home with family so special. At meal times we have conversations that are sometimes funny, strange and interesting, and at other times are deep and enlightening. Once in awhile we stop to watch The Fairies at play and have a good laugh. The Fairies enjoy pouring out their thoughts and ideas over us whenever they get the chance. Exercise time is also lovely family time. 

It is these simple things that make everyday under lockdown easy to get through and special as well. 

The Key: Keep a schedule to work and play together!

Signing out until the next post,

That Creature