To a Beautiful & Bearable Home Between Quarantine!

JEN'S UPSTAIRS BATHROOM WINDOW

Welcome back, readers,
It's good to reconnect.
As I navigate a very difficult chapter of my life, I debated and deliberated as to whether I would post anything else pertaining to Covid-19, at an already tough time for me.
Not to mention, we're collectively and constantly bombarded with daily stories and deadly stats.

Then I realized that like it or not, Corona Virus will always be embedded in the fabric of world history from 2020 on. And part of our roles as writers and bloggers is to report and examine the happenings of our times. Good and bad.

This blog piece, (though it addresses the Corona Virus), will however, have a positive spin, fun tips and useful information to enhance your environment and hopefully empower you.

If you're on board, grab your favorite brew and let's get started....

THE BACKSTORY TO TODAY'S STORY...

“If this pandemic doesn't kill me, cabin fever will" wrote a blogger I follow weekly, in an April blog post. Turns out, he's not alone in his feelings of imprisonment and isolation.

Recent news coverage revealed that despite numerous "stay at home" mandates across the country to prevent Covid-19 transmission and provide for curve-flattening, flocks of folks are flirting with potential death, ignoring CDC warnings and risking legal penalties just to escape the "confines" of home. With the onset of warmer weather, people were spotted by reporters, having picnics, playing basketball and assembling carefree at beaches.
In learning of this “Ripley’s Believe it or Not” activity on TV a few weeks ago, I wasn’t quite sure whether to laugh or cry.

(Word to the wise: If the thought of being at home for an extended period of time is the equivalent of a death sentence for you, "Houston, we have a problem.”)

RETRAIN YOUR BRAIN… YOU’RE NOT “STUCK”, YOU’RE STABLE 

A home, at a very basic level is a true blessing. Trust me here, those among the homeless population would gladly trade places with you (be it ever so humble) seven days a week.
And if you’re a freelance writer that gets to escape the rat race and work from home
full-time?
Well, just know that many wannabes consider you as “privileged” as the royal family.
Still not sold on the idea?

Remember Dorothy of The Wizard of Oz? How despite her extensive, magical travels, cool friends encountered along the way, and obstacles faced, at the end of her journey finally concludes:
“There’s no place like home.” She was on to something.

Consider all the sage quotes that place a high premium on your quarters as well.

“Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home.”

“Your home is your castle.”

“Home is where the heart is.”

“Home is a feeling.”

HERE‘S THE MORAL OF THE STORY…

If your home doesn’t give you a “warm, fuzzy, feeling” of comfort and safety, it’s time to change your mindset or your space. Particularly for writers that write from home and need to have the proper stimuli to be productive, positive and creatively inspired.

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SPACE (WHY IT MATTERS)

JEN'S PLANTS-BATHROOM SPA

“Your home and work environment are an important influence on your sense of
well-being, but they are often overlooked,” according to UW Health psychologist Shilagh Mirgain. “These are the environments we spend the most time in, so it’s only natural they would have an impact on us.”
Talkspace.com further offers: “Physical environments directly impact our psychological health. Adjusting your surroundings can dramatically improve your mental health.”

THE CORONA CONNECTION

Now, more than ever before, our homes need to be a place of peace, joy, safety, beauty and a soft place to land. Though there are many speculations as to when this quarantine will officially end, we could be in for the long haul. I’m preparing accordingly.
You should too.

HERE ARE SOME STEPS I’M TAKING:

Truth is, my home has always been one of my favorite places. Though nothing fancy, it’s clean, relatively spacious (three floors) and speaks to my spiritual and mental needs.
Still, I’m taking things up a notch during these tumultuous times.

CLEARING THE CLUTTER

Did you know that studies show that clutter contributes to greater stress levels and lower productivity?
I have been going beyond “spring cleaning” to create a space for grace. I’m donating a bunch of movies, books and miscellaneous items to Goodwill and other charities.

UPDATING MY HOME OFFICE

JEN'S OFFICE # 1

JEN'S OFFICE # 2

JEN'S HOME OFFICE # 3

JEN'S HOME OFFICE # 4

I often have clients’ appointments at my home, so now is the time to spruce it up a bit more, since I have more time on my hands. (Additionally, I consider my home’s appearance as important in conveying a “successful” image to my clients, when doing business here). I just got a big screen TV mounted on the wall and added more plants and accessories.

STUDYING AND INCORPORATING SOME FENG SHUI PRINCIPLES 
For greater balance, harmony and prosperity.

EXPERIMENTING WITH AROMATHERAPY
For enhanced mood setting and mental clarity.

RESTOCKING MY ENTERTAINMENT BAR WITH MELLOW WINES
For on-site, periodic “happy hours” to mellow out the madness.

HERE ARE SOME POTENTIAL BOREDOM BUSTERS AS YOU “STAY IN PLACE”

• Movie marathons with favorite snacks
• Family game night
• Catching up on reading books on your night stand
• Starting a reading garden this summer
• Working on passion projects
• Launching/re-launching a blog
• Guest posting on other prominent blogs

POST PANDEMIC…
If and when this pandemic becomes a thing of the past, and you’ve incorporated some of these strategies shared, you’ll have a home that serves as an “inviting” place to entertain family and friends, and a great source of pride.



Comments? Agree or disagree?


Image credits (except where otherwise noted)
Pixabay.com