Top Tips for the Next Two Weeks

Let’s face it: we’ve never had this type of challenge before. So how do we all get through the lock down and still continue with a high quality life?

Here’s a few ideas:

Take walks, and enjoy nature and the beautiful architecture our city offers. Now we have the time to smell the flowers! You can even do this with friends if you stay six feet apart.

Pursue that hobby you’ve always wanted but never had time for: learn to play a musical instrument, learn a new language, or maybe watercolor is your gig. I just signed up for an online history course from Berkeley and am practicing bridge online.

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pend quality AND quantity time with your pets and family. My husband and I have never been big cooks or gardeners, so now we can. So you live alone? Yeah, that’s tougher, but you can use FaceTime, Skype or Zoom. Tomorrow I am learning how to use Zoom through a webinar and just signed up for conference calling to connect with my family and friends.

And there’s always the long list of procrastination projects: cleaning out closets and organizing photos and piles of paperwork. Not fun, I know, but think how good you’ll feel when it’s all done!

Then there’s reading. If you’re not an avid reader, I understand. How about listening to podcasts or joining Audible? This past year I really got hooked listening to books and even get free ones from the library. Here’s a few: Education, There There, Sometimes Brilliant, Attached, Becoming, The Guardians, Excuse Me for Being Late, Circe, The Choice, Leadership, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, Hamilton, and Before They Were Yours.

I love exercise. Well, there’s lots of classes online. Now is the time to get in shape! Put on your favorite music and dance or sing to your heart’s content. No one’s watching so you can even get a bit crazy…or go online and learn to do it the right way. Yep, there’s online classes.

Catch up on movies and that series you always wanted to see on Amazon Prime, Netflix, or Hulu. I never saw Game of Thrones or Breaking Bad, but now I have the time! I suggest: The Kominsky Method, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Broadchurch, Foyle’s War, Vicious, Life on Mars, Grantchester, Mindhunter, Doc Martin, Frankie Drake, Bletchley Circle, and The Night of. I also am watching Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and Seinfeld every night on regular TV. And please let me know any of your favorites!

Reach out to others. Consider helping deliver food to those less fortunate or calling your elderly neighbors and friends. Also, if you are nervous about ordering take-out food, then buy a gift card to use later to help support your local restaurant. Pay your housekeeper, hairstylist or gym even if you aren’t going to keep their business afloat. Below is a list of some good causes:

• Catholic Charities SF
• Glide 
• UCSF Covid-19 Response Fund
• Red Cross
• St. Anthony Foundation
• SF-Marin Food Bank

Last and certainly not least: go within by meditating, journaling or taking long luxurious baths and showers. And don’t forget to laugh-the best medicine in the world. We will get through this and come out of it as better people.