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Is it just me, or does it feel like the world as we know it changes every single day because of this COVID-19 chaos?  Within the span of 24 hours, activities that just yesterday had been deemed ok might be banned, or businesses that were allowed to remain open may be forced to close.  And while I totally get the precautions, it sort of feels like there’s some all-powerful lifeguard with a big hat and zinc-covered nose who keeps wading into the ocean where the rest of us are trying to enjoy a little sun on our floaties to blow his whistle and scream on the bullhorn, “Nope!  No, that’s too far! Bring it back to shore!” 

In the meantime, moms everywhere are trying to figure out how to harmonize working from makeshift desks on kitchen or dining room tables with educating their kids, feeding their families creative renditions of tuna fish and keeping their houses from turning into total pigsties.  And we’re all doing a lot more dishes and laundry than anyone has ever wanted to do in the history of the world, ever.   

(It’s not just me, right?  Right?)

As a wife, a mom of two kiddos who are 17 months apart and will just as easily hug and snuggle together as they will plot ways to kill each other, the owner of an online media company and a part-time lawyer, I am in desperate need for some normalcy.  In the midst of all this craziness, it’s very tempting to give up. I mean, really, would it be so bad to walk around the house all day in jammies with a perpetually full glass of Chardonnay and just tell everyone else to “figure it out?” (OK, fine. Yes.  It probably would be bad).   

Believe me, girlfriend, I have had to dig in to find a way to keep my world on its axis, but I’d venture to say that what’s working for me will work for you, too.  

Here are five tried and true tips for creating a sense of normalcy in a world of chaos: 

1) Make your bed. I know you’re not even leaving the house and you’re just going to get right back into it in a few hours, but there is brain science that connects making your bed to having a great day.  (Don’t ask me for supporting sources! Just believe it!) And it literally takes 45 seconds. Even if it’s not something you would “normally” do, try it! If nothing else, seeing your pillows and blankets all perfectly coiffed will put a smile on your face. 

2) Create a routine. Humans crave routines.  Knowing what to expect creates a sense of order and purpose, even when it feels like the rest of the world has lost their sh*t.  To be productive and effective, you cannot be in weekend mode every single day. Set an alarm. Go to bed on time. Eat proper meals. Keep using your Weekly Designer (or whatever planner you’ve been using) and plan out your week.  Even if you don’t have all that much to do, plan for and calendar all those things you always said you would do “when” you have time. Surely there’s a junk drawer or linen closet that could use your attention?  You might (read: definitely will) have to get creative and give yourself a ton of grace, but I promise you, having a routine will keep you sane.

3) Practice self care, hard.  Your new routine most definitely must include time for self care.  And when I say time, I mean legit time. I give myself an hour and a half every day.  Getting your mind right each day is the only way you’re gonna make it through this quarantine without going straight-up nuts.  

I do my self-care routine in the morning, before anyone else in my house is awake.  I get peace and quiet and wide open mental space to soak up some power and love before I start my day.  That quiet time will look different for everyone, but whatever it looks like, give it to yourself. Meditate. Journal.  Pray. Exercise. Be unapologetic about wanting to take care of yourself.  

Living as your highest and best self means not trading away your beauty and strength just because you’re stuck in quarantine.  It’s ok to still want to feel powerful. Your kiddos are watching everything you do. Show them during this tumultuous and uncertain time that the greatest thing they can do is love themselves by demonstrating that you love yourself.

4) Get dressed.  Everyone (including you) will take you more seriously if you aren’t wearing pajamas all day.  Now, I’m not saying buttons and zippers are mandatory (although props to you if you’re still rocking stuff that’s “hand wash/line dry”), but wear something you wouldn’t be embarrassed to be caught in while FaceTiming your mother-in-law or your boss.  

Getting dressed is the lead domino that will knock down other power-inducing behavior, like brushing your teeth, washing your face and holding your head up just a bit higher.  Don’t believe me? Step out of those sweatpants and try it for yourself, girlfriend.

5) Upgrade your five.  Today, with fear and limitation spreading faster than the actual coronavirus, it is more important than ever to remember that you are the average of the five people you hang around the most.  Be very intentional about who you listen to right now. The energy you allow into your space will make or break you.  

Choose people who are contributing to the brightness and expansiveness of life. The podcasts you listen to and news shows you watch matter very much right now.  It matters who you allow to vent to you on the phone. Adjust who you’re following on Facebook. Limit the news alerts you receive.  And if you need to have a heart-to-heart with your spouse about supporting you in creating healthy energy in your home, do it.

Yes, COVID-19 is very serious. A lot of people are going to lose their livelihoods and their lives, I know. I also know this: attention is everything. God is good, and can work all things together for our good. Let’s surround ourselves with like-minded people and put our attention on the ideal outcome.

And anyway, nothing good will ever come from making up a horror story in your head. Might as well just skip that whole exercise and focus on what you can control: who you listen to and what you believe.

So create your new normal and ride it until this wave dies out.  Because it will die out. You got this. Stay strong, girlfriend. This too, shall pass.  

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Recently I shared my top 10 tips for entertaining your kids from home without losing your mind.  If you missed this wildly popular post, be sure to check it out! 

Now, entertaining your kids from home is all fine and dandy if you can participate in the entertainment.  But what are you supposed to do if you have to actually work while your kids are home with you? This one is tricky, and has definitely frustrated me more than once in the last few days.  

But, as many working mamas have been forced to do of late, I’ve quickly picked up a few tricks.  Here are seven ways to work from home with your kiddos: 

1) Wake Up Earlier.

In some ways, as we’re settling into this new normal, being at home can sort of feel like a vacation.  There doesn’t seem to be any reason to go to bed “on time” because, well, you don’t have to be anywhere the next day.  Even I, who normally wakes up at 4:15 am, was at first rolling out of bed whenever I happened to wake up naturally or was rudely awakened by one of my kids.  But I quickly remembered that those wee hours of the morning are the quietest and most productive of my day. I meditate, pray and then get to work on anything that requires absolute focus and peace.  

So, as irksome as it may seem, get back to setting an alarm.  No matter which industry we’re in, most of us have some job tasks (like de-cluttering your email inbox or doing paperwork) that can be completed during non-business hours.  You’ll be shocked at how much you can get done when you’re not hearing, “Mom? Mom? Mom!” every five seconds.  

2) Create a Schedule.

Humans, especially kids, crave routine.  Routine fosters stability and a way to manage expectations.  Get dressed in the morning and make sure your kids do the same.  Everyone (including you) will take you more seriously if you’re not wearing pajamas all day.

If you’re homeschooling right now, set up a schedule for your kids.  Using my Weekly Designer, mine looks something like this:

Depending on your kids’ ages, they’re probably required to read on their own for 20 minutes at a time.  My second grader is also required to complete math and language arts lessons online through district programs called iReady and Success Maker.  I use those quick bursts of quiet to check emails and respond to anything urgent.  

(Tip: If you need help designing your days, check out the YIML Time Optimizing System. Yeah, I got your back, girlfriend).

3) Tune Into an Online Yoga or Fitness Class for Kids.

If your kids are too young to read on their own, try getting their attention with an at-home phys ed class.  Cosmic Kids Yoga and Move to Learn have great classes for various age groups on YouTube. The yoga classes are longer than the fitness ones, so keep that in mind when you’re selecting one.  For younger kiddos, the yoga classes may be your best bet. They have themes ranging from Old McDonald to Frozen to Trolls. If you play your cards right, you should be able to get 15 to 25 minutes out of this trick.

4) Give Them Free Play, Art Edition.

This one is risky because of the high potential that paint, play doh or slime will permanently end up where it does not belong.  I’ve found, however, that covering my countertop in copious amounts of plastic wrap significantly mitigates that risk. If you can give them something structured, like a figurine or a rock to paint, their concentration will likely last longer than it would if you just left them unattended to slap paint, markers or crayons onto paper.  I can usually buy myself 20 to 30 uninterrupted minutes with this trick.  

Warning: Do NOT leave them alone with glitter.  Don’t do it. Glitter is like the herpes of the craft world.  You cannot get rid of it. You will find it lurking in remote corners of your home for years to come.   

5) Make the Most of Nap Time.

If your kids still nap, this time might be the only time you can squeeze in some work—maybe even a conference call.  If you can couple this time with waking up earlier, you should be able to make a meaningful dent in your workload.

6) Allow Them to Watch a Movie.

Sometimes mama’s gotta rely on Disney.  Thankfully, there are a ton of great options on the Disney Plus app.  Choose something you and your kiddos all find acceptable and give them some popcorn.  If you can, set up your work station close enough so you can intervene if they start trying to kill each other.  Depending on how old your kids are and how entertaining the movie is, this option should give you at least 45 minutes.

7) Let Them Get on a Device.

It’s not ideal, but when you’ve gotta get something done, it’s your best bet.  There are some great educational apps that kids actually enjoy (like PBS Kids, which is always free, and ABC Mouse, which is currently offering free home access with code SCHOOL1686).  There are also some awesome educational websites your kids are sure to love, like Seussville or Fun Brain. Or you could let them watch National Geographic Kids or Brain Pop, Jr. on YouTube, or FaceTime with a cousin or a friend.  Whatever you decide, just know it’s ok. On some days, in some moments, it’s just about survival. An hour on the iPad when you need to be on call or focus on getting something submitted is truly not the worst thing in the world.  

And the MOST important thing for you to remember right now?   

You.

Keep taking care of yourself.  Exercise. Eat well. Rest. Give yourself a ton of grace.  Most employers are, out of necessity, relaxing expectations and requirements.  Everyone knows that schools are closed. No mom can be sitting in front of her computer for hours at a stretch while her kids are awake.  

Remember that you are already amazing and you’re doing the best you can.  Don’t be hard on yourself in this climate. You’re an awesome mom. You don’t have to be perfect, girlfriend.