Over the past few weeks, I’ve heard a lot of people refer to this time as social distancing as “Groundhog Dog” (my dad included). Have you seen the iconic Bill Murray movie from the 90’s? Here’s the basic plot – Bill Murray’s character, Phil Connors, wakes up every single morning and relives the exact same day over and over again. Sound familiar? It got me thinking, what are tips to change things up in our own lives? How do we avoid Groundhog Day syndrome? After all, we all want to stay sane!
What is Groundhog Day Syndrome?
Groundhog Day Syndrome is the feeling that you’re reliving the same day over and over again. Nothing has changed, and it seems as though you’re doing an identical routine every single day and week.
How to Avoid Groundhog Day Syndrome
The most important way to steer clear of this eery feeling of Groundhog Day? Switch up your routine. A bit counterintuitive to what we’ve been hearing, right? Experts say to keep a routine in order to be productive.
However, I’m a big believer you can (and should) schedule blocks of time that allow you to shut your brain off. This allows you to stick to a schedule while leaving room for something new. Why not create opportunities to change things up every day?
As I mentioned in my Friday Charades post, we’re planning to test out several new recipes from some of our fave fellow bloggers, including Jean Wang, Kit Graham, and Half Bake Harvest. We’ve bought ingredients to try one of Kit’s buffalo chicken recipes, Jean’s garlic noodles and scallion pancakes, and Half Baked Harvest’s one skillet cheesy Cuban chicken rice bake.
Ideas that Won’t Cost Anything
Like many of you, we’re watching our budget right now. After all, we don’t fully know how long social distancing will last, and the market changes are scary to say the least. A few fun ideas that won’t cost you a dime? Tune into a podcast, meditate, go for a walk around the block (be safe while doing so, of course), tune into an Instagram Live that teaches you something new (e.g. cocktail class, cooking show, etc.).
Affordable Products to Keep You Entertained
All of the items that I’ve selected below cost under $50. They’re easy, fun solutions to keep you and your family entertained. Adult coloring books are a great way to relax and relieve stress. Tie dye is one of the most popular prints right now. Looking for a fun project? Sit outside on a nice day and try your hand at needlepoint.
I’ve also heard great ideas like learning a new skill or sport. Several friends have purchased sewing machines and/or indoor bikes (we’ve had a Peloton for years and love it). Others have started to learn how to garden or have started to create TikToks.
Whatever you decide to do, I encourage you to TRY SOMETHING. Above all – remember we’re all in this together. Sending you lots of love!
ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE
TEN // ELEVEN // TWELVE // THIRTEEN // FOURTEEN
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