An entire weekend at home with your family sounds fabulous until that weekend turns into … months. The truth is, the quarantine has been stressful. Your finger and toe nails and mind have taken a beating. But remember: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Here are ways you can take care of YOU, Mom, and feel good about it!
AT-HOME WORKOUTS
Local mom and personal trainer, Natalie Barger, keeps her, “morning routine and workout time the same every day.” She also pampers herself by, “taking a midday drive each day by herself and listens to music.” For workout ideas, check her out on Instagram at @natalieBhealthyandfit or on Facebook at Mindful Muscle LLC.
CONNECT WITH FRIENDS
“A good friend is a connection to life – a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world.” – Lois Wyse
Schedule a daily or weekly time to Zoom your family and friends, after the kids are settled down or in bed. Schedule a virtual happy hour with your besties, too.
LISTEN TO A PODCAST
Listen to a podcast through your iPhone’s built-in Apple Podcast app or your Android’s Google Podcasts app. There are literally thousands of podcasts you can listen to, so ask your friends and search on Google for podcasts related to your interests and hobbies and get to it! Need a little inspiration? Here are eight amazing podcasts to help you become more of who you want to be!
1) Almost Thirty
2) Wide Open with Tony Gonzalez
3) Let It Out
4) Detail Therapy
5) The Chalene Show
6) Happier with Gretchen Rubin
7) Dear Sugars
8) Love Life with Matthew Hussey
BEACHY BOOKS & MORE TO KICK OFF YOUR SUMMER READING
Just about now you either want a little mindless fluff or something of substance because you’ve had enough of the quarantine. Chances are you’re also behind on reading.
Here are notable books that can provide true escapism for you.
Books selections reviewed by Julie Bookman and Pam Moore
BY INVITATION ONLY
By Dorothea Benton Frank
The queen of the salt- sprayed Lowcountry tale (“Sullivan’s Island,” etc.) has done it again. Reading Frank is like spending time with a favorite friend who’s witty and a bit crass and has got to tell you every tidbit. In this, her 19th novel, count on at least one family’s life blowing up and a story brimming with snappy dialogue that always rings true. (William Morrow, $27.99). — JB
BEACH HOUSE REUNION
By Mary Alice Monroe
Monroe comes through swimmingly with another title in her “Beach House” series featuring the Rutledge family of Charleston. This story centers on Linnea, out of college but “at sea,” and her Aunt Cara, widowed too soon. They spend a summer together at Primrose Cottage on the Isle of Palms while forging new paths, dealing with family drama and dysfunction. Of course, each woman will take steps toward romance. (Gallery Books, $26). — JB
PIECES OF HER
By Karin Slaughter
Sink down with Slaughter, one of the world’s top crime writers (35 million books sold in 120 countries). In recent years she’s churned out stand-alone titles like “The Good Daughter.” The book gets off to a pulse-racing start with a mall shooting. Andy soon learns that her mother is not who she pretends to be. (William Morrow, $27.99). — JB
THE HUSBAND’S SECRET
By Liane Moriarty
Cecilia Fitzpatrick, mother of three, loving wife, and a fixture in her community, lives a comfortable life, until she stumbles upon a letter that upends her world. On the envelope are the words “Cecila, if you’re reading this, then I’ve died,” written by her husband, who is still very much alive. (Berkley, $16). — PM
WHEN IT HAPPENS TO YOU
By Molly Ringwald
(Yes, that Molly Ringwald). This trio of stories contains the frailties and complexities of human nature, the intense bonds of family, and the complicated, charged dynamics of marriage. (Harper Collins, $18.97). — PM
ALL WE EVER WANTED
By Emily Giffin
The worldwide best-selling author knows how to get under your skin with relatable characters wrestling with believable situations. Here, a scandal involves high school students and cellphone misuse. A perfectly crafted page turner that unfolds in the voices of three characters including a 16-year-old girl. Very timely in this #MeToo movement. (Ballantine, $28). — JB
STILL LIFE WITH BREADCRUMBS
By Anna Quindlen
Rebecca Winters is a divorced photographer whose career peaked decades ago. With a grown son needing occasional financial help, an aging mother to care for, and a dwindling income, Winters is desperate to make ends meet. (Random House, $14.88). — PM