Friday the 13th was an unusual day in March. Of course that day is often a little spooky … but for me, it marked the last day of normalcy. Mundane tasks. Routines. Obligations. There had been some buzz about schools closing, but no one really thought it would happen. And if it did happen, no way it would be longer than two weeks. “I could kind of use a break,” I thought to myself. I picked up my kids from school. We got take-out from our favorite Mexican restaurant … and then … everything changed.
My family is choosing to stay safe at home during this time. But … we are going insane at home, too. To put it simply, we are spread thin. Worn out. Bored. Busy. Hungry. Too full. Tired. Wired. Anxious. Optimistic. Lonely. Overwhelmed. Content. Grateful. Actually, I can’t really “put it simply,”because we are all going through a wide range of complex emotions on the regular. Some good emotions, some not-so-good. But we take it day by day, do the best we can and lean into each other for support (and also lean away when we need moments of solitude … see what I mean? It is complex. And that is okay).
Every nice day during quarantine, I have taken the kids outside to scooter down the street (yes, while observing social distancing). I would find myself walking briskly on each excursion, desperately trying to keep up with them and simultaneously praying to the universe that my kids would slow the heck down so they wouldn’t get hurt! Eventually, I decided I needed to keep up. I needed a jogging stroller versus my floppy, sad, hand-me-down umbrella stroller. I felt like it was a validated purchase, as I had been logging a mile or two every nice day.
So. I took the plunge. I chose the Chicco Activ3 Air Jogging Stroller. It had a 5-star review online, and I could ship it for free using my Target red card. This stroller accepts all Chicco KeyFit and Fit 2 car seats (click-in attachment sold separately) for little ones, has an adjustable reclining seat for toddlers, is equipped with a parent tray with two cup holders, a storage basket, easy-to-use brake controls and best of all, to me, I can fold it up using one hand. It is a luxurious ride for my little guy and a breeze to use for me. I definitely agree with the 5 star review, so if you are in the market for a new jogging stroller- head to https://bit.ly/2ZvDeXp for more info.
I have actually never been much the “runner” type. I remember having to complete the Presidential Physical Fitness Test in elementary school … or at least I remember trying to. I may not be a natural runner, but I have found I do enjoy going for a run. The physical benefits are there, for sure. Getting in a little bit of cardio is good for the body. But to me, during this craziness, the mental benefits of taking a quick jog around the neighborhood have been bountiful.
Each day, I take notice of the tiny things. Tulips blooming. Flowers falling off a dogwood tree, looking like nature’s confetti. A bright blue cracked robin’s shell on the ground. Chirping baby birds. Happy sidewalk chalk. The perfect view I have of the city for approximately 15 seconds during my jog. The smell of fresh flowers and even the smell of people doing laundry (NOT the smell of mulch, but life is all about balance, I suppose). Life has definitely slowed down, and while I may miss my former fast-paced life on occasion, I also have really enjoyed being able to enjoy the little stuff.
A few months ago, I might have laughed if you told me I was going to go jogging regularly. But leaving the house, enjoying new scenery and trying to keep up with my speed demon children has really been a highlight of this time at home. I also enjoy watching awful reality TV shows, drinking a few White Claws and badly dancing to boy bands with my kids – but like I said, good and bad, proud and embarrassing moments – life is all about balance.
What are you doing to keep your body and mind healthy during this time? Have you tapped into any old interests, or developed new hobbies? What “small stuff” have you taken the time to enjoy?
I would love to know! Sound off in the comments 🙂