How to Beat the Summer Heat When You’re Stuck in the House

Without a doubt, summer 2020 is unusual. It’s a worrisome summer, and it can feel a bit lonely as well. It’s difficult to restrict our activities and to limit our visits with friends and family. But the efforts that we’re making to reduce the spread of Covid-19 are worthy, and they work.

The CDC explains that the best ways for seniors to protect themselves and others is to limit interactions with other people as much as possible. If you have to engage with others, follow the recommended precautions: wear a facial covering, keep your distance, and wash your hands thoroughly and often. The CDC further notes: “If you start feeling sick and think you may have COVID-19, get in touch with your healthcare provider within 24 hours.

Another important CDC recommendation is to learn the basics about how the virus spreads, and how to adopt healthy habits.  This will help you figure out what you need to worry about and what you don’t. The medical community is learning more about Covid-19 every day. We will get through this! But right now, it can feel exceedingly difficult to be stuck in the house this summer. Consider these ideas to beat the heat while you’re stuck inside.

Connect

It can feel tempting to sink into the sadness, boredom and loneliness that can come with being shut up in the house. Everyone is combating this feeling. It’s isolating and strange to live such a restrictive existence. We must actively fight against it, and it helps to set goals for ourselves. Make a list of people you want to connect with - children, grandchildren, cousins, family members, neighbors, old classmates, and friends. Make phone calls. Write letters. Send emails. Try to connect with a couple of friends each week. Make Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays your phone call or letter writing days.

Another suggestion, this may be an ideal time to pursue Visiting Angels Social Care. Work with a pro who will go at a comfortable pace and help you learn the basics about social media and internet connection. It’s an ideal time to learn a new skill, and social media is fun and socially satisfying.

Another thought - write letters to American military professionals stationed around the world. Hearing voices from home and knowing that they have your prayers and your gratitude means a lot. Using this time to support others will be good for them and for you.

Create

Use this time to do that thing that you’ve been meaning to but have not gotten around to yet. Make a family photo album. Draw your family tree. Write out your childhood memories for your children and your grandchildren. Try baking your mother’s signature chocolate cake or your father’s famous banana bread. All of these crafts, carefully honed in isolation, can contribute to a beautiful holiday. Hopefully by that times we can all be back together again.

Move

Chair yoga, Tai Chi, an early morning or evening stroll - do what you can to keep yourself animated and moving regularly throughout the week. Make sure to discuss any new exercise initiatives with your doctor first. Exercise helps us to stay healthy and happy. It’s nature’s way of keeping our blues away. Make it part of your quarantine routine to whatever degree is available to you.

Marvel

Make time to meditate, pray and be mindful of your environment. Even though this time is challenging, doesn’t it feel good to have a safe and comfortable nest? There’s a lot to worry about, but there’s also a lot for which to be grateful.

Relish it by watching a sun rise or a sun set. Find out what constellations and planets you can see at this time of the year; much is visible with just binoculars. Put on your old records and fill your house with music.

The library is still open and you can do curbside pick-up. Grab some great reads to get lost in this summer. Join a virtual book club, so you can discuss those works with other local readers. Rent your favorite summer movies and have a marathon. 

Embrace the summer for what it is. It’s a time to protect ourselves and others. Doing so may not be what we would have chosen, but it is our ticket out of this time of isolation.  Happy summer!