Andrea Kramer“Find the silver linings people, mine is usually pizza” was my 26 year old daughter’s wisdom. She posted that advice with a photo of her boyfriend making pizza, as they hunkered down to practice social distancing in the face of the Coronavirus. Of course, social distancing isn’t all that hard when you are young, in love and living with your boyfriend in Manhattan.
For Better After 50 readers, the situation might be a bit different, but the advice, to find the silver lining, is just as sound. While many will be working from home, we will likely have more down time than usual and maybe even a touch of cabin fever. Here are a few ideas designed to make social distancing easier and perhaps even, dare we say it, enjoyable.
First, if you are practicing social distancing, self-congratulations are in order. You are doing the responsible thing to stem the spread of Covid-19. Go ahead, reward yourself. Binge watch a Netflix series or an E! TV show. One Netflix series you may have missed is the Australian import ” Rake.” Everyone at Better After 50 has fallen under sexy Aussie actor Richard Roxburgh’s spell. We are betting you will too.
How about some self-care? Order a set of cleansing and rejuvenating masks on Amazon for only $8.29
Or better still, how about indulging in a spa gift basket for $24.99? How can you go wrong?
Spa Luxetique Gift Baskets for Women
If you can’t sit still, clean out the fridge or if you want to do even more good, this is a great time to clean out closets and donate unwanted items to local charities. Here’s a website designed to help find local organizations to pick up your unwanted items.
How about trying some new recipes? Check out these food blogs and cookbooks.
https://www.spoonforkbacon.com
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking
Sababa: Fresh, Sunny Flavors From My Israeli Kitchen: A Cookbook
Don’t forget to play. You can use what’s on hand. Play cards, finally learn to play backgammon or download Ken-Ken or Soduko or crossword puzzles.
This nostalgic old-fashioned puzzle is an ideal solo activity at $15.99
White Mountain Puzzles The Eighties – 1000Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
Or try this fun, quick version of monopoly for 2 or more players that costs only $6.26
Practicing social distancing doesn’t mean you have to shut yourself completely inside. Luckily the weather in much of the country is fairly mild. Take advantage by going for a long walk, biking or even playing singles. But if social distancing seems like a great time to curl up with a book and a cup of tea, we’re right there with you.