This past week has felt like something out of a movie. The news cycles have filled our homes with anxiety over the novel COVID-19 virus and people are reacting. Schools are closed, events are cancelled, people are being quarantined and we are strangely running out of toilet paper!

I have always told myself that there are always two perspectives to view things. Inevitably, we must take precaution, continue to wash our hands regularly and avoid public places for the moment. But on the other hand, let us take this slowdown as a blessing in disguise and use this time efficiently.

What if this virus is here to help us reset and reconnect? Here are some ways to really make the most of this isolation time with our loved ones and ourselves.

1. Spending time with your kids: Schools are closed and this shift in schedules can be very difficult for you and your kids. This is a good time to spend quality time with them, read books together, meditate, talk about what is happening and listen to their perspectives. They are just as much a part of this reality as we are. Take this time to really reconnect as a family.
2. Also, with your kids, there are so many fun scientific experiments you can make at home with everyday household items. This is a great learning opportunity that will keep them stimulated even outside the classroom. Check out this website filled with hours of fun: https://www.noguiltmom.com/very-simple-science-experiments/
3. Spring Cleaning: Well isn’t the timing impeccable for this one. The weather is warming up and it is the perfect time to clean your home. Give away all the things you no longer use. If you have kids, use this as an opportunity to teach them how to declutter their lives and put them on a mission to clean out their toys and unwanted items. Maybe watch an episode of Marie Kondo on Netflix beforehand to really get them in the mood! There are many people and families who can always benefit from the things you don’t use. This is a good way to give back to your community. Check out this website for some spring cleaning tips: https://www.onekingslane.com/live-love-home/marie-kondo-book-declutter/
4. Meditation: There is no better time to take up meditation as part of your routine. It takes 5 minutes of your time and allows you to really set the day forward on a good foot. Simple breathing and mind clearing can do wonders to both your mental and physical health. Amid all the chaos and anxiety, we are currently experiencing on the daily, this can be a great decompressing tool. There are numerous apps that help you kickstart with guided meditation, my personal favorite is “Petit Bamboo” that you can find on apple and android app stores.

Finally, as a real estate broker, I am here to remind you not to panic about selling or buying a property. We are very creative in the way we work, and we will always find ways to help give your property the exposure it deserves! RE/MAX has issued a statement in regard to canceling all open houses for the moment, to which I strongly agree. However, we live in a time with many technological advances such as skype and facetime! Earlier this weekend, a visit got cancelled in person, but it was completed virtually! The owners and buyers were extremely happy with this technique and could lead to a potential sale.

A simple reminder that our lives are not bound to circumstances but rather to perspectives! We hope this helped lighten your mood and hopefully you can benefit from these tips! Stay home, Stay safe, and most importantly, stay positive!