After This is Over…

Are you stuck at home? So are we.

We are muddling our way through, trying to keep some semblance of normalcy here at home and in our home offices.

It’s not working too well, but we are doing our best. 😉

We hope you are too.

At some point, this whole thing will be over and we’ll get back to some sort of new normal. We sure are looking forward to that!

But when we do get back to “normal”, normal things will still happen.

There will be those regular emergencies that happen in our lives. Fires, floods, alien invasions. 👽 O.K., maybe not that last one, but things are so strange now, who knows?

So while this global pandemic is on our minds, we put together a Home Emergency Preparation Checklist for you.

Begin with the Basics

 A basic home emergency preparedness kit is a great addition to any home, even under normal circumstances. It should include items like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, first aid kit, and other essentials you would need should you temporarily lose access to food, water, or electricity.

Fortunately, authorities don’t anticipate any serious interruptions to utilities or the food supply during this outbreak. However, it may be a good time to start gathering your emergency basics in a designated location, so you’ll be prepared now and in the future—should your family ever need them.

Just a side note: We are dead set against hoarding, but we do suggest you stock up on toilet paper. 🧻 😉

This may also be a great time to declutter your home, clean out the garage, do some home repairs you’ve been neglecting. It’s Spring Cleaning time after all. Doing ‘normal’ things can help life seem more normal.

Staying Active

With gyms closed and team sports canceled, it can be tempting to sit on the sofa and binge Netflix. [Couch 🥔] However, maintaining the physical health and mental wellness of you and your family is crucial right now. Implementing a regular exercise routine at home can help with both. Physical exercise boosts your endorphin levels which can help alleviate the depression that is very common now.

If you live in a community where you can safely exercise outdoors while maintaining the recommended distance between you and other residents, try to get out as much as possible. If the weather is nice, go for family walks, jogs, or bike rides. Just being out in the sunshine can help increase your immune system. That’s what we call a Win-Win!

Can’t get outside? Fortunately, you don’t need a home gym or fancy exercise equipment to stay fit. Look for a suitable space in your home, garage, or basement where you can comfortably move—you’ll probably need at least a 6’ x 6’ area for each person. Many cardio and strength training exercises require little (or no) equipment, including jumping jacks, lunges, and pushups.

If you own a two-story home, those stairs are ready and waiting for you. Who needs a Stairmaster?

And if you prefer a guided workout, search for free exercise videos on YouTube—or try one of the many fitness apps available.

Socializing From a Distance

Even though we’re all being called upon to practice “social distancing” right now, there are still ways to stay safely connected to our communities and our extended families. Picking up the phone is a great place to start. Make an effort to reach out to neighbors and loved ones who live alone and maybe feeling particularly isolated right now.

There are Skype and Zoom, for video chatting on your computer. You can even make a phone call or do a video chat in Facebook Messenger.

You can chat with us on our Facebook page, connect to us on Messenger m.me/GuthrieGroupHomes, connect with Libby directly on Facebook Messenger, drop us an email at info@guthriegrouphomes.com, or give us a call at (925) 628-2436. We’d love to hear from you. You can also leave your comment in the comments section below this article.

Of course, there’s one group of people who you can still socialize with freely—those who reside in your home. Family dinners are back, siblings are reconnecting, and many of us have been given the gift of time, with commutes, activities, and obligations eliminated. In fact, some families are finding that this crisis has brought them closer than ever.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Even with all of the tools and technology available to keep us connected, many of us are still feeling stressed, scared, and isolated. However, you can rest assured that you are not alone. We’re not only here to help you buy and sell real estate. We want to be a resource to our clients and community through good times and bad. If you and your family are in need of assistance, please reach out and let us know how we can help.

Sources:

1. CNBC
2. TheHomeSchoolMom.com