Running a household can be an enormous challenge at the best of times. Throw in the added pressure of self-isolating, either because of having received a positive Covid-19 test result or being in close contact with someone who has, and this task will be somewhat more substantial than usual.
If you are under the weather, we firmly believe that you should be focused on recovery rather than household chores. However, if you feel up to it, here are five top tips for running your household.
1. Reduce the pressure
Reducing the pressure on yourself may be easier said than done if you are a perfectionist. However, in times of need, sometimes you need to re-evaluate your priorities, and in doing so, you will reduce the pressure on yourself. You need to be realistic when it comes to cleaning and cooking.
Lowering your expectations will allow you to have more time, critical if you are feeling under the weather. Of course, if you have children, there is the education side of things to consider, too.
However, as long as they are accessing at least one or two English or math-focused tasks per day, such as practicing times tables and reading, they will be absolutely fine. It’s only for the short term.
2. Reach out
If you are used to fending for yourself all of the time, it can be difficult to let down your guard and let someone else in (but not literally as this would probably be against the regulations).
There will be a friend or family member desperate to help you out, so reach out and ask for help in whatever way you need and they are allowed.
Of course, we do understand that for some people, you may have moved a significant distance away from your hometown or simply do not have a big support network.
In this case, seek support from a local community group or church. A major positive of this recent pandemic has been the way in which societies have pulled together to ensure everyone is well looked after, so undoubtedly there will be a way of getting help if you seek it.
Simple things such as mowing the lawn or taking a pet to the vets can alleviate anxiety, so it is always worth asking.
| Read also: How to Overcome Mental Health Issue in Extended Quarantine |
3. Home delivery
Many people have fancied trying home deliveries for their groceries, but they have probably been put off by stories about poorly chosen substitutes, such as toothpaste being brought instead of fresh mint leaves.
So, if that sounds like you and you are self-isolating, give it a go. It is so simple to add products to your cart and check out that you will wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
Getting your groceries delivered will definitely relieve the pressure on you and any friend or family member who might be doing errands on your behalf.
4. Takeaways and ready meals
We understand that for many of you, takeaways and ready meals are not things commonly seen in your household, for a variety of reasons.
However, if you are feeling unwell or you have other priorities, it may be time to loosen your grip on the saucepan and untie your apron. Some people have a perception of takeaways always equating to meals that are high in calories and fat. While this is the case for many fast food outlets, there are other options, too.
For example, you could seek a small portion of a tomato-based pasta dish with a side salad. Alternatively, especially if you are feeling the pinch of being unable to work while self-isolating, you may wish to consider ready meals or frozen meals.
Again, gone are the days of bland microwave meals from the ‘80s. These days there is a huge variety from all sorts of cuisines, meaning you are unlikely to get fed up with them.
What’s more, if you feel the portion sizes leave a little to be desired, you could always add a few vegetables to the side to bulk them out a bit more.
| See also: 5 Ways to Remain Sober During the Coronavirus Quarantine |
5. Delegate
If there are other members of your household who are self-isolating with you, be sure to call on their help or throw jobs in their direction.
It is unlikely that you will all be feeling ill at the exact same time, though the chances are you will be stuck at home together for at least a couple of weeks. It may be worth creating a rota to ensure that it is done fairly.
However, the most important thing is that the expectation that you carry everyone else in the household needs to end. Everyone needs to take responsibility.
About The Author:
Peter MacCallister is a small business owner and blogger, he resides in Scotland and likes to write about up and coming entrepreneurial topics. You’ll likely find Peter in the comments section of any major business publication sparking debate and trying to keep things interesting!
