5 Ways to Make Your Quarantine Experience Better, Both Inside & Outside:

Many parents are panicking because they are sequestered at home with their kids, indefinitely. This is a time that humanity needs to pull together and we can try to make this time the best that it can be. As a result, here are a few suggestions about some things that might help families now to make their time and environment meaningful:

1- Smell-

Research shows that smells affect our thoughts, behavior, and mood. We associate smells with certain experiences. The olfactory bulbs connect with limbic structures that process emotion. Aromatherapy is the study of how smells affect us. Essential oils not only smell good but some have anti-bacterial properties. You can add 1–6 drops to an electric diffuser or add a few drops to a spray bottle full of distilled water.

For creating calm and relaxation you can use lemon or lavender essential oil.

For concentration, fighting headaches and tiredness use Rosemary essential oil.

To improve your mood and well-being use Tangerine essential oil.

For Self-love use Rose essential oil or Jasmine essential oil.

For antibacterial properties try Eucalyptus essential oil or Tea tree oil.

You can also use different kinds of incense that you like or air sprays that have essential oils.

2- Sound-

Research shows that certain music can elevate your mood and even affect your physiology. Using fMRI scientists found that music affects other areas of our brains, like the areas involved in emotion, memory and physical movement. Music can reduce stress, induce relaxation and help you to sleep better. In one study, students listening to relaxing classical music had better sleep quality than those with no intervention. Another study found that intentionally trying to improve mood by listening to positive music had an impact in two weeks. Also, when we sing, our brain releases oxytocin, or the love and bonding hormone. Chanting can synchronize the left and right hemispheres of the brain creating balance and decreasing heart rate. So, pick some relaxing and uplifting tunes and listen regularly.

3- Create Sacred Space-

With all the germs and unrest, you can create a safe haven in your home by cleansing the energy in your space. I’m not saying this fights the coronavirus droplets but it can make your space feel sacred and peaceful. In ancient traditions, people have burned the herb Sage and Holy Palo Santo wood to purify their environment. It’s inexpensive and easy to get on Amazon.

4- Have Positive Images & a Tranquil Space-

We know that what we see affects us emotionally and mentally, especially if we are in the same small space for long periods of time. There are some simple things you can do to create a beautiful haven for yourself. Put up images that inspire you and bring you to hope about the future and connection to loved ones. You can also declutter your space so that it feels peaceful. You can watch Marie Kondo’s decluttering series on Netflix and jump right in. This is a perfect time to create a home you all love.

5- Create Meaningful Activities with Your Family Unit-

We all know that when parents need to work and stress is high, fights skyrocket and either kid takes to device-time indefinitely or parents feel at a loss what to do. There are many ways to connect including letter writing, reading, singing, creative activities and game playing. One summer I was annoyed that my kids were having too much device time and I felt there could be more meaningful ways for them to engage with the world. So I quickly created a class of 50 Spiritual Activities called, Inspired Parenting: 50 Spiritual Activities to Delight & Enlighten Your Children,’ that I could do with them. I decided to film it with my iPhone in case it might encourage other families to do the same. It’s been up on Udemy with over 700 students to date and the price was $34.99. It has 7 hours and 50 video activities to do with your kids in 17 different areas including connecting with different aspects of Spirit, upgrading your thoughts, shifting emotions from fear to love, connecting in relationships, connecting to the earth, creating a sacred environment seeing your body as sacred, tools to achieve your dreams, connecting with your spiritual family, spiritual role models, movies and road trips, positive spiritual habits and more. There is plenty to choose from but if you are someone who doesn’t like metaphysical activities it may not be for you. Having said this, and in light of the current suffering and sequestration of families, I am giving this free coupon that lasts for two days to make this class available to you for FREE. Click here now and sign up on Udemy. Once you accept the class you can watch it indefinitely and I hope you learn something and have fun together. After March 18th I could make it $12.99 on their platform for one month, so until 4/16 so you can use this coupon here between 3/18–4/18/20 for that deal.

Know that you are not alone. This is a time we all need to pool our gifts, resourcefulness, and creativity to embrace life and keep the faith.

I wish you my Best in Love,

Paulette

Dr. Paulette Kouffman Sherman is a life coach and Relationship coach who offers phone coaching at www.DrPauletteSherman.com. She also hosts a podcast called, ‘The Love Psychologist’ on iTunes and teaches a few classes on Udemy.