Things That Helped Me Beat The Boredom in June 2020

I’ll be very honest-I’ve been incredibly bored this past month. I know so many people are returning to their normal lives, but I’m not ready yet and so I’m still staying home. Lucky for me my youngest is home with us and she’ll “play” with me! We’ve actually been going through a lot of closets and storage areas, and believe it or not it’s been fun. Looking at old schoolwork, cards, and artwork from when the kids were little is just incredible. And the photos—well, this has brought back such wonderful memories. Plus the satisfaction of throwing out what we don’t need (why did I save empty boxes?) and making donations-win win all around! 

Taking Walks: We, my husband, daughter, and I (or any combination of the three of us!) have been taking lots of walks. My husband started walking about a year and a half ago as a way to lose weight (he’s lost 50+ pounds!!). He motivates me to sometimes get my butt off the couch and take a walk. It’s so helpful both physically and mentally. On days when I’m feeling out of sorts, and tbh, since being home there have been many, it’s good to get some fresh air, exercise, and a change of scenery. Walking has been a welcome distraction for me. 

Exercise: On the days the weather does not cooperate, I need to find ways to exercise from home. I’ve always loved yoga, especially Savasana, you know the relaxing pose at the end of class. ? There are tons of online yoga videos to use to at home. One of my favorites is Sarah Beth Yoga, because she has some quick YouTube videos and after I’ve done one I feel like I’ve accomplished something! Another inspiration and great workout comes from Lauren Gores. I love her workouts because they’re quick (notice a trend ?) and target different areas, but I do get sweaty and they certainly get my heart rate up!! Here are some other videos by Lauren.

Freedom Writers: Based on the teaching experience of Erin Gruwell and her 1994 freshman class, this Netflix movie shares the true story of a teacher unwilling to give up. While others in a racially divided  LA school wrote off a group of students they felt were “incapable of learning,” Erin Gruwell instead inspired, motivated, and changed the lives of these young people. The movie, starring Hilary Swank, was well done and couldn’t be more timely. I loved the movie and am in awe of Erin Gruwell and her students! This movie was especially meaningful to me given the current climate in our country and that I was a teacher and my son and daughter are both studying to be teachers. 

Made Good Bars: I’m always looking for something to eat, especially since I’ve been home more. I know I need to follow a healthy diet to control my RA and Made Good products are organic, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO and free from some common allergens: peanut, tree nuts, soy, dairy, egg, fish, shellfish, gluten, and sesame and they taste delicious! I especially love the chocolate chip granola minis, apple cinnamon granola bars, and chocolate banana granola bars.

The Song of the Jade Lily by Kirsty Manning: This book tells the story of a young girl and her parents fleeing Vienna after Kristall­nacht and living in Shanghai during World War II. Years later the young girl’s granddaughter is searching for information about the history of her family and her grandmother’s story unfolds. I was riveted from the start.

Outer Banks: A group of teenagers from the Outer Banks of North Carolina are determined to uncover the mystery of a legendary treasure and hopefully, find information about one of the boy’s missing father. The twists and turns of this Netflix series kept me on my toes and I can’t wait for the next season! 

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I believe I’m going to be looking for things to keep me from being bored for the next few months so if you have any suggestions, please send them my way!!