How Shifting Sands Work: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

By Sandy Schroeder

I remember how I felt as a kid when a snowstorm cancelled school! No school and a whole day to play outside in the snow worked for me. Then the snow would melt and we would head back to our regular routine.

Now as an adult in the midst of a "virus storm," it's all different. Many of our normal routines have been impacted, and we do keep going, but there is not a lot of smiling.

Whatever your current situation is with family, job, and tasks at home, you are probably running to keep up, but there may be room for relief with a few steps.

I don't think we will magically turn this situation into nonstop fun, but we might find a few silver linings to make it more tolerable. See if these ideas fit you.

Don't sweat the small stuff - If you lean toward perfectionism, you may feel very frustrated as everything takes longer. Just keep moving and try for small successes. Let the rest go whenever you can.

Relax and enjoy the extra time - Being home at lot with your kids can be quite an adjustment. It is a little like having summer all year long. Making it work could mean focusing on things your kids love. You might use the extra time to teach the finer points of a hobby or sport to your child. Or this may be the time to share your knowledge of crafts, cooking, art or music. 

Go for the long haul - Accepting the idea that this is a marathon may help us successfully deal with it. Stay up with the latest news, but don't immerse yourself and your family in it. You are already experiencing its many impacts. Just stay focused to see what is best for you and your family and be grateful that you can make it happen.

Add a dash of humor - Whatever makes your family and friends laugh should definitely be part of the mix. Use funny old movies, zany comments, or new jokes to make each other laugh. My kids loved MAD comic books and thrived on the humor. Whenever things got too tense, one of them would pop up with a crazy comment and everybody would collapse with laughter. Not a bad way to go when things get too serious.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Zionsville, Ind.