Doldrums are defined as a seasonal affective disorder where people experience a slump, unhappy listlessness or a period of depression.
While most people we know are taking all this 'stay at home' order in stride, many others are anxious, scared and just plain panicky.
We don't want anyone to feel like that! In order to help you feel better, we've compiled some of our favorite (and pandemic inspired) activities to help you beat any doldrums or anxiety you might be feeling.
First of all, now is a perfect time to slow down and reconnect with your family. And when I say that, I mean those family members who are complying with 'stay at home' orders in your own home.
One of the best ways to reconnect is through a good, old-fashioned, cut-throat game of cards (or is it cutthroat only in my family?)
We have two absolute favorite card games and they are:
--Hand and Foot -- a variation of canasta that can be played with 2-6 people. You'll need up to six decks of cards so an automated card shuffler like this one is helpful.
(FYI - there are no affiliate links in this newsletter)
If you haven't heard of Hand and Foot, here are the instructions. My sister and her friends have been playing this game for as long as I can remember and the fiancé and I play too. It's addictive, so be wary lest you spend a great part of your day playing!
--Our second favorite card game is called Spite & Malice. Great name right?!? It's a type of double solitaire where you're trying to get rid of your pile of cards while stopping anyone else from playing. It can be quite lively!
One of the aspects of Spite and Malice that I like best is that it can be mindless once you get into it. This means it is very relaxing - at least to me. Or maybe I just like thwarting another's ability to play. Competitive much? Naaahhhh....
Any number of people can play at once. Here are the instructions -- see if you and your family love it too!
Besides card games, we also love Mexican Train
dominoes. Once again you're trying to rid yourself of dominoes by playing and creating a 'train' while stopping others from playing. This game consists of twelve rounds -- one round each for the double tiles (double ones, double fives, double twelves, etc).
Mexican Train can be found anywhere - Walmart, Big Lots, or on Amazon and is very easy to learn. Even young kids can play!
If you don't like games, and if you can sew, here is a way to help others in your community. There is a facemask shortage and making them takes about 5 minutes or so. They can be donated to local hospitals, assisted living facilities or just your friends and family.
To learn how to make them, watch this video and if you don't have elastic, you can make string ties instead by using strips of fabric 2" wide by 20" long. If you'd prefer string ties, email me for instructions on how to make them.
Another shortage due to this pandemic is bacterial wipes. It is fairly easy to make your own. All you need are paper towels, a sealable container and some bleach. For instructions along with the CDC recommendations for sanitizing your home, watch this video.
Finally, all of us are suffering with some sort of stress eating. No one wants to get on the other side of this pandemic up by 5 or 10 pounds! If you like to cook, here is my absolute favorite keto lasagna recipe.
There are no pasta noodles but it tastes like there are and it is truly fantastic. Making it does not take much time at all. This recipe makes a bread loaf pan sized lasagna which for the two of us translates to about two meals (Dan likes a healthy portion, ha!). If you are feeding a larger family, you may need to double up on the 'noodles' and make a 9x13 pan.
As an aside, I personally love this lasagna better the second day after the flavors have had a chance to settle and after reheating in the microwave. YUM!
Hopefully you've found something fun to do in the above. As a reminder we are open and yes, we are still caring for absentee homes, running errands, shopping and much more.
If you are able and want to help someone who is not, we are offering a 6-for-4 gift certificate. This means you can purchase six hours for the price of four from now until May 1st and these gift certificates can be used for yourself or donated to others.
That's $300 for six (6) hours of concierge services -- errands, shopping, laundry support, etc*
And if you left in a hurry and need someone to care for your home while you're away, we will extend the six (6) hours for four (4) to the setup of any new account from now until May 1st.
This too shall pass. As bad as this pandemic is, it is an opportunity to reconnect spiritually, emotionally and virtually with those we love most. Reach out through social media, the telephone (better) or through video.
Please be safe. Wash your hands! Let us know how we can help!
For more information or to purchase a gift certificate, please call us at 760.898.9604 or by email.
*Gift certificates have no cash redemption value and are not applicable to vendor services. They are valid only for labor-related efforts performed by Executive Errands® employees.
