With the current scares over COVID-19, it’s time to talk nesting and quarantine. By our definition, nesting is about the objects and experiences that create a sense of home. As witnessed by the last week or so of toilet-paper sell-outs at many stores, the product is definitely considered a part of home, and therefore of nesting. Facial tissues, cleaning supplies, cold remedies, water, and food items are also being stockpiled for daily nesting and potential quarantine scenarios.
Official ship’s-quarters and nursing-home quarantine’s, event postponements, school closures, government and businesses figuring out how people can work from home, and self-imposed quarantines are all in play as of today.
Yet, staying healthy is always important. Colds, flu-seasons, chickenpox, shingles, measles, and more are preventable and/or recoverable so that pneumonia and more life-threatening maladies do not occur. Eating right, getting enough (7 or more hours depending on age) sleep, being physically active (thank goodness for warmer weather and getting outside), and self-care to prevent anxiety and panic are all important. “I choose to be healthy and keep my immune system high” is what I’ve said to colleagues and youth alike.
I have experience with quarantines because I was on a quarantined campus in the 1980s. College campuses in the United States were quarantined with a measles outbreak that affected students, faculty and staff. Some deaths occurred around the country. I recall this vividly because our campus experiences included the death of classmates, the death of a house-parent’s teen, and fears over every red bump that appeared on a person’s body. Our quarantine was during spring break, of all times! Yes, panic and media coverage occurred. Yes, people could be tested for immunity. Yes, I walked several unwell students to the nurse-cottage for care and attention. Yes, being quarantined was a surreal experience. No, I did not contract the measles – (turned out I was immune, as tested at a medical facility).
Again, the key is to stay healthy. Use wisdom and self-care daily. Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands (yes – I’ve seen people NOT wash their hands when leaving restrooms or handling food). Eat well. Sleep lots. Stay hydrated (water is the best source). Stay physically active and well.
A few weeks ago, my teenager said “If we have to be quarantined, who could come and live with us for the quarantine? I don’t want to be here alone.” This was both alarming (because she was so fearful) and comforting (because she wanted people here with us). Then we talked about what and whom we would want to include and who would be the person to go to the grocery to get supplies (me – because I have the strongest immune system). Our inclusions: WIFI for entertainment access; food of course; cleaning supplies to keep our spaces, laundry, and linens clean; pet food; and a short-list of people we’d want with us.
What plans have you and your family made for creating a workable and comfortable nest during a quarantine? If you could create a perfect quarantine, what would you include?
We will get through this. Create your nesting experiences daily!
Nesting is about the objects and experiences that create a sense of home. Without home, it is difficult to maintain health, find joy, or to be productive. Enjoy the Nesting series of blogs on your search for and creation of a deep sense of home. –Jana
Jana Kemp
