Currently, more than 90% of Americans are observing stay-at-home orders due to the Coronavirus pandemic. In total, 43 states, along with Washington D.C., have issued shelter in place directives to limit the exposure and the spread of COVID-19. Non-essential businesses are closed, kids are home from school and we are banned from gathering in small and large groups alike. Heading to the grocery store every 1-2 weeks is a planned, well coordinated event, typically consisting of gloves, face masks and a healthy dose of hand santizer. The scope of this pandemic effects everyone in nearly every way of life. How do you bring normalcy, connectivity and togetherness during this time?

6 Simple Ways to Live Your Best Life, #TogetherApart

Make social distancing fun with video chat Zoom, Webex, Facetime or even Facebook Video Call with teachers, classmates, family members and neighbors. Seeing all those happy smiles will lift your spirits immediately.

Share positive news or acts of kindness on social media – Do a fun activity with the kids? Spot cool sidewalk chalk while on your walk? Maybe you read an inspirational quote or book. Post it to your social media account(s). It’s refreshing to view content that gives hope and steps away from the gloom of COVID-19 headlines. Don’t forget that acts of kindness are everywhere too, even while in isolation. Often times, it’s something as simple as a hand picked dandelion given or an extra hug during the day. It’s there; and if you don’t see it, then challenge yourself to the act of kindness itself. Do something kind everyday.

Talk to one friend each day – Balancing work and home school might make a phone call difficult. That’s ok! Text messaging is often preferred and allows you to multitask as needed. Check in with parents, co workers, think about who you haven’t heard from lately. The simple meaningful gesture of asking “How are you?” goes a long way and can really remove a friend from their island of isolation.

Send a thank you email – Personally, I’m a big fan of a handwritten thank you note. Lately though, it’s safer to email what you’d like to say. Thank someone for taking time out of their day for checking on you, thank someone for a small favor, or express gratitude for the longevity of a friendship.

Have a family member read to your child(ren)  at bedtime through Facetime – Chapter books for the big kids or maybe a book a day for the littles, maybe both. Either way, your kids will love to see and hear family and friends.

Embrace solitude – Learn to appreciate the quiet time. Review your short and long term goals, read the book you’ve been putting off, go for walks, organize/declutter, journal. Allow yourself to binge on your favorite show at the end of the day. Accept that some days are easier than others, know that finding joy and hope in both the good and bad days is a great start to accepting our reality, as a whole.

We here at Senter, CPA are thinking of our clients, friends and family all over the globe. We are thankful for each of you and grateful for the health we share. #TogetherApart #SenterCPA

Please feel free to contact us at (248) 934-0550 if you would like to learn more about the services we offer.  We are here and we are honored to help.

Disclaimer

This communication is intended to provide general information on legislative COVID-19 relief measures as of the date of this communication and may reference information from reputable sources. Although our firm has made every reasonable effort to ensure that the information provided is accurate, we make no warranties, expressed or implied, on the information provided. As legislative efforts are still ongoing, we expect that there may be additional guidance and clarification from regulators that may modify some of the provisions in this communication. Some of those modifications may be significant. As such, be aware that this is not a comprehensive analysis of the subject matter covered and is not intended to provide specific recommendations to you or your business with respect to the matters addressed.