Newness is scary, isn’t it? As much as I’d like to say that I fully embrace change, if I’m being really honest with myself, I don’t. Not always. Personally, everything feels different with the pandemic. My eating habits, my fitness routines — even my emotions! And I know I’m not alone. But despite the fear that comes with things that are different, I’m trying to lean into the change and find reasons to be happy. I’m also trying to create *new normals* to help me get through, and one of the ways I’m doing that is by looking at healthy quarantine must-haves.
From products to keep me centered on what’s important to resources that can share actionable tips, here are a few things I’m leaning into right now. Hopefully, this list can encourage and guide you, too. We’re in this together!
Homemade Sanitizer
People are always buying sanitizer and wipes from the stores. In fact, it’s one of the first products to go! But did you know that you can make your own sanitizer at home?!
Here’s what you need:
- 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel
- 3/4 cup of isopropyl or rubbing alcohol (99 percent)
- 10 drops of essential oil (ex: lavender oil)
Mix the three ingredients together until you get a gel. The smoothness of the aloe helps to cool and counteract the harshness of the alcohol without taking away any of the sanitizing properties. Although this does smell stronger than traditional sanitizer, it’s very effective (and cost-efficient, too!)
This Planet-Saving Click-Clean-Straw
As someone who lives in Southern California, I’m super passionate about saving the ocean and sea creatures. When we passed the plastic straw ban, I was thrilled! Even though, to some, it felt silly and small, I saw it for what it was —an opportunity to make a small difference.
One of my quarantine must-haves is this reusable one-click straw. Although I’m not headed to any restaurants lately, I do pick-up coffee orders (iced, of course) and it’s great to know that I’m being sustainable, even during a pandemic.
What I love about the WonderSip straw, in particular, is the easy-open feature. While other straws claim to be washable and simple, this one actually opens allowing you to clean the interior fully (which in the time of germ-prevention is HUGE!)
Quarantine-Friendly Snacks
I don’t know about you, but in my house, we are running through snacks like crazy. I live with two boys (and a dog) so it always feels like the *good stuff* is running low.
When it comes to quarantining and trying to stay on track diet-wise, sometimes it feels like these two things are in opposition. But if you’re like me and trying to make the best of the situation, having smart and conscious snacks is important. Here are a few of my personal healthy quarantine must-haves that my family is loving right now:
- Kalahari Biltong: I’ve only recently discovered this, but my boys are in love. This variety pack comes with four flavors: Original, Garlic, Spicy Peri Peri, and Lime Chili but without all the sugars, fillers, or hidden ingredients of regular jerky. It’s also packed with protein (32g!) and is keto and paleo-friendly, plus gluten-free.
- gimMe Organic Roasted Seaweed: Whether or not you’re a seaweed fan, I’d encourage you to give this product a try. The newest release is Seas Salt & Avocado Oil, but we prefer the Teriyaki brand. Even my pickiest “I don’t eat that” eater liked this! This is a healthy and lighter alternative to help when the snack cravings hit.
- Honest Kids Organic Juice: I can’t stop raving about this juice (for kids and adults!) In our family, juice goes pretty fast. But I hate that so many brands have additives, preservatives, and sugars. Honest Kids doesn’t, but it doesn’t compromise on flavor, either. With flavors that taste just like *regular* lemonade, grape juice, cherry, etc. it goes quickly, but I know we’re ingesting something good. And during a pandemic, lowering the sugar is really my priority (haha)!
Face Masks
By this point, you’re probably inundated with posts about face masks. (I get it.) There’s conflicting research on what’s really effective, or whether you should even wear one. I lean on the safe side, especially when it comes to going to the grocery store, gas station, or other public must-visit places.
Although there’s evidence that cloth masks don’t actually prevent the spread, these FDA approved masks are as close as you can get to protection outside of the hospital, and with the large 50-pack, you can share them with others in your community, too!
If you’re an avid biker, hiker, or someone who loves exercising outside, there’s the option to invest in this type of mask that helps to filter the air. While more expensive (about the same price for a single mask), it could have practical use outside of the pandemic.
A Food Safety Guide for the Farmer’s Market
I am an avid Farmer’s Market attendee. In fact, there’s one just down the road from my house that sets up every Wednesday. I love the fresh fruits and vegetables, the smells of all the food vendors and the vibe and energy of the place. It’s something I’m truly missing right now!
But with everything being closed, I’m trying to take this time to learn as much as I can. Did you know that farmer’s markets can actually be really dangerous places if you’re not careful?
There’s an online Farmers Market Food Safety Course that I’ve found super informative and useful. Even if we can’t physically go to a market right now, we can take this course and learn ways to be safe when we can!
PS: Head to this post to learn ways to keep your produce fresh. That’s really important, especially right now!
Crisis Response Course
In unprecedented times, it’s natural to have a fear or anxiety-based reaction. (This is human!) But one of the ways we can actively combat these feelings of fear is to actively do something to change that.
Through the end of today (April 15th) you can get Crisis Response Training absolutely free. Not only can CRI courses help you to know how to protect yourself and your family, but you can also become a vehicle for change in supporting others, too!
Other Quarantine Must-Haves:
I feel like I’m learning something new every day. From finding resources online to navigating my own ups and downs, there is a wealth of information. And sometimes we just need some support to filter through it.
We’re all in this together. If there’s something that’s worked really well for you and your family, or if you just want to share some ideas, feel free to leave a comment below!
Featured Image Credit: Noah
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