This post is sponsored by Depend. As always, all opinions are my own.

We’re almost done with 2020 but unfortunately the second wave of Covid-19 is here. While I have all sorts of emotions about this; what I do excel at is being prepared and as a member of the Depend Incontinence Community, I want to make sure you’re all prepared also. However, this doesn’t mean to clean out the stores or to buy everything in sight. It means to have a game plan and be prepared. Make sure you’re prepared for the second wave, but do it in a way that’s fair to everyone.

These are some of the things that I’ve been doing.

Make a Plan and be Flexible:

Do you have staples in your house? Pasta, rice, canned goods? Do you have basic cleaning supplies? Toilet Paper and paper towels? Make a checklist and make shopping lists when you run out of something. Instead of panicking, pick up an extra package every time you go to the store. Get extra package of something, not multiple ones. That goes for when I need to pick up more of the Depend Fit-Flex or Silhouette Underwear, I buy one more box and then I know that I’m prepared. Or I online shop and get Depend right to my door. As a mother to a child with a health condition, I also make sure I have 1-2 months of his supplies, so I don’t have to scramble if ordering more and shipping time takes longer than expected. I order my prescriptions via mail order and keep a quick list of what needs to be re-ordered.

Meal Plan:

Make a meal plan and stick to it. Plan for breakfast, lunch and dinner and you can also leave mealtimes for getting takeout (support local businesses). If you get to the store (or order delivery) and they don’t have an ingredient, see what they do have and see if you can substitute something for what you may want. We had a hard time finding chicken several months ago, so we started eating more fish and vegetarian meals. My kids loved eating canned ravioli but I couldn’t always find that, so I picked up tuna fish instead and they adjusted. My husband was diagnosed with Celiac in March, so if I couldn’t find gluten free bread or wraps, I was able to find corn tortillas that he could use to make his lunch. Pinterest is your friend for meal planning and you can also find loads of pantry staples, instant pot and air fryer recipes on this blog.

Print out my Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Muffins (made from pancake mix – if you aren’t gluten free, just use regular pancake mix). These are great for keeping in the freezer whenever you need a quick bite.

If you have an instant pot – here are some of my best recipes. I find that soups and chilis are really inexpensive and are very filling.

I make a delicious veggie chili – get the recipe here. I literally throw in whatever I have in my home into it. There’s no wrong way to make it (but I will tell you, my husband prefers to leave carrots out when it comes to a chili. Then again, I never tell him if I throw zucchini in!

Here is my turkey chili and my white chicken chili recipes. If you don’t find something in the supermarket, just leave it out or add another ingredient. If you don’t have an instant pot, then just make it on the stove and double the cooking time!

Self-Care and Exercise:

I admit I don’t do much self-care, but what I do for myself is to exercise. As the days get colder here in NYC, I can’t always get time to go for a walk —  but I can exercise at home, even if my gym closes again. That is very important to me, as exercising makes me feel my best. I work out 1 on 1 with a trainer at least once a week and I go to my gym for group training twice a week. If my gym shuts down again, I’ll go back to working out more at home. I also try to relax by reading on my kindle and library apps.

What are you doing for self care? What makes you happy? If you can take walks, it will help bring your vitamin D levels up (just bundle up).

Doctor’s Visits:

By now you may be very used to seeing a doctor via telehealth. Or you may be seeing your doctor in person. Don’t neglect your health! My family member who was recently diagnosed with something very serious is doing wonderfully and the family member has had successful treatment and is in recovery. Keep appointments for Mammograms and routine check-ups, even though you may be scared to venture out.

If You Travel, Be Safe:

While I am not comfortable traveling at all, if you do decide to travel, please be responsible and follow the rules of the areas you are going to and traveling back from. I understand that people have to travel for work, or have other important things to do or may need to get a change of scenery in. Wear masks, stay 6 feet apart, wash your hands.

This second wave is here and it’s still important to follow CDC guidelines.

I would encourage you to do curbside pickups from local businesses (if possible) for things you need and to keep local restaurants afloat by ordering takeout meals.

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Stay safe!

How are you preparing for the second wave?