Social Distancing MCM-Style

Pity the social distancer who doth not love house and home. Who knew being an avid mid-century modernist could have such health benefits?

Of course, most everyone has a certain appreciation for the comforts and safety of home, but MCM has inspired exceptional loyalty in homeowners—which comes in pretty handy in a shelter-in-place crisis. In fact, such sheltering can highlight the inherent health benefits of the interface between indoors and out through windows and glass walls.

Still, even the healthiest among us can go a little stir crazy if confined to home for too long. To avert such a reaction, we consulted experts and have assembled suggestions for mental health maintenance, homebound style.

"Anything that feels like it's useful is probably a little better for mental health," says Jan Johnston-Tyler, CEO and a life and career coach with Santa Clara-based Evolibri.

Being sequestered, she says, allows us plenty of time for useful chores and activities, and that even holds true for a home of clean lines and unadorned design.

Take all that glass, those skylights. How long since they have been cleaned. It's easy to see the allure of bringing the views of the outside in, but do the smudges and fingerprints have to come along for the ride?

Similarly, your floors can get neglected in the bustle of day-to-day life, but now, maybe you have the time to mop and polish them. While you're at it, though, maybe it's time to change up your home life a little. How about rearranging the living room furniture?

Aside from possible bumps in the night walking into an unfamiliar floor plan (albeit still an open one), a new look to the living room can feel like a new lease on life, something we all can use in these difficult times.

"Every client we have, we've been talking about this," says Johnston-Tyler, whose practice serves students and working people alike.