Hello Everyone! So after getting the news that this stay-at-home order was going to last longer than two weeks, which I think we all suspected but didn’t want to believe. I thought it would be a great opportunity to just share some ideas around how to get through this time. I guess on top of that to take advantage of it and make it count!
For most of us, it’s a huge adjustment to be home so much and still trying to stay focused on completing our daily to-dos and other obligations. The longer we’re here too, things become more mundane, boring, and we can become unmotivated. What started out as an exciting opportunity to do “all the things I never have time for” can quickly lose it’s spark when being a “homebody” becomes forced, not chosen.
I know that everyone is in a different situation, but we’re all still finding our “new norm.” So, I thought it would be helpful to share twenty ideas on things that you can do if you are looking for some ideas to boost your mood, fill your time, and make it count!
1. Organize
It is the time for Spring Cleaning after all! Take some time to do what you normally would for your annual spring purge. Maybe consider doing it more in-depth, redo or rearrange the way you organize, and see how you can make it more functional. Declutter to the max if you need that for your house to feel fresh.
2. Rearrange your living spaces
Sometimes we need a change of view. It might be helpful to pick a few living spaces in your home that you spend the most time in and see how you can change it up and move things around to make it feel brand new?
3. Stay Active
It is so important that no matter what we do, we stay moving! It’s very easy for us to move from our office couch to our office bed and not do much in between. Try to find an online workout class, follow a YouTube video, or learn a few tik-tok dances (they are harder than they look).
4. Grab one of your best friends/start a virtual crew
I know this seems pretty easy but find someone who you can check in with, and stay connected! Use them as your workout buddy, happy hour guest, book club member, etc. Connect with them virtually over facetime or zoom or even just a phone call and do these things together so you can keep each other motivated and going.
5. Find a good read
You can find one for yourself and enjoy it on your own time, or get a few friends to read it with you and you can share it over a virtual happy hour!
6. Practice your cooking/baking skills
I do not cook at all, I also don’t bake. I know, great wife material am I right? Butttt now is a great time for me to improve my skills. I’ve dusted off the one and only cookbook I own (Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines) and have chosen a few recipes I want to try during this time. Consider doing the same and trying something new or just getting out of your comfort zone and trying a few new recipes. If you’re that good, try making your own recipes (then please share with me and the rest of us to try!).
7. Learn a new skill
8. Learn a new language
9. Learn or restart a musical instrument (we all have one in the back of our closets somewhere, don’t lie).
10. Get outside- just be respectful and keep your distance for yourself and others.
11. Write some letters to people in your life
Take some time to write some thoughts or encouragements to your friends or neighbors or others in your life to show that you care in a very thoughtful way. How fun is it to get a handwritten letter as a surprise in the mail, it’s sure to brighten someone’s day!
12. Get creative- paint, draw, color, do a DIY, etc.
13. Practice some “at home” beauty/self-care
Take time to paint your nails, try that new styling tool or hair product, exfoliate and if you are one to self-tan, still do it even if no one will see it. It will make you feel cared for and boost your mood and energy.
14. If you have a skill, share it with others via skillshare
15. Learn how to play your significant other’s favorite game-
Maybe it’s a card game, board game, or even a video game- this might mean that you are learning how to play COD on PS4 but it’ll allow you to spend time with them, find some new entertainment, and probably eventually show him up like us ladies do! If you’re single, imagine a guy’s reaction if you can show him up at his own video game when you start dating?
16. Do some self-reflection and take time to learn some new things about yourself
17. If you have a pet, consider teaching it some new tricks or training your dog if you haven’t been able to yet
18. If you’re interested, look into starting a side hustle
19. Do some house renovations/redecorating- I mean like paint a room, or tile the floor, don’t demo a full wall
20. Relax!!
Don’t forget that it is ok to still give yourself that downtime to reset and to relax. Outside of the daily obligations, there is nothing that we should or have to do. Find what is relaxing for you and be sure to add it to your schedule. We don’t need to add more stress but take this time to reduce it and free ourselves of it as much as we can.
This post isn’t meant to make you feel bad about what you aren’t doing, but give ideas on what to do if you are looking for something. This is new territory for us all and there are no rules. At the end of the day, I just hope this list serves you and gives you a few ideas to take advantage of this time if you need to. Otherwise, take it day by day and be kind, patient, and gentle with yourself.
Also, let’s help each other out and share below what you are currently doing, listening to, reading, etc., during this time. If you’ve been living in loungewear like me, check out my latest post here for my current favorites.
Stay well and have a good day, friends!
