Well, here we are… day 435980875 of social distancing. Actually it has only been about a week, but it feels like it has been forever since we enjoyed partying on the weekend, or even group brunch on a Sunday. Nevertheless, as we do our duties as responsible citizens and stay indoors, we find that we have a lot more time in our hands. The best we can do is make the most of the time that we have for self reflection, skill development, and fun! Here is a list of 10 productive and creative things we can do while in the house:
1. Start a Gratitude Journal
Gratitude journaling is the habit of recording and reflecting on things that you are grateful for. During these troubling times, it is beneficial to rewire your brain to focus more on the positive aspects of your life. Try spending 10-20 minutes of quiet time to journal everyday.
2. Experiment with Cooking
Cooking is a basic skill that we all need to have. Adulting gets a lot more real when you can tell yourself “There’s food at the house!” Look on Youtube or other social media platforms for step-by-step instructions on how to make even the most complicated meals, simple.
3. Read a Long Book Series
It is said that readers on average have better empathy, emotional comprehension, and a bigger appetite for learning. Reading a book series with a continuing story like the Harry Potter or Hunger Games series can keep you engaged for hours. Feel free to read some skill development books as well.
4. Create a Business Plan
You have an idea that you’ve been sitting on for a while? Create a business plan! A business plan as a roadmap for how to structure, run, and grow your new business. It’s a way to think through the key elements of your business and bring new ideas based on the needs of your target audience. Start small and develop your ideas as the days progress. In the end, present your plan to family or friends who support your vision.
5. Meditation
Meditation balances the body’s systems through focus and breathing techniques. The relaxation response helps decrease metabolism, lowers blood pressure, and improves heart rate, breathing, and brain wav. Delivering a quiet message to yourself while giving yourself positive energy is a great way to relax (which we all need right now).
6. Catch Up With Old Friends/Family
Sometimes life gets so busy that we forget to engage with the people who mean the most to us. Call your mom, dad, grandma, an old high school friends and just check in. We are living in crazy times and it is always good to let someone know your we thinking about them.
7. Organize Your Closet Marie Kondo Style
It is great to declutter your space and remove items that no longer serve you or make you happy. Purge your closets and drawers of all unwanted things to make room for fresh new things. Take your time and organize in a way that works best for your space.
8. Create a Skincare Routine
We want to keep our skin moisturized, looking good and feeling fresh even with not getting as much sun as normal. Creating skincare routine is a great form of self care (yes men, you too). Find products that work for you and create a routine you can stick o even after the quarantine. Remember to cleanse, tone and moisturize!
9. Take An Online Dance Class
Many famous dance teachers and choreographers are taking advantage of their time at home and providing FREE dance classes that you would normally have to pay for. If you are shy, then this is a great alternative for you as you get to learn the basics of dancing and rhythm in the comfort of your own home. Congratulations, you are now the best dancer in the room!
10. Just Relax!
Some people think that having down time means you are not being productive. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do for yourself, is being unproductive. If you are someone who is always at work or on the go, take this time to decompress, declutter your mind and open up your heart to new ideas. Enjoy this time alone and get to know yourself again.
Happy Quarantine!
