Now that many of us are stuck inside, I’m sure I’m not the only one who may be feeling a little stir crazy! Not to mention claustrophobic and lacking motivation sometimes! With all of the stress and uncertainty that is going on in the world right now, it’s been difficult to focus on anything but. However, today I wanted to brainstorm some ideas to stay productive and healthy (mentally, emotionally and physically) during this time since it can feel severely isolating (especially if you live alone!). With that, here are 6 productive things to do while you’re stuck inside!
1. Spring clean
While you’re stuck at home, now is the perfect time to get your house in order and do some deep, spring cleaning! Whenever I clean my house, I mentally feel better afterward. I don’t know what it is, but it’s almost as if a weight is lifted off of my shoulders and I feel 10x more productive! With that, here are some areas of your home you could focus on:
- Your closet (try Marie Kondo’s technique from the Magic Art of Tidying Up)
- Your pantry (organize your dry goods and cook some of them before they expire)
- As well as your refrigerator (try making meals out of anything that is close to expiring soon)
- Your kitchen as a whole
- All of your bathroom cabinets
- Your garage
- The attic or basement
- Your nightstand or dresser drawers (if you need a smaller project)
- You could even rearrange some furniture in your house for a fresh, new feeling for spring!
2. Spa day / self-care
Having a spa night or taking time to indulge in self-care is vital for your physical, mental and emotional health because it eases stress and can also help you get a good night of sleep! Plus, it’s definitely something to look forward to haha!
Each week, I schedule an at-home “spa night” every Saturday #selfcareSaturday and I look forward to it every time! I start by lighting a bunch of candles in my bathroom, turning off the overhead light and running a hot bath with some lavender Epsom salts thrown in. I even add lavender or eucalyptus essential oils to the bathwater as well! Afterward, I’ll make a cup of herbal tea or collagen hot chocolate, and put on a foot mask followed by softening aloe vera socks.
3. Start something new that you “never have time” for
Take this time to start something new that you’ve always wanted to do, but never had the time to start before. Whatever it is! For example, you could start a Youtube channel, create a blog of your own, learn a new skill, try out a new hobby or passion (that you can do at home 😉) that you’ve been wanting to get to for so long – now is your chance! Use this time to your advantage and start on whatever project, hobby, or side hustle that you’ve been wanting to begin!
Along with that, I’ve been using this time to read more. I always say, “I never have the time to read because I’m too busy.” Well, here’s my chance to start reading one of the many books I said I would eventually get to! Reading more books has actually been my goal for a while, ever since I started my education program in college. Not only because reading is important, but also because I want to be a role model to my future students and be able to use books as resources and recommendations for my students as a teacher one day. Let me know in the comments what goal you might be tackling while you’re staying indoors!
4. Write letters or start a journal
This one may seem a little silly, but why not take the time to write handwritten letters to your loved ones or even for your immediate family members that you’re living with right now. Additionally, if you’re living with your significant other, why not take this time to write a handwritten letter for each other. Write down all of your favorite qualities about that person and why you love them. You may not be able to go to a post office right now to send it out, however, when the quarantine is lifted, I’m sure your loved ones would love to receive a letter from you!
Along with that, this may just be the future history teacher in me, but I saw many history teachers talking about having their students write letters about what’s happening in the world right now with the coronavirus. If you think about it, this is history in the making that many people will talk about for years and years after this! Why not create a primary resource of your own that your kids and even grandkids can read. Write down what you’re doing while you’re in quarantine and how you’re feeling about the current situation.
You could even turn this into a journal as well! Journaling is such a great way to get your thoughts or ideas out there, and it can help you stay stress-free. Even if you don’t know where or how to begin journaling.
5. Workout
Now that I have more time on my hands and a more relaxed, free schedule now that I’m not working, I definitely want to use this time to focus more on my workouts. I want to focus on working out longer and get more effectiveness out of my workouts, plus, switch up the exercises that I normally do. Before all of this, I wasn’t able to do a lot of cardio because of my schedule, however, I can now start implementing a little bit more cardio throughout the week. Primarily in the morning since I’ve missed my morning workouts!
There are so many workout videos on Youtube, Instagram, or simply on Google! Whether you want yoga, HIIT, pilates, weight-lifting, you name it, there are numerous videos that you can watch! Hannah Bower is my go-to on Instagram for the best at-home workouts!
6. Get outside
This one kind of goes along with my last idea, but, try taking your workout outside! I know that we are all social distancing (at least should be!) but you can still go for a walk around your neighborhood or workout on your backyard deck or on your driveway! Although many of us are staying home and social distancing – which is great! – I still think fresh air and vitamin D are essential for our health and happiness! Especially at this scary and uncertain time!
I know for me when I wake up in the morning and I see the sun shining in through my window, it instantly brightens my mood! Therefore, going outside and feeling the sunshine and fresh air on my skin simply feels so good and so refreshing. Not to mention, I don’t feel as cooped up either when I take some time out of my day to go outside. Whether I take my dogs for a walk, enjoy my coffee outside on the deck, or even just open up my garage door when working out!
What are some things you’ve been doing to pass the time while staying indoors?
Whether it’s something productive, your favorite at-home activity, or favorite form of self-care. I would love to hear some of your ideas!
Have a beautiful day and stay safe!
xo, Cydney
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