Having to stay home for a period of time can be challenging, especially if you were not expecting it. It can also be very stressful, considering the Corona virus, worldwide protests, and other stresses. Whatever the exact circumstances of your stay at home, you might find yourself with a lot of extra time that you wouldn’t have had otherwise. You will probably change some things about your lifestyle to adjust to being home at least temporarily. Here are some tips to help you remain positive and upbeat in your extended at-home environment.
Catch Up on Overdue Tasks
If you are not leaving the house much, this is a great time to do the spring cleaning that you postponed. You’ll love the fresh feeling of newly mopped and dusted rooms. You can also bag up all the clothing, toys, and other odds and ends that you no longer want for curbside pickup or later drop-off. Groom the dog, reconcile your checkbook, or rearrange your living room and start checking things off your to-do list. Take your time with each step. Don’t pressure yourself to be “productive” in such a distressing time. However, cleaning up and organizing can be relaxing and fun, and will definitely make your home a more pleasant place to live. Take your time and figure out what works for you!
Connect Online
Unless you are already spending too much time online, catch up with friends on Facebook, start a Twitter feed, or post your professional profile on Linked In. Discord servers or forum threads can be a great way to find like-minded people with similar interests. There are numerous ways to video-chat with or write to people you care about without being able to go out for lunch or play golf. While you don’t want to be on the computer too long, for an hour each day you can find old friends or make new ones using social media.
Enjoy Digital Entertainment
Instead of going out to clubs or parties as before, you can now enjoy streamed movies you have been waiting to see or check out new television series. Tune in to positive podcasts on topics of interest and add your comments to the discussion. There are innumerable podcasts with immense backlogs to get started on while you do a deep clean or simply relax on the couch. Listen to audiobooks or favorite music to rev your mood or help you calm down. The options can be overwhelming, but don’t overthink it! Just see what feels right to you. Don’t be afraid to quit a podcast or a show if you find yourself not enjoying it.
Adopt a New Exercise Routine
Organize a new workout routine at home. Find a Zoom or television yoga class, learn how to safely use weights to build muscle mass, and try new movements like speed walking around the house or in your yard if you are unable to jog around the neighborhood. If you don’t have space in your apartment or home for weights, or don’t have the funds to buy them, there are lots of body weight-based exercises and routines for training. You can get a comprehensive work out with just your body and enough room to move.
Be Creative
This is a great time to experiment with creative ideas. Try watercolor, pencil, or chalk drawing. Sew new placemats for the table. Study a new language by book or online. Build a birdhouse. Finish that 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle just to see if you can do it. Don’t feel any pressure to share your projects or accomplishments with anyone. Of course, you can if you want to, but these projects can just be for you and be on your own terms. Just starting to sketch can be a liberating and positive process.
Whatever tasks have been pushed aside until now, this can be a great time to finish them. Take time to relax and enjoy more leisure time. Connect with friends and family more often to stay in touch. Tap your creative side to see which of your interests will be developed. This is a difficult time and it can be hard to see a way out. Try and make that time for yourself.
Time is a treasure. Make the most of yours at home by investing it in things you enjoy and that have a positive influence on your life.
