Keeping Occupied Whilst Staying At Home.
Stuck at home? Staying indoors and staying safe can seem like a scary thought in these uncertain times, and it’s all too easy to get caught up in the negativity of the news or social media. But through this time of self-isolation, we can also find positive ways to use it to our benefit. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 10 ideas to keep you occupied while you have a lot of extra time at home.
Write that book.
Or whatever it is that you’ve been putting off for months (or years…). Some of our biggest dreams in life tend to take up the most time. Whether it's writing your first novel, starting your own business or finally learning Korean, it can be all too easy to let your biggest dreams gather dust on the shelf as real life gets in the way. If you've ever had one big goal in mind but never found the time to bring it to life, now's your chance to channel all of that excess energy and get started. Share your journey with others and see how many people you can inspire to do the same!
Declutter.
If you’ve been dreaming of becoming the next Marie Kondo, this is your time to shine! Spending time decluttering your house is therapeutic, frees up a lot of space in your home and is sure to give you a sense of accomplishment. Clear out your wardrobe, rearrange your bookshelf, fix things that are broken and even have a deep clean. A decluttered house is the first step to a decluttered mind!
Educate Yourself.
We may have lost access to a lot of things, but one thing that most of us can still benefit from is the internet! There are endless resources available on the world wide web, so if you’ve always wanted to learn a little more about history, a lot more about your favourite cuisine or even learn a new language - take this opportunity to improve your skills and achieve some new goals. YouTube tutorials, podcasts and e-books are all available right from your phone or laptop. Delve into a fresh topic and learn something new!
Exercise.
Exercise can work wonders for your mental health, so being stuck indoors can seem quite daunting for all of us who love to feel a summer breeze! There is, however, plenty we can do to stay active within our four walls. Whether it’s workout videos, exercise challenges, or even dance routines, YouTube can be a great resource for videos that you can follow along with to keep active. If you haven’t tried it already, yoga has a whole host of benefits and can prove to be a fun activity for all the family to join in with too.
Contact Loved Ones.
Why not use this time to reach out to the people you love who you don’t get to see or chat to that often? With the wonders of technology giving us access to video calls and all types of messaging platforms, contacting our loved ones has never been easier. For some, staying indoors will prove to be a lonely time and it is so important, now more than ever, to get in touch and stay in touch!
Get Creative.
Whether you love painting, journalling, sewing or writing music, this can be a great time to release your creativity! You can do this on your own, or ask others to join you. However you decide to do it, we all have creativity within us and getting our creative juices flowing can be a great way to pass the time.
Start a blog.
Or a vlog! Even if you’re the only one reading (or watching), a blog can be a great way to have a little fun and connect with others. Join a blogging community to connect with people who you don’t know who might have the same interests as you. This could also be a good opportunity to discover new content and connect with people who are very different to you too!
Netflix.
We know, we know. Netflix is often the go-to to keep boredom at bay, but it's still worth mentioning! Now can be the perfect time to start watching that show you’ve had your eye on. Whether it’s a film, a drama series or a family show with the kids - if you simply need time to wind down and chill, Netflix is a great source of entertainment for snuggles on the sofa and making a start on the Easter chocolate a little bit earlier.
Working From Home.
If you are working from home during this time, there are a good few things you can do to stay motivated, focused and keep up a sense of normality outside of the workplace. Taking regular breaks, getting properly dressed (don’t just stay in your PJs!) and keeping a tidy working environment are just some of the practical things you can do to stay in the right working frame of mind. Connect with your colleagues over video conferencing and even arrange social activities to do over your lunch hour. This will keep up a sense of morale while you’re away from the office.
Take A Moment For Yourself.
Having extended time at home - away from life’s commitments and events - can give us an opportunity to spend time on ourselves. This can be a hard thing to do when you have a very busy lifestyle, but setting aside time just for you to take care of yourself will leave you feeling refreshed with a clearer head, and can actually boost your self-esteem over time too. This might look like a candle-lit bath, reading a book, or even meditation. This is something that should be a regular part of everyone’s daily life, but if it’s not yet the norm for you, perhaps now is a great time to start!