Living a quiet life at home sounds very good when caught up in the usual hectic pace of our daily lives. But now the time at home is getting old and we’re looking for ways to make it both manageable and enjoyable.
It’s easy, at first, to lounge around in pyjamas, eat too much. It seems like a bit of a vacation to let regular chores go and to know others can’t see us so, who cares about the hair and make-up? But if you’re like me, you want to feel productive at least part of the time and that vacation soon begins to feel like captivity.
Here’s the solution. Design a routine that works for you. Choose some of the positive activities below and build a schedule around them. Turn your lethargy into an active, healthy schedule and you’ll feel happier and more content in one of the most challenging events of our lives.
- Cook healthy meals
Since it’s difficult to shop for groceries and we’re often relying on online orders, be extra-careful to plan and cook healthy meals. It’s tempting to eat too many treats and let nutrition go. Here are 100 meals that are both healthy and require few ingredients.
- Organize and De-clutter
Most of us have the uneasy feeling that our home is a bit of a mess. We need to get rid of things, but where to begin? We have time now, so there’s no excuse, and I think you’ll find it’s actually fun to get rid of unwanted, unnecessary items once you begin. Check out Marie Kondo’s method for de-cluttering and then modify the procedures to suit your home.
- Get regular exercise
Stress can destroy our desire to stay fit. It can paralyze us. We may not be able to maintain our usual exercise routines which involve fitness clubs and team sports. So it’s time to be creative and just do it. You can create your own at-home exercise routine or get online and find a good old-fashioned exercise video to do from your living room. Don’t forget most of us are free to walk in our own neighbourhoods if we keep a distance between us.
- Deep Clean
Dirt happens. The most fastidious housekeeper will need to occasionally do a deep-clean of each room. You have the time now, so what’s keeping you from a frenzy of cleaning? Why not select one room, follow the deep cleaning checklist and before you know it, you’ll have a sparkling-clean abode.
- Read
Most of us enjoy a good book and usually don’t find enough time to read. Now we have nothing but time. So..
- Read a classic you’ve always wanted to read
- Find a new author and explore his or her writing
- Read a bestseller
- Explore a new genre. Maybe you’ll enjoy fantasy or romance
- Look for an online book club.
- Write
Have you always meant to try your hand at poetry? Do you enjoy writing thoughtfully in a journal? Do you enjoy writing to others? Take the time now to write something. Perhaps a memoir of this unique and challenging time will become a valuable family treasure.
- Connect with Friends and Family
This one goes without saying. We miss the family and friends who are beyond our touch at this time and for some time to come. Make the phone calls, do the video calls or send a quick note to someone you love. Maybe this is the time to strike up a renewed friendship with someone you’ve not seen in a long time. Make those connections.
- Watch an old or new TV series
Is there a television series you’ve always wanted to watch from beginning to end? Now is the time. Find something just right for you and go ahead a binge-watch.
- Rest or Nap
In times of stress it’s even more important to get adequate sleep. Most of us are worried about the effects of the virus and may be losing sleep because of that. Do your best to get good sleep at night and take a nap now and then if you need it.
- Take an Online Class
There is probably some skill you wish you’d learned earlier or some knowledge you wish you had. Maybe it’s time to study a bit each day and learn something new with an online class. Many are free and the accomplishment will feel very good.
In any time of crisis there are those who stand up to the challenge and those who don’t. Take stock of your situation and determine the best path for the coming weeks and perhaps months. Let’s thrive!
