Staying home during the Coronavirus outbreak is an adjustment for everyone. As an introvert, I do have a slight advantage. It feels natural to sit at home all day and write, read, or even clean my room. However, I understand that staying cooped up indoors isn’t for everyone. There are some tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years to make sure I always have fun staying home. Some of these activities are productive for those of us (me included) who love to feel productive while staying home.
1. Tidy up your space.
You can’t start feeling productive until you get your shit together. On day one of staying home, try to organize the space you’ll be spending the most time in. Definitely don’t overexert yourself and clean every little speck of dust, but refreshing your space will make your day easier. I am never motivated to stay in a room that is a mess. Your mental health will prosper from a cleaning living space.
2. Make a short to-do list.
If to-do lists stress you out, that’s okay too. I love lists, but if I add too many tasks to accomplish, I dread doing any of them. I recommend starting off with just three things. The first thing can be making your bed, making sure you drink enough water, or replying to an annoying email. When you accomplish little tasks, the more complicated tasks seem achievable. Some days my to-do lists have two tasks and other days it’s twelve. Make sure to change up your days so that your routine doesn’t become stagnant.
3. Try a fun new/old recipe.
On one of my days spent at home, I couldn’t decide what to cook for my family who was also stuck at home. I went to the go-to brownie recipe that I’ve perfected since my first trials at the age of eleven. It felt rewarding to make something for someone else and my belly was definitely thankful! Sometimes I feel pressured to try cooking new recipes, but then I tell myself that old, beloved comfort foods are important too. Also, a simple warm meal can go a long way. Basic, wholesome ingredients are the most powerful.
4. Check for coupons!
I don’t know what happened, but three days into staying home I got two coupons. One was for an ebook priced at $4 and the other for a $2 movie. I ended up having a fun night with family where we rented the movie “Knives Out” for only $2, and when I later had some downtime, I bought a book I’ve been wanting to read for half the price. The entertainment industry is flooding the market with coupons right now. If you’re stuck at home and looking for some entertainment, check your phone’s apps for coupons! It’s definitely worth it.
5. Do a creative task you’ve been procrastinating on.
Personally, I love catching up on writing projects when I have some time off. Whether writing is a hobby or a money-maker for you, this is a great time to seek inspiration. Since I don’t have any external distractions, whether those be work or socially, now is a great time for me to work on writing articles, short stories, and editorials. Maybe you like knitting, painting, playing an instrument, or drawing. Use this time to fall back in love with your creative pursuits.
6. Take a walk, either through your house or outside.
These are a few ways to pass the time. It’s a good idea to change up your space; this can be either moving to another room in your house to work or maybe using headphones while you go about your day. I enjoy taking my dogs for a walk when we get restless. It’s a refreshing change of scenery that clears my head. If someone wants to pet my dogs (understandably, because they’re adorable), I make an excuse that I have to get back to work. It’s true and I remember that I need to practice social distancing.
7. Make a new playlist.
I always need a playlist with me while I work. What’s awesome about Spotify is that the app has premade playlists. I’ll either use these playlists or add songs from them to the playlists I’m building. Often I’ll start building a playlist, having no idea how it will turn out, but what I come up with reflects my mood somehow. Positive, upbeat songs get me going in the morning and chill songs get me through the tiring afternoon. It’s such a fun way to learn about yourself and find words to express how you’re feeling.
8. Text your friends and ask for TV series recommendations.
March is one of the best times to start watching a new TV show! Since it’s Women’s History Month, female-produced TV shows are being advertised everywhere. If you’re looking for a way to support women, watching these shows is a great start. I often can’t decide on what show I want to commit to, so I’ll text my friends for a recommendation. By doing this, I find a fun new show and get to talk with my friends too. Once I pick a show, if my friend is watching it at the same time, we’ll text during the duration of the episode. This really helps with cabin fever too.
9. Video chat with friends or family.
Another thing that helps with cabin fever and loneliness is chatting digitally with friends or family. This makes me feel more connected to the world and less isolated. Chatting with friends is not only an easy way to pass the time, but they might even have some ideas on how to keep busy. Use this time to stay connected or renew old friendships. Your friends and family will appreciate that you’re reaching out to check on them.
10. Stretch your body!
Exercise isn’t always fun, especially if you’re not in the mood for it. However, even a little movement can go a long way. Stretching on a daily basis is an easy way to develop a routine. At home we’re not tied down to desks, so a new stretching routine might be possible for you now. Once you feel comfortable with this, it’ll be easier to establish a regular exercise routine. Yoga, jogging, or pilates are all exercises you can do at home with online instructional videos. It’s pretty exciting that you learn a whole new skill without leaving the house!
