It’s easy to browse endless streaming services and scroll through social media during the coronavirus that has forced us all to stay indoors. While these options are good, there are even more things to do while staying at home. Find happiness in other fun things that will keep you busy as you spend your time indoors.
Here are some dos and don’ts on ideas and activities for keeping busy while staying indoors.
DO CALL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Haven’t talked to an old friend or your favorite family member in awhile? Now is the time to reach out and rekindle that relationship. Spend some time laughing and sharing in memories while promising to not wait until the next pandemic to reach out again.
DON’T CALL YOUR EX
They are an ‘ex’ for a reason. Because you are feeling lonely and in a state of reflection, it does not mean that you are alone. I know that temptation will be great( believe me, I know pooh) but you don’t have to give in. Understand why you moved on and focus on the great future that is ahead.
DO REDECORATE YOUR HOME
This is the perfect time to redecorate your home. Visit Pinterest for some inspiration as you conduct your rendition of HGTV. Now that you have the time, be your own interior designer as you create the stylish home that you have always wanted.
DON’T JUST CLEAN YOUR HOME— BUT YOUR PHONE CONTACTS AND SOCIAL MEDIA TOO
Now is the time to not only declutter your home, but wiping out all contacts in your phone, deleting old photos, and updating your social media. Be sure to save contacts that matter, upload your favorite photos to the cloud, and change your social media so that it represents you and the things that bring you the most joy.
DO HOST A QUAINT GAME NIGHT
The White House has advised that all Americans avoid groups of 10 or more people, which means you can’t host the big house parties that you are used to, You can however host a virtual game night or keep things intimate with a little friendly competition with your immediate family at home. Be the ultimate hostesses, as suggested by the blog Urban Bliss Life, by stocking up on snacks and bites. If you do invite friends over, keep it to groups of no more than 10 and ask them to bring drinks and games of their own. This is a great indoor activity that is loads of fun.
DON’T DWELL ON TOO MUCH SOCIAL OR NEWS MEDIA
Okay. Realistically, you will probably spend a lot of time listening to the news and watching social media. But don’t let it consume all of your time, especially if you find that the coverage gives you anxiety or is upsetting. Try to spend time offline by channeling into a new podcast or opening one of many dusty books on your untouched shelf.
DO TREAT YOURSELF TO A DIY SPA DAY
You deserve more self-care, and now is the perfect time to practice it. Treat yourself to luxe homemade spa treatments. This is a great activity that you and your entire family can enjoy. You can create your own sugar scrub, indulge in a rosewater facial treatment, or cleanse your skin with tea-based facial steam. The best part about a DIY spa day is that you can use ingredients that you already have fully stocked and readily available in your home.
DON’T SKIP YOUR NORMAL ROUTINE
It’s easy to get complacent when you are practicing social distancing. If you live by yourself, slipping on your “lazy pants” and not washing your face for a few days is even easier to do. If you are working remotely or stuck indoors, try not to forgo your normal routine. Wake up every day as if you were still going to the office. Brush your teeth, make breakfast, and put on a pair of pants—not just a dress shirt(okay, maybe just a dress shirt). If you are up for the challenge, find ways to better your routine by adding in a morning workout or writing in a journal.
DO GO OUTSIDE
According to experts, running or going for a walk may be the healthiest activity for people outside the home. Going for a walk will give you some much-needed dose of Vitamin-D, improve your mood, and help keep you in tip-top physical shape.
DON’T EAT EVERYTHING IN SIGHT
You probably have enough snacks to last you until the end of time. It will be very easy to snack, now that you are spending most of your time indoors, next to your very full fridge. Instead of reaching for the pint of banana ice cream 2 hrs into your workday, try reaching for those banana chips instead. Those scoops of ice cream will taste much better after a hard day’s worth of work.
DO LEARN A NEW SKILL
Always wanted to take an online course or learn a new language? This is the best time to do it. From Ivy League Schools offering premium academic access to RuPaul and Anna Wintour proposing industry master courses—there are thousands of opportunities to learn a new skill for FREE while staying indoors. If you are looking for more fun and hands-on activities, try starting your own indoor/outdoor garden, trying out a new recipe, or creating a blog! Become a plant mom(or pop)by growing an indoor garden. Make yourself more rounded by learning a new skill
DON’T STOP LIVING YOUR LIFE
We are living in times of uncertainty, but one thing is for certain, you should not stop living your life. Now is the time to make the best out of the current situation by taking care of your physical and mental health, surrounding yourself with the things and people that you love (virtually if that’s what it takes), learning new things, and rejuvenating your space with the good and positive energy. As you practice these do’s and don’t be sure that you stay informed with the latest updates on COVID-19 by visiting WHO, CDC, and your local news sites.
These are just a few of my fun tips. Let me know your dos and don’ts for staying busy while indoors!
