We are living a period of uncertainty with a lot of rapid changes and restrictions in effect to ensure our health and our safety. While these are by no means fun times, the best we can do is to wait it out and it is in our power to make the best of it and stay productive and positive. Instead of thinking about what we are potentially missing, let’s think about what we have the opportunity to do. Maybe now would be a good time to work on that project you have been putting off for so long? Did you always want to learn new skills? Take advantage of being at home and dedicate a few hours per day for such tasks. Here are 5 things to do while in confinement:
Work
As most companies are putting safety first, a lot of people now have to work remotely. This will take a good chunk of your day, at least during the week, preventing you from boredom and keeping you in touch with reality and forcing you to have a schedule. Also, working from home can have its advantages: no commute and potentially sleeping in a few extra minutes. Take this opportunity to enjoy being around family and the vibe of your own house. What about listening to that playing that you are the only one to like at the office? No grumpy coworkers will tell you that they can’t stand it. Finally, without in person meeting and distracting phone call, now is the time to work on some projects that were put in the back burner! Be flexible and stay positive!
Read
Nowadays, screens are everywhere. It is common for the average individual to spend more than eight hours a day in front of their computer and you have to add to that the time spent on phones. Needless to say, our eyes could use a little downtime from screens, given we have enough discipline to do it. How about taking advantage of this period of uncertainty to change your habits and pick up a good book? Rediscover the joy of reading paper and flip through pages instead of scrolling down a screen. It doesn’t matter if it is a comic book, a bestseller on how to become super successful, or a romantic novel, pick what you like and your mind will thank you.
Exercise at home
Most gyms are closed. Bummer! Yes it sucks but here is another chance to be creative and to diversify your workouts. Choose a body weight routine and do it in your living room or garden! Pick up your bike again and rediscover the joy of exercising in nature. Go for a run around the block if possible. Do online yoga classes and improve your mental health and your body! Check out your local gym website because some facilities offer free online classes. While being forced to stay at home a lot more, make sure to take care of your body to release the accumulated stress caused by current events. It will thank you for it and you will find yourself more at peace and able to better cope.
Time to clean/sort
If working at home, you may see from your improvised work station an ignored closet or junk drawer that is about to burst open. Maybe taking a few minutes to clean and sort what is inside doesn’t sound like such a bad idea. What about repairing this chair that almost killed your guest the other day because it is missing a leg? Or that shelve that cannot support more than 2 books? Now is the time to finally take care of the things you have been putting off for so long. When this period of restricted discretionary movement ends, you’ll be able to come out having it totally together! Also, by keeping your mind occupied with little tasks like that, you get things done and worry less.
Learn something new
Bars, restaurants, theaters, and concert venues are closing temporarily. Gathering with friends is getting difficult so entertainment options are now limited. However, you can turn this around to your advantage! Did you always want to learn a new language? Learn how to make croissant or pick up the electric guitar and become a mad axe-man? Get started right away and within a few weeks, you’ll be astonished with the progress you’ve made. Practice self-discipline, be confident that you can do it and more than capable. Think about the coming summer days when you’ll be able to proudly exhibit your new talents! You rule!
While awaiting for things to go back to normal, stay safe and healthy everyone!
