Being told to stay home has brought a lot of questions about what you can possibly do when you aren't supposed to leave your house. Below are ten activities you can do while we work to flatten the curve, and make it so we can return to normal life as soon as possible.
Ride your bike or go for a walk
My state is currently on lockdown, as are many of the other states across the country. One of the great things about the lockdown rules is that many states included leaving your house to do some exercise. As the weather gets warmer (ok, ok I know Indiana weather warmer doesn't last very long, but still), it's a great way to capitalize on the weather and some of the newfound free time that we have been gifted. Riding your bike, taking a walk, or going for a run is a great way to get some exercise in and is also a chance to bring some joy into this social distancing. Exercise has been proven to lift mood, and I know there are a lot of feelings of discouragement because we have been told to stay home. Take advantage of getting out of the house for an hour, and find yourself making a new healthy habit.
Do that deep clean you know you've been putting off
I hate cleaning, but I don't like working in a super hectic, messy environment. Having a clean environment tends to increase productivitiy and I know most people find it more difficult to be productive in our houses with all of our favorite things than in some library or office devoid of all comforts, televisions, and fun. It might prove to be helpful if you do that deep clean or if you deep clean an area so that way you have an area to do work, free of all of our favorite distractions.
Read that book you keep saying you would if you had free time
I happen to be an avid reader (when I have time), but with this newfound free time I know that I could read up a couple books once I finish up my school work for the week. Based on my exam schedule for the next couple weeks, I might not be able to get any reading in until after the lockdown is lifted, but as a big fan of practicing social distancing, I am looking forward to getting to read a couple vooks. One of the perks of the warmer weather is being able to read these books outside in the sun.
Play board games with family and friends (if you are social distancing with them already)
As many people are home from college, social distancing has become hanging out with the family. This is a great time to get in that quality time that you miss living away from home. If your family doesn't keep board games in your house, find a deck of cards or play games that don't necessarily require any pieces (Charades anyone?). Why not take advantage of the memories that you can form that living on a college campus takes away from you?
Pamper yourself
We all know that you work hard and that it might be difficult to find time for yourself. Plus, with all of the unneeded stress being added by the total uncertainty, you might need to take some time for some R&R. Relax and take some time for you. Take a bubble bath (if that's your thing), paint your nails, do a face mask, take a nap. Do something for you, and make your life just a little bit better. While we can't go to a spa right now, that doesn't mean you should put taking care of yourself on the back burner when you can easily pamper yourself from home. Put yourself first during this time social distancing.
Find some inner peace
Whether it's doing yoga, meditating, or reading scripture, there are a lot of ways to find some peace during social isolation. Take some time to calm down and focus on what's important not all of the things that are stressing you out. These activities could even be included in pampering yourself (see activity 5). Center yourself, and create peace. There are plenty of yoga and youtube tutorials on the internet that you can look into if you are a beginner and aree trying this for something new.
Cook or bake
Are you good in the kitchen? Great! Keep practicing or try new recipes while at home. Are you not so hot? Use this time to master some dishes. Home cooking is one of the best parts about coming home, especially if you still live in the residences. I recommed finding time to cook during this social distancing, as the food will likely be healthier than what you might be picking up (support local businesses!). This is the time to figure out what to make, and maybe have some sweet treats for around the house to balance out the clean eating we could be doing during this time at home.
Do some crafts
We all know that there are a lot of pins on our Pinterest, because we can do that. But hey, now you can do that. Use your free time to make something on your own. Follow a Bob Ross tutorial, or print out a coloring page and fill it in. Have drawing competitions to see who can draw the best thing in 30 s. Plus, with kids this might be a great way to keep them occupied for maybe ten minutes. Take some time away from the screens that have become some commonplace and do some crafting.
Have a dance party
Feel free to spend some time doing some crazy dance moves (try not to hurt yourself). Learn the Tik Tok dances, dance in the mirror to those bops you love. Dance till you can't dance anymore. Dancing tends to make us feel better, joined with music we really love, and then you can master those moves and show your friends when you get back to real life. Added bonus, Skype or FaceTIme your friends for a group dance party. Just because you aren't physically together doesn't mean you can't spend time with them.
Keep in touch with people who matter to you
Since the key of social distancing includes not being able to be with all the people who are important, take this time to call your loved ones and stay in contact. One of the ebst things is the amount of technology we have to still get to talk to the people in our life who mean a lot. Call your mom, your grandpa, your best friend, your SO. Bring back IM, slide in some DMs, email back and forth. There are still ways to maintain those relationships even while we are apart. Focus on talking to those people, and get to know their story.
Going to the cinema alone is good for your mental health, says science
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