With the spread of COVID-19, many people are feeling blue from the lack of social contact. Just because we cannot go out into public, does not mean we can’t be happy and productive people at home. There are many things most of us plan to do when we have free time. Now, as we are to adhere to social distancing, we have plenty of time and are without the many distractions of our typical work week to complete tasks around our homes. Here are a few ways to beat the blues, while remaining at a safe distance.
Time to Reconnect
If you miss a family member or friend, now is the perfect time to connect via FaceTime. This way you can beat the boredom of being quarantined and can connect at a safe distance.
It’s time to DIY
One of the best ways to stay positive is by keeping yourself busy. Now is the perfect time to do craft projects with your children or even to make improvements to your home that you may have been putting off. Just because you are home doesn’t mean you need to be unproductive. Completing a home improvement project that you have been planning will definitely lighten your mood and make you feel accomplished.
You might want to start gardening
If you have ever wanted to start gardening, now would be a great time. The weather is getting warmer, so while you are limiting contact with the outside world, getting your hands dirty and planting vegetables or flowers is going to be a great source of entertainment. Ideally, most greenhouses and nurseries will remain open for the foreseeable future. You have many options in which to start your garden. Even if you live in an apartment, you can plant herbs, small plants, or vegetables in small pots or buckets. For those of you will more space, taking this time to improve your property by landscaping and making a specific spot for a garden will be a good use of your time. You will reap the rewards of this new hobby a little later by having beautiful plants and delicious, organic vegetables at your disposal.
Restart your New Year’s Resolutions
It is not too late to start those New Year’s Resolutions of getting fit! With the extra time at home, you can definitely start a new exercise regimen. If you live in a neighborhood, you can get out and walk. The weather is improving and the fresh air will be good for you and your family (at a safe distance of course). For those of you who frequented the gym, you can exercise from the safety of your home. Many gyms are now offering free exercise classes, even if you are not a member. Most of the big franchises are providing a great escape from the quarantine period with a variety of exercise classes for both adults and children.
Put it on paper
One of the best ways to stay positive in uncertain times is to write in a journal. This is a pivotal point in history. The way to stay positive, even when you cannot go about your normal routine is to write down what is going on in the world and to reflect on your blessings. Sometimes, we cannot truly understand how blessed we are, even with our seemingly mundane lives until we cannot do those things anymore. Journaling will help you to get out your feelings, whether good or bad, and you will feel lighter after getting those feeling out on paper.
Hopefully this short list will keep you busy while limiting social contact. It is never a bad idea to pick up a new hobby.This is the perfect time to try something new.
