15 Things To Do When You're Stuck at Home (Productive, Creative, Self-Care)
With the global coronavirus pandemic escalating, many people are choosing to self-isolate if they are not quarantined to avoid accidentally catching or spreading the virus, schools have closed for the weeks ahead, international travel restrictions have formed, and offices are having their employees work from home.
It feels like the rug is being pulled from under our feet as we adjust to this eerie time, working from our laptops and disinfecting everything in sight.
Empty frozen aisle at the grocery store
If you are feeling okay but are stuck at home due to self-isolating or working remotely, you may be feeling a little bit of cabin fever.
That’s why I’ve compiled some ideas on different things we can do to stay focused, use this time for creativity and self-care, and of course, help others when and where we can.
Productive Things To Do When You’re Stuck at Home
1. Start or build your side hustle
Now more than ever, we are feeling the need for an online and/or additional source of income.
This is the perfect time to start or build a side hustle that can earn you income in a way that serves others!
Check out this post for location-independent job or business ideas.
2. Learn a new skill
On that note, you can use the extra time on your hands to learn a new skill.
Consider picking up a hobby or going deep on understanding a skill you can use for a freelance side hustle (examples: social media marketing, painting, photo editing).
3. Catch up on reading
While I strive to focus on one thing at a time, when it comes to books, lately I’ve lost focus.
There are so many good ones to read, and I have probably started (and not finished) about 4-5 books at the moment.
Choose one book that you’ve started - or have been eyeing - and set a goal to read at least a few pages every morning.
Who knows? Maybe in a couple of weeks, you’ll have finished it!
4. Catch up on blogs
These days the internet is filled with tons of incredible content from creators all over the globe.
In addition to social media feeds, there are plenty of amazing bloggers/vloggers out there.
In case it’s been a minute since you’ve been on my site (or are new here), here are some of my recent posts:
5. Declutter your home
My absolute favorite book on decluttering is The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo.
You’ve likely heard of this book (which was turned into a hit Netflix series), and I’ve got to say - this process really is life-changing.
The psychology piece behind what to keep or not keep, plus how much sense it makes to follow Kondo’s organization methods, blows my mind.
6. Update your resume
Maybe you’re on the prowl for a new job or perhaps you are seeking a new position in your career.
Either way, it’s never a bad idea to give your resume and LinkedIn profile a little spring cleaning!
7. Listen to binaural beats
What are binaural beats? According to an article by Mindvalley, “binaural beats are a tone created in the brain when it’s presented with two different frequencies at the same time.”
Basically, certain tones/sound waves can help safely alter your brain state to help you focus more, become more relaxed, ease into meditation, etc.
When I first heard of this I thought it might be a placebo effect, but every.single.time. I turn on this Spotify playlist I get a massive amount of stuff done.
I am way less distracted and power through my tasks really quickly when I have the binaural beats playing.
Creative Things To Do When You’re Stuck at Home
8. Plan your next trip
While you may not be traveling for fun at the moment, you will be in the future.
There IS a light at the end of the tunnel, even if we don’t exactly know when that will be!
What better time than now to get ahead on travel planning and feel the fun excitement that comes with outlining a list of places to go and things to do in a destination?
Even if you don’t have a specific date in mind, getting ahead on planning a future vacation will be nice when things get back to “normal” in the future.
9. Share your content through a blog or social media page
Have you always wanted to start a blog, YouTube channel, or social media page in a niche that shares your thoughts/advice/inspiration/art/humor/whatever?
It takes time to get these things started, so if you have free time, you might as well see this as the perfect opportunity.
How to Start, Grow, and Earn Money from a Blog
10. Create art for fun
When was the last time you doodled, painted, or colored on paper…just for fun?!
Having an artistic outlet can help boost your creative juices, get you into a relaxed state, and (maybe) help take your mind off some of the tough things going on right now.
Self-Care Practices To Do When You’re Stuck at Home
11. FaceTime friends and family
Human connection is essential, so even if you are enjoying this downtime, make a point to connect with others.
Utilize the power of technology to be able to socialize with your loved ones without having to be in close physical proximity.
12. Do an at-home workout
Can’t make it to your favorite HIIT class or yoga studio? Bring the workout home.
With YouTube and mobile apps (my favorite is the Nike Training app), there are plenty of guided routines or classes to keep you in shape.
A local yoga studio I go to even sent out an email offering online classes while their studio is closed, so see if your favorite local spots are taking things online.
13. Meditate
Meditation is one of the most calming, grounding practices I have in my daily routine.
There are many benefits to meditation, and if you have been wanting to try it, I recommend making it a daily habit for at least 7-10 days.
The Headspace app has a great free trial for beginners, or you can also try the Insight Timer app or go on YouTube.
14. Journal
Journaling can help release your thoughts, hopes, dreams, worries, and fears.
You might even have your next big idea or a new breakthrough come forth just by journaling.
Not sure what to write? Try doing a 5-minute “stream of conscious” journal session. Set a timer for five minutes and literally write down the exact thoughts that run through your mind. It doesn’t matter what they are and if they don’t connect or make sense, just write! Easy, right? ;)
15. Make a vision board
Whether you make a physical vision board by cutting up magazines and glueing them to a poster board or try an online version on Pinterest (you can make it a secret board by switching visibility to “Secret” when you set it up), a vision board is a fun and creative way to bring your goals and ideas out of your head and in front of your eyes.
Most Importantly, how can we help each other out?
From people singing on their balconies in Italy to performing rooftop workouts in Spain, the light side of this pandemic shows humanity coming together when times are tough.
Consider these questions for yourself and your community:
Do you have any elderly people, pregnant women, or those with weak immune systems in your neighborhood? Offer to help them buy their groceries and necessities online, or deliver groceries or other medications to their doorstep. You can use Facebook or an app like Nextdoor if you don’t know your neighbors personally.
Do you know anyone personally affected financially because they can’t work? Those in the travel, hospitality, and fitness industries who rely on having to physically be somewhere to work might need your help. For example, perhaps your favorite yoga instructor is offering a donation-based online yoga class - take it and send them a Venmo!
How can you spread positivity? Even a simple smile to a neighbor will create a ripple effect of kindness.
These are weird times, friends.
But I know one thing: we will get through this.
The human race is resilient, and while there is a lot of tragedy occurring at the moment, the fact that we are coming together and helping each other out really shows that positivity speaks volumes.
Be kind, stay safe and healthy, help others if you can, and wash your damn hands. ;)