I'm not downplaying the seriousness of people getting sick. But I do want to offer a different perspective on our current situation. Being stuck at home can be an opportunity.
Millions long for immortality who don't know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon.
Susan Ertz
Most people believe that they need more time. It's a common excuse for not doing all kinds of things. And now that they have it, many are wishing for life to go back to "normal." So the question is:
What are you doing with the extra time you have while stuck at home?
10 Productive Things you can do While Stuck at Home
This situation has afforded many of us unprecedented amounts of time. And there are plenty of productive ways to spend it.
1. Start planning out and taking action on things you've always wanted to do.
Start a blog, learn to paint or play the piano. Get a new certification. What's something you've been wanting to do but never have the time to put into action?
Take this extra time as an advantage. Take action on something and use the time to get some momentum going. It's amazing how much progress you can make in a month or two.
When this situation comes to an end, you'll be in full stride and might just keep it going. If you can't do it now, what makes you think you'll ever do it? Are you ok with that?
2. Organize Your Life
The pace of ordinary life can be frantic, and things have a way of getting disorganized. These are some things you can organize to be a step ahead when we return to normal.
- Finances. If you don't already, get a grip on all your debt. Look into transferring balances, consolidating debt.. Make a plan to pay off credit cards and save more money.
- Clutter: Go through all your stuff. Bag up old clothes you never wear to donate. Clean out your cabinets and closets. Simplify your life, remove that stress.
3. Pick a Home Improvement Project
We normally don't have time to figure out how to build a deck or remodel a bathroom. But, Home Depot is open. Youtube still works. People are looking to earn a few dollars if you need some help with labor.
If you own a home, I have no doubt there are projects you've wanted to get done. So, turn the news off and start planning it out. Then execute!
4. Get in Better Shape. Work out!
People are really struggling with this one. But it honestly isn't that hard.
There are countless videos and blogs where people are showing you ways to work out at home. The missing element is action. Just pick something and DO IT!
Most people spend their entire lives on an island called "Someday I'll."
Denis Waitley
The progress you can make physically in a couple of months is amazing. If you can't do it now, I hope you're not selling yourself on the idea that you'll do it when things go back to "normal."
Check Out: 20 Awesome Push Up Variations You Can Do at Home
5. Learn Something New
There are many certification courses out there that can be completed in a month or two.
I recently became a Bioforce Certified Conditioning Coach, and it took me approximately one month. I learned a ton and feel really good about it. You can easily do the same thing in whatever field you enjoy.
Why not return to normal life with some additional qualifications?
6. Go For a Walk, Meet Your Neighbors
I've been amazed at how many neighbors I've met in the past month. People I never even saw before in 4 years living in my house.
People are outside now, sitting in their front yards or walking around the neighborhood. It's a good opportunity to meet new people.
These days we're all a little antisocial. It honestly feels really good to get out there and socialize with other people in the neighborhood. I don't think that ever would have happened without this situation.
7. Learn new Recipes. Cook New Foods
This extra time has given us some time to experiment a little. With restaurants closed and us stuck at home, we've had a lot more time to try out new recipes.
When it's all said and done, you'll probably have discovered several new meals you'll be cooking for a long time.
We recently made up these Protein Bites that we now make all the time.
8. Make a Vision Board. Redefine your Biggest Goals
Now is a great time to think about and plan for the things you want to accomplish most over the next year.
Get a cork board, and pin some things up there that inspire you and make you think about your biggest goals. Take this time to develop and plan out your vision.
If you have no vision of yourself in the future, then you have nothing to live for.
Les Brown
9. Start Doing Yoga
Maybe you weren't expecting this one. But it's not a random suggestion. Yoga has been shown by research to lower your resting heart rate and improve overall health.
If you're struggling to work out during this lockdown, Yoga could be the answer. You can search for free yoga videos, or check out "Yoga download," which contains high quality at-home yoga instruction you can start right now.
10. Read a Book That Can Make You Better
Reading is something I wish I did more of. Right now is the time, if there ever was one, to get through a good book. A good book can really change your thinking process and help you be more productive and successful.
Here are a few ideas with links:
- Discipline Equals Freedom - Jocko Willink
- 7 Habits of Highly Successful People - Stephen Covey
- Think and Grow Rich - Napolean Hill
Conclusion
Being stuck at home isn't a punishment. It's an opportunity. There are plenty of productive things to do that will be more difficult once we're back to the normal pace of life.
Use this time to your advantage. Make yourself better. Take action.
I hope you found this article interesting. Leave a comment and let me know!
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OK I'm loving this! You're encouraging people to make the effort to improve themselves during a time when they likely are home a lot and that's such a positive. Found you on Twitter and IG too. Keep spreading great messages.
Great advice 🙂 I've been incredibly busy during this lockdown with many of your above suggestions, except home improvement projects - I'd be at risk of damaging myself!
Great Post! It's all in perspective and a creative mind. Blessings and Peace.