8 Worthy Home Based Activities To Do During The Coronavirus/In Self Isolation

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has forced many of us (even essential workers to a degree, on their days off) into a long-term pause, and as the image implies: to be more creative. The world as we know it has changed. There are (no doubt) people who are enjoying this change, while others are sad and anxious - with mental health also taking prominence.

Although yours truly is in her element by being in self-isolation, yet needless to say it is still isolating. Studying remotely has still been hard a few weeks in. It is wonderful to head outside for some exercise, as well as to buy food. And I've been lucky to still go to work at my part-time retail job one day a week. Hopefully the sacrifices will be worth it, once the positives from COVID-19 come to light.

From experimentation, the following home based activities are worth it, and are a great divergence from doing absolutely nothing 100% of the time, and having a pity party by texting me to say that "I'm sad." We're all in this together, and we have to ride the wave. Although I am happy as larry the majority of the time; yet there are a few small sad moments in my element as well.

1. Sadie the cleaning lady

You get the drift. Even if you're a male reading this. There is a reason why supermarket shelves are low on cleaning products and paper towels to name (aside from toilet paper). We're cleaning our homes more than ever. Even my Starbucks barista had commented that he has noticed a few more marks on the kitchen bench than normal. You have the time to to do it, and we should be cleaning our homes at all times in order to keep the germs away. Besides, you feel so much better, calmer and lighter living in a clean house...a house you virtually have to live in full-time for a bit.

2. Colour up my life

A coloring in book (in my opinion) is a great investment right now. There is an Irish teacher who has experienced self-isolation in three different cities (one being Wuhan) who mentioned that the money he saved from not going to the pub during lockdown enabled him to buy a couple of coloring books and materials instead. Color is therapeutic right now beyond measure. Please click here for more inspo.

3. Career advancement

If you're fortunate enough to work from home and keep your existing income going - that is superb. Keep doing that. Otherwise now is a great time to study/be a student in order to advance in your career - whether it is through a career change, and/or to advance in your current work. Don't waste this time. The Internet is a goldmine of information and content. Spending a full day in front of the computer learning is tough mudder; yet aim for at least 2-4 hours of study a day. If you're lucky to have a furry friend...this time paves the way for cuddles and lap sits simultaneously.

4. Streaming

YouTube and Tik Tok are gems during this time of self-isolation and quarantine. Plenty to watch. A great time to stream movies, videos of interest, and watch live shows that are now coming to you. Of course, settle in with some popcorn and watch the movies. Comedy shows are recommended, as laughter is definitely the best medicine. All this for only the cost of your Internet connection, and a small portion of your electricity bill.

5. Meditation and exercise

I must confess that I've been a bit weak in this area, yet it is crucial to meditate in order to calm down the anxious, monkey mind due to this long-term uncertainty. It is best to exercise outside, yet for those people having to self-isolate and be in quarantine due to testing positive for COVID-19; you will help your immune system by even doing a few yoga sequences on the floor. Searching for yin yoga YouTube videos will get you started. A pillow can take the place of a bolster or block. Now is a good time to hold those planks for longer, and perhaps try a few push ups with your knees off the floor.

6. Read books

Am loving this forced downtime to relax and read many good books. Sure the libraries are closed, yet the next few months are perfect for catching up with your bookshelf if you have at least 20 books you wish to read. Easy does it.

7. Cooking / baking

Cake mixes are also another best seller at the supermarket. People crush their boredom by cooking and experimenting with new recipes. If someone gave me $1 for every time I receive a photo of baked bread via e-mail during this time; I could open my own bakery with those proceeds today. Cooking is also enjoyable and therapeutic, while you're in the flow. For some, cooking meals is like driving a car.

8. Do nothing/talk and text/sleep a lot

Sleeping in is the best right now. After all we are human beings. The tempo has slowed down, and the prayers have been answered by the divine in abundance for all of us to slow down...even if it's only a notch for some. It is great to re-kindle old friendships and relationships during this time, even where some people wish to speak to you everyday. It is up to you to set appropriate boundaries if that is overkill. Tools such as Zoom and Skype are wonderful ways to connect with others face to face, if you cannot catch up with a friend or other loved one while keeping your distance. It is ok to do nothing, as this is where healing takes place.

Please stay at home where possible, and that way we can return to a new, better normal on the other end sooner rather than later. Please stay safe and well in these interesting times. Aim to do a couple of different activities each day, so that each activity is more enjoyable.