24 PRODUCTIVE THINGS TO DO WHILE IN QUARANTINE (or How to thrive while stuck at home)

So we’re all stuck at home because of this virus thing. Well, we don’t have to despair. We can try to make the most of it. This is the time to catch up on those things we put aside because we said we didn’t have the time. Or maybe this is the time to discover new things about the world, others, opportunities, and yourself, so that when this ends, we will be better people.

 I know this may not be easy for everyone, and this is the optimist within me speaking, but we must try.

Here’s a brief visual guide that I hope can provide some inspiration and hope to make this time fruitful.

Some may not apply to you and others will. Some may require more investigating. Take what works and move forward. 

Yes, some of us can get more sleep. Sleep is so critical for our health. Now may be a good time to catch up. And we can catch up on some reading that we put aside. Time to build up that knowledge.

And with so much good tv and movies out there, now is the time to catch up on that netflix, hulu, disney+, vod stuff.

We can get stressed out during this time. How about starting a meditation practice. Check out my beginner’s guide here.

You don’t have to lose touch with friends and family. Call or chat with them. Maybe now’s the time to reconnect with those you haven’t spoken to in a while. Some of have family with us. So connect with them. Have family bonding time. Get to know each other better or just play games and watch some movies together. And you couples can make more love. For the single, well, I guess self-love counts too (clears throat).

It’s time to catch up on the housework or maybe start a garden. Grow your own fruits and vegetables so you don’t have to go to the supermarket for that. Plus gardens are very therapeutic. 

Now is the time to learn to cook or try new recipes since you can’t go out to eat as much. You may see it’s way more economical, healthier, and even fun to have your meals this way. And cooking is such an empowering skill. Check out Youtube for how-to videos.

Just because the gym is closed doesn’t mean you have to stop exercising. Do your workouts at home. Or start exercising now. Again, search for “home workouts” on youtube, you’ll find plenty of options.

Your hobbies are calling out to you. Pass the time improving at your hobbies. It’s a great way to stay sane and have fun. Who knows what getting better at guitar or the piano may lead to. Just rediscover or continue hard on those things you love to do for fun. That might mean making art. Write that book you always thought of writing. Start drawing or painting again. Express yourself. Get the noise out of you and onto the page or canvas.

Maybe there’s something you always wanted to learn. Well, take that online course, like something on skillshare.com or youtube or the many online courses that universities provide. Get out of this quarantine with a skill, like knowing a new language.

Step outside and enjoy the nature nearby. Maybe go for a short walk. Look at the skies and the animals. Walk barefoot on the grass. Sit in the midst of life continuing on. This can be another form of meditation.

Some of still can work their jobs or do their school work from home. That can keep some of us busy. The rest of us can go on youtube and search how to make money online. Perhaps it’s time to investigate other ways to create multiple streams of income, a valuable thing to know.

You can play games with others in the house, or video games on your own. Apps like Elevate feel like games but are meant to improve your brain. So maybe that’s worth looking into.

Don’t forget that some museums, operas, and concerts can be experienced online. Get cultured. Keep searching online for podcasts, websites, or communities that connect to your interests. Expand your knowledge and your network pursuing things you like.

And maybe it’s time to do some deep introspection. How’s your life going? Review it. What’s there to be grateful for? What can be fixed? Daydream about what you want out of life, how you want your future to be. If things need improving, now’s the time to be aware of it and make a change. Maybe it’s time to pick up a self-help book or watch youtube videos to get yourself going in the right direction. So make plans for a better future. You own this life. What are you going to do?

I wish you all well. Let’s not get too negative during these rough times. It may not be easy, but let’s get to the other side of this stronger, wiser, more resilient. There’s a quote I like, “Don’t ask for it to be easy. Ask to be better.” Take care everybody.