I remember as a kid growing up in the 90s here in Riyadh – a time where cable TV was a luxury and the internet was not yet a thing – I would often be left at home with very few entertainment options to my disposal. Interestingly enough, this “quarantine season” amidst the COVID-19 pandemic is making me rediscover my youth during its much simpler times.
Today, we are very fortunate to have the internet as a multiple avenue of resource and leisure but this particular situation lately has also required people to stay at home. And for those who are used to a social or more active lifestyle may find themselves disoriented at how to adjust accordingly. Introverts, however, are having the last laugh. (Shoutout to you guys!)
Staying at home is the least we can do to help combat this disease. But admittedly, there is still anxiety and fear around being confined all day long. So let’s venture into some of the things that we can do to to take our mind off the negatives, and focus on the positives. Here are some of the benefits of staying at home:
Catch up on sleep.
Being busy and sleepless is neither cool nor healthy. Use this time to re-acquaint yourself with your comfy bed and snuggle up in between the sheets. Aim for the 8 to 10-hour mark and surely you’ll feel better already.
Appreciate alone time.
This applies to those who are living here without their families of course. This is the moment where you can be away from toxic friends or co-workers and social distancing plays to your advantage. Alone time allows for self-reflection, meditation, prayer – many of which can reset your soul and sense of self.
Read and finish a book.
An oldie but a goodie! With all these travel bans and self-quarantine rules, reading can transport you to another world without ever leaving your house. Janelle has been able to finish 5 novels in just two days. Now that’s a bookworm. Also, in this day and age where people just “look” and don’t READ… remember, #ReadingIsFundamental.
Get creative.
I have particularly taken up a Paint by Numbers project that has been helpful in keeping my focus lately. I’ve also cooked my own meals more often seeing that I’ve been at home and can’t really go out to eat in public. Meanwhile, Janelle has been active in her journaling journey and you can follow her #PlannerLove episodes on our IGTV and Youtube channel.
You can partake on a new skill to your liking and explore other creative spheres you have yet to discover (enhancing your makeup, drawing, playing the piano, etc).
Exercise.
Staying at home can make us couch potatoes too – so don’t fall into that trap! If the munchies come knocking in, try doing a couple of jumping jacks first and drink a glass of water. Making a schedule of one hour out of your day to sweat can do you good. Try an online Zumba workout or a circuit training of squats, lunges and planking – that ought to raise your heart rates to a healthy level.
De-clutter your space.
No need to take it Marie Kondo levels, but you can take this time to dispose of the things you no longer use around the house but never came around to clearing them. Organize your closet. Dust off those old shoes and maybe wash one of them. Put away items for donations. Redecorate the living room. Refreshing your surroundings is never a bad thing.
Have a solo concert in your living room (or bathroom).
This is my personal favorite. Above all things, music is my number one stress reliever. Play your favorite song and get that hair brush out in front of you. Belt out the refrain and don’t apologize for it. Dance along if you want to. This concert is for you alone and you will never be able to do this outside the comfort (and privacy) of your own home, so get loud. As long as it’s daytime, of course. Secret info: my go-to songs are “Alone”, “I Will Survive” and anything by the Filipino band, Aegis. 😉
Staying at home doesn’t have to be boring. It can productive, creative and even fun. All it needs is the right mindset and preparing your surroundings for it to succeed. It’s also an opportunity for us to re-realize what are the most important things in our lives: health and happiness.