What to do when quarantined
As the world bunkers down and a 14 day self-quarantine period is on the horizon for many of us, I wanted to help dispel the fear and inject some optimism and ask you this:
When was the last time you were actually able to stay at home and just BE?
I spend my life being busy. I like being busy. I like going out. I like people. I like socialising. I like big gatherings. Basically everything I'm soon not allowed to do.
But do you know what? I have a heap of 'stuff' then I never EVER get around to doing. And I see this impending self-quaratine period as an opportunity. One that may come along once in a life-time.
So what can you do when on Self-Quarantine at home?
1. Firstly, how can we go past NetFlix. I'm not sure if I'm the only one who hasn't had the time to binge watch all the awesome programs. So it's the first on my list.
2. Once you've sat still for 10 hours straight binge watching everything you've been 'meaning to watch' you might be ready to move on. You've got 13 days left - what are you going to do next? Write down what you enjoy and all the things you never ever get around to. You'll see mine in the following:
3. Colouring Calm. Yep I've said it. But it doesn't have to be colouring, it can be all art, all craft. Dig out the paints, get out the sewing machine, the tool box. It's there, in your cupboard, it's waiting for you.
4. Puzzles. It's something the whole family can enjoy from all ages. There's no winners or losers. No tantrums, no competitiveness, no one buying up the whole board of Monopoloy ruthlessly.
5. Games. When was the last time you sat down and played a game? A board game. A card game. Solotaire. Games you can play by yourself.
6. Photo books. Yep, come on I know you have 104,503,586,836 photos on your phone. This is the downtime you have needed to get them beautifully organised. You can even do it whilst watching a movie on your phone. I do mine on Chatbooks (not sponsored, just amazing).
7. Read. I have one big pile of amazing books in my bedroom. I bet you have one hanging around in your house too. I never read actual pages anymore. Magazines, Comics, Activity books. Whatever floats your boats.
8. YouTube. Learn something new. Go back to your list above of what you enjoy and type in one thing. I bet you can learn how to do/make just about anything. AND you can also get your nifty iphone out and film your own you-tube video. Why not? you have the time..... 13 more days actually...
9. Write a book. Oh yes I said it. I think we all have a story inside of us. Come on, I can see you thinking. Ok, it doesn't have to be a New York Times best seller, how about a few blog posts? Or some social media posts if you run a small business?
10. FaceTime. When was the last time you caught up with Sharon who lives in Sydney and you moved to Melbourne 2 years ago? I miss her. I should have called her a lot in these past 2 years.
11. Do the course. Investigate the course. Sign up to the course. The one you’ve been thinking about for the last 5 years.
12. Decorate. In 1997 my Dad was made redundant. With no job and our future looking a bit uncertain, my Dad decided to use all this newly available time to make our house look nice. I still marvall at this as a 37 year old adult. He was spending money when no money was coming in (he did decorate with my Mum) But now I see, the comodoity wasn't money, it was TIME.
13. Plant that vegetable box. I bet you have the seeds from that Woolies giveaway they run recently.
14. Write a letter. Imagine receiving an actual hand-written letter in the post.
15. Research. Your next suburb, home, country, holiday, car, job, the people next door. It's all at your finger tips.
16. DO NOT BE SCARED. Be safe. If social media is causing you great stress because of the current circumstances, take a break from it. If you post, post something mindful.
17. Bake. Like from an actual recipe with ingredients and everything.
18. Check in with yourself. Check in with your feelings, emotions. You have the time to evaluate you. What effects how you feel. How the people around you make you feel. What brings you joy. What brings you sorrow. Then check in with those loved ones around you.
19. Sit still by a window or outside. Listen for the sounds of the environment. Look for what grows, see what lives. Be in the moment and just breath.
20. Exercise. There is a million reasons not to but everything is possible even at home.
21. Culture. Make a virtual visit to a Museum. Did you know that was even a thing? Check it out HERE
Available Time is the biggest gift in this current era of uncertainty. Use it wisely. We are all in the same boat. Rich or poor, money can't change a thing now but this period of time can. It can make the WORLD of difference in more ways then one.
Take care, Stay safe and I'll see you on the otherside.
Sarah x