My initial thoughts about an extended quarantine? BOOKS, NETFLIX BINGEING, TAKING NAPS! (Might as well focus on the positive, right?) However, I know overindulgence in the aforementioned activities will only make me lazy and complacent. (And if I’m not careful, a little depressed.)
During our coronavirus quarantine, try a few of these ideas to stay active and retain positive momentum:
1. START SPRING CLEANING
As it happens, the coronavirus struck at the optimum time for refreshing your kitchen floor with the lemony-scent of Pine Sol. Consider checking off these tasks while you’re in isolation:
- Clean out old, over-stuffed cabinets
- Organize your closet
- Send your old stagnant clothes to ThredUp
- Wash windows to let in more natural light
- Declutter your home
You can even rearrange or redecorate a room that’s a little ho-hum. Breath new life into your space to stay refreshed and invigorated.
2. PLAY IN THE DIRT
During the winter, I dream of finally sinking my hands in the flower garden. Something about the moist earth on my hands invigorates me. (And the sunlight and vitamin D helps as well!)
Find an old flower bed and dig in:
- Rearrange and break-up overgrown plants.
- Trade an overabundance of plants with your neighbor.
- Order new plants
or flower bulbs
- Consider incorporating a small herb garden or check out Gurney’s Seed & Nursery Company for online sales!
- Research and experiment with companion plants.
or If you find yourself stuck in an apartment, consider an in-home garden kit to add a fresh element to your home.
3. LEVEL UP YOUR ART GAME
In the past, I could barely draw a stick figure. Yet, somehow, recently, my inner artist decided to emerge. (Thanks to my cousin, Erica!) All it took was a sketch pad, some colored pencils, and Pinterest how-to-draw diagrams. Give it a shot! It’s a great escape, and you’ll learn a new skill. Plus, it’s something you can do with kiddos!
4. DEVELOP (OR ONE-UP) YOUR WORKOUT
This is something anyone can and should do no matter your current physicality. If you’re just starting out, GREAT! You can do it! There are plenty of easy ways to get started:
- Don’t have dumbbells
- Start with light weights (one pound is fine!) to avoid overly-sore muscles or injury.
- Scan Pinterest or YouTube for workout videos that suit your level. (Some don’t even require weights.)
- Don’t be intimidated by the muscular, shapely models in those videos… You are a REAL person. They go to the gym. Every. Day.
If you have your own regimen, consider some changes. The same workout over and over can lose impact. Maybe you want a more solid core? More well-defined arms? Consider how you can safely incorporate new, targeted exercises in your workout. Just don’t over-do it on one specific area and cause injury!
For a different type of workout, incorporate yoga. (I like Yoga with Adrienne!) Also consider adding meditation to include mental and emotional strengthening as well as physical development.
5. TRY A NEW RECIPE
Chances are your fridge and pantry are stocked full of food. So open their doors, pull out some ingredients that speak to your stomach, and create a new dish.
If you’re not as savvy with savory treats, research recipes on Pinterest.
And if you absolutely suck in the kitchen, what better time to learn the basics and give it a try?
Here’s a recipe for Keto-Friendly Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese and Mozzarella. (And yes that’s a pic of it to the side.) YUM! (Also check out my “Keto Recipes” board on Pinterest!)
I’ll definitely spend some coronavirus downtime reading a book or bingeing Netflix, but I can’t get bogged down in it. Sitting for extended periods of time can do physical damage to your body and be detrimental to your mental and emotional state especially if you already struggle with anxiety and depression. So get up, get moving, and be productive! You’ll feel more healthy, positive, and uplifted because of it!
