According to a recent Reuters report, about 101 million residents are being asked to stay at home. With schools shifting to online classes, non-essential businesses closing to patrons and others furloughed or working from home, Americans are spending more time at home than ever before.
What are other people doing in this time of social distancing and flattening the curve? Here is list to work from.
- Create a routine to for a new normal, get out of the jammies and into your jeans and a top. Go to bed and wake up “on time.”
- Organize. Dedicate your new-found time and attention to sorting and organizing your home. Whether it’s a hall closet, bookshelf or makeup drawer, go through these cluttered areas and organize them. If you haven’t used it in a year it’s time to say good bye. For makeup, go through the products and toss whatever is old and expired.
- Join an online prayer group. Check out Facebook Groups or the NextDoor app and start praying with others around your neighborhood or the world.
- Start a blog. Now is the time to let your creative juices flow and let your voice be heard. Whether it’s fashion, beauty, travel, fitness, cooking or something else, a blog may be a great creative outlet for you to show off your passions and skills. Be yourself and the following will come.
- Dig into the Bible. Start an online bible study guide such as those at YouVersion or see if a local church has an online group bible study via Zoom or other virtual meetings.
- Learn something new. Looking to refresh your skills or want to simply learn something new like French, sewing or even playing the piano? Well, now is the perfect time to finally get around to it. Make the most of your time at home and check out free resources online. YouTube is a great place to turn to for free tutorials and lessons.
- Be the hands of Christ
- Check in on the sick and elderly. Be the hands of Christ and make sure that no one you know, or live near needs groceries, medicine or a kind word because they cannot leave their home.
- Donate to the local foodbank. Staple foods, paper towels, toilet paper, diapers, baby food etc.
- Be friendly – smile and say hello, thank the grocery clerk, hold open a door; little things can change someone’s day.
- Shop online. Don’t worry about running out of essentials. Keep your social distance and shop directly from the comfort of your own home. Even local grocers have an online presence.
- Have a stargazing night. With the weather warming grab a blanket and a telescope (or binoculars!) to explore the endless possibilities the night sky holds. It’s rewarding, educational and an inexpensive activity you can do from your own backyard or bedroom window. Bonus points if you build a blanket fort and roast marshmallows!
- Try new recipes. Whether you use cookbooks, online recipes or follow chefs on social media, test out a recipe you’ve recently been eyeing. Now is the time to perfect it and when life returns to normal, invite friends and family over to show off the yummy dishes you’ve mastered.
- Exercise and Sunshine are two things that will help your health and attitude. If you can get outside safely (park, patio, porch or back yard) go outside and walk, do calisthenics or even dance.
- Turn off the electronics and have a picnic – in your backyard, on the front porch or in your living room.
