Things to do at Home

We are living in a crazy time right now. A lot of people are struggling with practicing social distancing and staying sane at the same time. I thought I would share some tips on things that could help as well as some things to do to stay busy during this time. Since I have been working from home for the last two years, I have some tips on how to stay productive throughout the day.  I hope you enjoy my tips and if you have anything else that you find helpful, please comment!

Make your bed

Start your day with making your bed. I used to think this was so stupid when I didn’t work from home. I never saw the point other than making the room look pretty. I probably had this mindset because I didn’t see my room all day every day. I wouldn’t walk past it multiple times a day.

Now that I am home and walk into my room frequently, it is crazy how much a made bed can change my mood and mindset for the day. It helps me not want to just stay in bed and be lazy. It creates a sense of accomplishment first thing in the morning. It also helps the house stay clean and tidy which helps my mind stay clear so I can focus on other things.

If you are feeling like you just want to be lazy all day and stay in bed, try making your bed first thing when you wake up. Trust me, it will help.

Clean your house

This is along the same lines as making your bed. For me, having a clean house clears my mind. I always have liked clean environments, but it got even more magnified when I started working from home. Again, I used to be away from my house or room all day so I didn’t care as much if it was messy when I left. Now, since I am home at all times, I like for the house to at least be picked up. If it isn’t spotless, that’s okay. I just try to pick up at least once a day and keep things tidy. It helps clear my mind so I can work and I also feel accomplished.

Get fresh air and sunshine

Being held up in the house for days on end can really be bad for our mental health. Try to get outside as much as possible while still practicing social distancing. Also if it sunny, get in the sun (wear sunscreen though!). Getting some vitamin D and feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin will really have an effect on your mood.

Workout

Going for a long walk could count as your workout, but I also suggest working out at least a few times a week. Releasing those endorphins and moving your body will also have a huge effect on your mood and mental state. Here are some resources that I think are amazing!

• Tone It Up app is free right now
• Planet Fitness Facebook live
• Pure Barre Go Facebook live
• www.crushfit.com
  • Two workout programs, Crush At Home and GO! are free with code HOME
• Search YouTube for at home workouts
• Sarah’s Day 15 minute workouts

Get ready

Some people have varying opinions on this (my boyfriend Caleb being one of them), but I believe that you should do some sort of “getting ready” every day. This can look different for everyone, but if you are someone who does your hair and makeup during the week for work, try to do this at least a few times a week. Like I said, this can look different for everyone, but try to do what you usually do throughout the week at least. It will help you feel more like yourself and probably make you more productive throughout the day as well.

Read

I’m not big into reading, but honestly I want to get better at this. It is a good time to read some books for fun or even ones that are self-help. Reading will work your mind instead of filling your time with watching things or playing video games. It will still be entertainment, but in a different form that is more educational.

Play Games

Games are something I love to do with Caleb (and groups of friends but obviously that can’t happen right now). We have found some great games you can play with at least two people, but if you have more people in your family these should also work.

• Spot It
• Quixx
• Scattergories
• Uno
• Everybody Knows
• Amazed by Neil Patrick Harris
• Trivial Pursuit

Listen to upbeat music

Music can also boost your mood. Try listening to your favorite songs or ones that are more upbeat! I love this playlist that Courtney Shields made for her followers.
Courtney shield’s playlist

Do puzzles

I love doing puzzles! Again another activity that will get your brain working and is also very relaxing.

Meditate

Another great practice for the mind. Simple habits is one of my favorite apps because they have meditations for as little as five minutes.

Journal

Emotions can be overwhelming in a time like this. Instead of just letting everything bottle up in your head, write your feelings down in a journal. Try doing this a few times a week and see how much it helps.

Keep a schedule

I like to keep some sort of schedule throughout the day. This can even mean making a to do list every day. It doesn’t mean you have to follow an exact schedule every day. Set a time you want to wake up and then make a to do list of things you want to accomplish that day. Being productive can help your mental state a lot by giving you a sense of accomplishment.

Laugh

Laughter is the best medicine. Try to keep the mood light by watching funny shows or stand up comedy. Here are some of my favorites!

• John Mulaney standup 
• Nate Bargatze
• Billy on the Street
• Schitz Creek
• The Office
• Parks and Rec
• Veep
• Psych
• Grace and Frankie

Facetime loved ones

This is pretty self explanatory, but call or facetime people you love. Since you can’t physically see friends and extended family, it is nice to still see their faces and hear their voices. My family had a virtual happy hour last friday and it was so amazing!