10 Ways to Survive At Home During a Pandemic

I had a different blog post planned to go up, but I felt the need to share this one instead.  I am one of the few that are able to continue working during this COVID-19 pandemic.  I do take all of this seriously and have started to change things that I do while at work and at home to keep myself healthy.  However, now that it is springtime (at least the snow is melting here in da UP) I find myself feeling extra cooped up because of the Shelter in Place order in Michigan.  I know other states have started following suit.  Here are 10 things you can do to pass the time during quarantine.

1.  Read a book

I know this may sound boring to some, and yes, I am guilty of turning on the TV and just vegging out.  However, reading a book can exercise your brain and imagination.  Whether it be fiction or nonfiction, sci-fi, history, or another genre, books can provide a window to another world and a way to work on yourself.

2.  Go for a walk

I’m guilty of not doing this yet.  My excuse is that it is too icy to walk my dog (who is also not dealing with being cooped up well).  Going for a walk will help you get the stink off so to speak.  You can enjoy the outdoors and be healthy at the same time.

3.  Meditate

Life can get overwhelming when you are stuck inside with yourself and even with your family.  Carve fifteen minutes out of your day for some “ME” time and meditate.  You can find some awesome meditations on Spotify for free. 

4.  Pray/Commune with God (or whatever you believe in)

This sort of relates to meditation, but it is different because of the way you do it.  The easiest thing I find to do to remind me to connect with God is to set an alarm at a specific time on my phone.  When the alarm goes off, I stop what I am doing, pick up my devotional and read.  After I read the devotion, I write in my journal about what it means and attempt to apply it to my life at that moment.  I then write out a little prayer.  After it is complete, I do my daily meditation.  Most times this whole process takes about 15 minutes and then I can move on with my other activities.  I highly recommend Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

5.  Exercise

Is your gym closed?  Do you have something you are training for?  Don’t let COVID-19 compromise your gym schedule.  There are a number of apps, blogs, vlogs, and videos out there that are free.  First, I would check and see if your gym has an app and social media.  Some gyms will post helpful training ideas for at home.  Another good way to find workouts is to search social media.  YouTube is a treasure trove of at-home workouts.  You can also take #2 to the next level and go for a walk/jog/run outside.  Not only do at home/outside workouts keep you in shape, but they also help get the blood pumping and release the endorphins that make us happy 😊.

6.  You Can Still Have Girls Night

My friends and I get together almost every weekend for dinner and drinks.  This past weekend instead of going out, we all stayed home but used Facebook Messenger to video chat with each other.  We spent a good 2 hours or so chatting just like we would have in person.  Get yourself FaceTime or any other app that allows you to video chat, grab some drinks and snacks, and have girls night from a social distancing perspective.

7.  Get Ready for Your Day

If you are working from home, furloughed, or on a lay off you should still keep some routine in your day.  This includes getting up and getting ready for the day.  It is tempting when you can’t go anywhere to just sit all day in your pajamas, but that can lead to you being ok with laying in bed all day.  Get up, wash your face, brush your hair and teeth, and put real clothes on.  Routine is something we all need during this time of uncertainty.

8.  Learn a New Recipe

Its never too late to discover another dinner recipe to add to your box.  This can become a fun family tradition to keep from now on.

9.  Write a Letter

Do you have an aging relative you can’t visit?  Write them a letter.  They love hearing from people the “old fashioned” way.  I have been putting off drafting a letter to my Nana for months, but after I’m done with my research paper I will be writing her a lot more.

10.  Go for a Drive

This is my favorite.  I feel so cooped up sometimes that something as simple as a leisurely drive helps alleviate the cabin fever I am feeling.

And there you have it.  10 simple ways to survive Shelter-In-Place.  Comment the creative ways you have found to help you beat the cabin fever and as always Stay Tuned!