1. Upcycling
If you don't know what upcycling is, it's about giving a new purpose to something you'd normally just throw away. Pinterest is my best friend for this one. There are so many different ways to reuse cans, hangers, or anything else people normally just say is "junk." This is the time to get creative AND try and save money. Why not do some research and repurpose something? One idea I saw on Twitter was turning an old t-shirt into a new and cute basket!
2. Find New Ways To Workout
Even though gyms are closed, that doesn't mean you need to stop working out! I've been using this as an opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and try new ways to workout. Try to learn a dance routine, get into yoga, learn some gymnastics, or learn self-defense. With the power of the internet, learning a new workout is just one click away! If you're a big fan of traditional workouts, but don't have any equipment at home, try and make your own! My friends have been getting creative and using gallons of water to lift. Challenge yourself with whatever you have at home!
3. Journaling
With everything that has been going on, a lot of emotions are arising for people, and it's important to have a way to express them. Journaling is a great tool to let everything out without fear of judgment. This could also be a great way to get creative, too. If you're not a fan of just writing out your emotions, tap into your inner child and write a story or poem instead. You could also practice your calligraphy and get really fancy with it!
4. Reach Out
People are naturally social beings, so this is a hard time for everyone. Check-in with your friends and see how they're doing. Reach out to old friends and rekindle that old relationship. Get a pen-pal from another state or country. Send videos or emails to nursing homes, hospitals, or whoever else you think could use the support right now and lift their spirits up!
5. Find A Hobby
There is no better time than now to find a hobby! Remember all the activities you used to do as a kid that brought you joy? Try them again. If not, try something you always wanted to try. Try the things your friends always wanted you to try that you thought you wouldn't like. I never thought that I would like meditation, but it has helped me so much! Right now, you have nothing to lose by just trying something new!
6. Organize Anything And Everything
Organizing things is an easy way to keep feeling productive and accomplished. I've been making new playlists, going through my clothes and making new outfits, making new Pinterest boards, re-organizing my phone, and going through old pictures and making albums. I remember when my friends and I were younger, we would love to rearrange our rooms just to change things up and try it out. At a time where everything feels out of control, sometimes organizing and cleaning can help you feel slightly more in control of, at least, your space!
7. Research A New Fact/Topic Every Day
My friend's little sister actually inspired this one. Every day during summer, she would read an article and find something in the article she didn't understand. She would then research it until she did understand it. Challenge your friends to do this, as well, and it could be a great way to stay in touch, spark new conversations, and learn more about the world. Do this every day and no will be able to beat you in trivia after this over, either!
8. Podcasts
If reading isn't your thing, try podcasts instead! There are so many free ones online, and it's such a great way to learn about the world. I personally love listening to Dr. Phil, Divided States of Women, Ellen, and Ted Talks.
9. Brain Game
Challenge yourself and work out your brain - there are so many apps available for this such as Lumosity, Elevate, or Peak. You'll be amazed at the difference this can make in your everyday life!
10. Learn A New Language
Even if it's just a few new words you learn, it'll make you feel so accomplished afterward. Challenge your friends or family to do this with you too, and it'll be a great way to practice. One app I like to use to learn sign language is Mimix 3D. You type any word in and it shows you the sign from any angle and you can make it as slow as you want. You could also label everything in your house in the language you want to learn and practice it that way.
11. Do An At-Home Photoshoot
Just because you're stuck at home doesn't mean you can't keep your social media looking cute! Some of my friends have gotten super creative with this and have used cut-outs from magazines to make backgrounds for their pictures, and the pictures came out so cute in the end!
12. Teach Your Pet A New Trick
Not only is this fun for you, but it keeps your pets entertained as well. I have taught my dog high five, walk on his hind legs, wave, crawl, rollover, jump through things, and how to weave! Cats can also learn tricks - my cat knows how to sit on command and to go up on his hind legs. My friends have been making DIY mazes for their rodents to go through, as well. Youtube videos are great for finding new things and how to teach your furry friends!
13. Find Future Volunteering Opportunities
After this pandemic is over, so many places are going to be in desperate need of help, so find one that interests you! Once you do, reach out and ask if there's anything you can do now. If not, just get ahead of the game and fill out the paperwork so you can start as soon as this quarantine ends.
14. Reading
A lot of libraries are offering free, online books you can check out online now! Find a new book, snuggle up, and get lost in a whole new world. You can also get your friends and family together to start a virtual book club!
15. Virtual Game Nights
One thing I have been urging my friends to do is to have virtual games night with me. There are many apps you can do this with like Evil Apples, Jack Box, or Words with Friends!
