How is everyone doing? Last week was hectic and a lot to process, but with social distancing and self-isolation, hopefully we’ll recover sooner rather than later. Staying home can be hard, but while we have the time, we might as well make the most of it.
Binge-watching shows and movies is fun for a while, but I like keeping some productive habits during the day to feel grounded. Below is a curated list of things I’ve been doing this past week, plus a few other ideas that are both fun and productive. If you have more suggestions, please share them in the comments at the bottom of the page.
- Organize your kitchen – organizing the pantry, fridge, cupboards and areas under sinks can be surprisingly therapeutic. Start with the pantry and work your way through the rest.
- Deep clean – tackle one room per day if you’re off work. Deep-clean carpets, windows, blinds and baseboards—things you don’t usually get to during routine cleaning.
- Unsubscribe from mass emails – cutting down your inbox clutter eases anxiety whenever you check email.
- Unsubscribe from snail mail – get rid of catalogs and unsolicited ad mail to reduce clutter.
- Puzzles – great brain workouts that are also relaxing and satisfying to complete.
- Read – I enjoy health and wellness books. A few current favorites I recommend if you’re looking to read more:
- Food Fix by Dr. Hyman
- Eat Dirt by Dr. Josh Axe — accessible and easy to understand.
- Body Love and Body Love Everyday by Kelly LeVeque — useful recipes and lifestyle advice.
- Deep Nutrition by Catherine Shanahan — a more scientific read that’s eye-opening.
- Genius Foods by Max Lugavere — insights on maximizing brain function and reducing decline.
- Try new recipes – now’s a great time to make recipes you’ve saved. Try baking treats or batch-cooking meals to keep in the fridge. Having a few go-to recipes on hand makes life easier.
- At-home workouts – there are lots of home workouts available; pick quick, effective routines with minimal equipment to stay healthy. Make a short schedule to keep consistent.
- Create an at-home spa – develop a calming skincare routine, give yourself masks or a soothing bath, and take time for self-care.
- Purge your closet – donate or recycle items you no longer wear. Clearing space can feel refreshing.
- Call or FaceTime friends and family – check in on loved ones regularly. Staying connected matters right now.
- Clean out your car – unless you can go to a car wash, tidy the interior, remove trash, dust surfaces and disinfect high-touch areas.
- Review your finances – use this time to create or update a budget, track expenses, and plan for upcoming months.
- Get creative – draw, paint, color or craft. Creative activities are relaxing and can provide a sense of accomplishment.
- Finish home projects – if you have incomplete projects and the supplies to finish them, dedicate time to wrap them up.
- Journal – writing about your feelings can help reduce stress and anxiety. Even a few minutes a day can be beneficial.
- Clean your makeup brushes – regularly washing brushes improves hygiene and makeup application.
- Rotate your mattress – and wash sheets and pillowcases while you’re at it. Small actions like this improve sleep quality.
- Sort beauty and hygiene products – discard expired items and anything you no longer use.
- Organize your junk drawer – clearing this small space can make daily life smoother and pair well with your kitchen organization.
I hope these ideas are helpful. What are you doing at home to pass the time while staying productive? I’d love to hear your suggestions!
xx Rachael