The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing many of us to stay hunkered down in our homes 24/7. That’s all well and good to help prevent the spread of the virus. Certainly, it goes without saying that it can be challenging to remain motivated, focused and productive when you have plenty of distractions including kids, television and nice weather, not to mention the uncertainty of the situation.
But don’t worry, our own Joshua Karczewski, Car-Mart’s Marketing Analyst, compiled a list of suggestions for remaining inspired and invigorated while being cooped up at home. Here’s Josh’s helpful list to raise your spirits at home:
- Get up and get dressed at the same time as you would if you were going to work. This will keep you focused and motivated.
- Keep doing the everyday tasks like making the bed, doing the dishes, vacuuming, whatever you do each day normally so that messy place doesn’t mess with your mind. There’s a lot to be said about a clean space and a finished task.
- Eat well, eat normal and eat on time. Sometimes being home leads to “bored eating” and overeating at that. Make sure you have healthy options in the house and don’t over snack just because there is nothing else to do.
- Take time to say ‘hi’ to a neighbor and bring them cookies or lunch. Sit on the porch and chat about something not related to politics, weather or other simple go-to conversations. Be intentional with daily conversations as you would at the workplace.
- Focus on hobbies that make you happy.
Read a book. Learn a new skill. Build a playhouse or dig a garden. Doing something outdoors will bring joy and calm. Speaking of outdoors, have you heard those birds? Sit and listen. Relax and take a deep breath of fresh air. - Open the blinds, open the windows and let that light and air in. Fresh air and sunshine (hopefully it’s sunny) will increase your desire to get moving! Darkness decreases serotonin which decreases joy. Vitamin D gives you energy – the sun produces this naturally. Speaking of energy: Peppermint, lemon, and orange are just a few smells that motivate and bring natural energy. You can stock the fruit bowl with these or (if finances allow) get an essential oil diffuser.
- Take on a big task you have put off. Maybe you want to try changing your own oil for the first time. Maybe it’s cleaning out the attic or dreaded garage. Donate old clothes or household items you don’t use – declutter. Don’t set the goal too high, though, and if you feel overwhelmed, look up videos or blogs online to help you finish the task or ask a neighbor for a hand.
- Stay healthy.
Go for a walk, take a bike ride or chase the kids or grandkids in the yard. Do something competitive through online communities like Strava (app) that tracks walking, running, biking, etc. and see how you rank up versus friends and family. - Call your parents, grandparents or siblings you haven’t talked to in a bit. If you live with them, go give them a hug, sit down and talk about “the good ol’ days,” grandparents love sharing these stories.
- Keep your children from boredom doom.
Having the kids at home all day during normal school time is a struggle. Now, we are both the parent and the teacher, and they are not used to this either. There are free resources available to help you keep them from the dreaded “I’m bored” stage. Forbes has a great blog – 15 Free Resources to Keep Your Child Busy While School is Out – with free virtual field trips, craft ideas, and fun learning. - Video chat with friends, family, and co-workers. While many places are closed, maybe video chat with co-workers that are in similar situations or get together on social media and support others around you, work out from home or play extra with the kids.
- Find things that bring you joy in your own space. This can be extra tough for extroverts, so take to social media or Facebook LIVE to say ‘hi’ to all the people you miss. They certainly miss you, too!
Overall, make sure you don’t get cabin fever just because you feel stuck at home.
Great tips! Thanks to Josh for sharing how he’s coping while being cooped up and working at home for Car-Mart.
