Most of us are spending a lot more time at home than we're used to. During these often chaotic and uncertain times, many people are trying to find ways to stay productive (and sane) during this time. With this increased time at home, there’s plenty of time to get organized, stay productive, and set yourself up for success.
We recently published a blog with a list of 35 Things to do While Staying Home. Here’s a more detailed piece on 10 non-work-related ways to be productive during this extended time at home:
- Trying New Meals. Since we're dramatically reducing how often we go out, this is a perfect time to try new meals at home. Experts are encouraging us to limit our trips to the grocery store, so make a detailed list of all the new foods you want to try and pick them all up in a single trip. Once you've got all the ingredients you need, create a fun menu for the week, and plan out which meals you're going to try each day. Consider printing out the recipes and writing notes on ithem about what you liked, what you didn't, and whether or not you'd make it again. Who knows? You may discover a new favorite meal!
- Organizing. Many of us have the best intentions when it comes to getting rid of clutter and organizing our home, but we can never seem to find the time to make it a priority. Now we have the time, and you'll be surprised at how refreshed you’ll feel when you finally get rid of the clutter in your space. Tackle a small space first, like a linen closet or under the bathroom sink. You'll be able to see the difference immediately, it won't take a lot of time, and it'll help you get excited about tackling other projects. Some helpful guidelines for getting rid of clutter include:
● Don't feel like you have to do it all in one day. Even just five minutes a day can make a big difference.
● Hang all of your clothes in your closet with the hangers facing the same way. Once you've worn something, turn the hanger around. You will quickly see which hangers stay facing the same way and which ones are turned. This will help you identify the clothes you don't wear very often and can give away or sell.
● Each day, have your family participate in the 12-12-12 challenge. Find12 items to throw away, 12 to donate, and 12 to be returned to their proper place.
● Hang all of your clothes in your closet with the hangers facing the same way. Once you've worn something, turn the hanger around. You will quickly see which hangers stay facing the same way and which ones are turned. This will help you identify the clothes you don't wear very often and can give away or sell.
● Each day, have your family participate in the 12-12-12 challenge. Find12 items to throw away, 12 to donate, and 12 to be returned to their proper place.
- Cleaning. Having everyone at home means more dishes, more clutter, and more mess. Use this time at home to put together a cleaning routine and perhaps a chart to split the duties to help you stay on top of the mess. When you do these things each week, they become much less daunting. A clean home will make you feel calmer and more relaxed.
- Learning a New Skill. Since we can't go out with our friends, and we're spending a lot more time at home, we have the perfect opportunity to try something new. Is there a talent or skill you've always wanted to try but never made a priority? With infinite information at your fingertips (aka the Internet), you can search for how-to videos for almost any skill or talent you want to learn. This is an excellent way to break up the monotony of the day, keep your brain active, and can help give you a sense of accomplishment and control when the circumstances surrounding you feel uncertain.
- Starting a Workout Routine. It can be tempting to sit back and binge-watch your favorite shows during this time at home, and doing that occasionally is perfectly fine. At the same time, it’s also wise to find ways to stay active and include some kid of intentional movement into our days. If you usually go to the gym, it’s time to find ways to get your workout in at home. Going for walks and runs is still okay as long as we’re practicing social distancing, and many virtual fitness companies are unlocking workout videos for trial periods so people can work up a sweat in their living rooms. Start a yoga routine if you are looking for a low-impact way to challenge your body and your mind. There are lots of guided yoga sessions on YouTube, so start experimenting with them and see which ones work for you.
- Creating A New Budget. Income and expenses are some of the biggest concerns people have right now during this extended time at home. Many people are out of work, but still have to find a way to pay their rents and mortgages and other utilities. It may be scary, but sit down and take a good look at your finances. Where could you cut spending? Are you paying for a monthly membership to something you could put on hold? Most of us are adjusting to a “new normal” when it comes to our finances. If needed, reach out and contact the organizations you do business with to learn about ways they are helping their customers out during this crisis. You might be pleasantly surprised at their willingness to help.
- Reading. Another way to stay productive during this time at home is to read. Reading fiction can help you escape into a new reality, and non-fiction can open up your mind to people and places you want to learn more about. If you don't have a physical book (and it may be hard to get one since most libraries and books stores are closed), there are plenty of great audiobooks you can listen to. Podcasts are another way to expand your mind and learn something new, and you can listen while doing many of the things we mentioned above.
- Waking Up Early. While it can be tempting to hit the snooze button if you don't have to go into work, it is recommended to still wake up at a decent time to get started on your day. If you are a parent with kids at home, consider waking up 30-60 minutes before your kids to have time for yourself. You can use this time to get a load of laundry folded, do some picking up around the apartment, check emails, or just have quiet time for yourself. Staying on a routine will help you feel more in control during these next few weeks, and can help you stay productive and on track.
- Spending Time on Your Taxes. This is another option that, while not the most exciting, can help you set yourself up for success in the coming weeks. Since the tax deadline has been extended, there’s no huge rush to get everything together and turned in by mid-April. However, this extension gives you the time to go over your taxes a little each day instead of trying to do it all at the last minute.
- Focusing on Self-Care. This is an unprecedented time. Many people are struggling with anxiety and lack of control in an uncertain time. Self-care can help us relax and recharge. Taking long naps, reading a good book, luxuriating during a long bath, or having a great conversation with a good friend may not "feel" productive, but they can all be good for your mental health. It’s okay to focus on your mental health and emotional well-being during this time and spend time doing nothing if that helps you feel better. We’re all doing what we can to get through this.
Social distancing doesn't mean we aren't in this together. This chaotic time around the world may make us feel isolated, but it’s essential to remember that you aren't alone. Although we don't know exactly when things will be back to normal, consider doing some of the things above to stay productive at home during this challenging time.
What Weidner Is Doing to Help
At Weidner Apartment Homes, we’re going above and beyond minimum requirements to keep all of our communities clean and sanitized. We are thinking about our residents and hope this blog helps everyone to find safe, healthy and productive ways to stay busy until we can hang out together again!
What are you to stay productive at home? Share your ideas below.