Yes, we are all a little bored and house sick after many weeks indoors.  Because of the need to avoid the spread of this virus and overwhelming our healthcare system, we are all playing our part.  However, this can be a little isolating and lead to too many bad habits, such as eating up everything in sight.  I wanted to threw a list of things that you can do right at home, that doesn’t cost a thing.

1. Show gratitude.

a. This is the time to reflect on your self and others.  Be thankful to your higher power and if you believe that is you, there is twice the gratitude there.  But really connect with others and let them know how much they mean to you.  A phone call or text goes a long way.

2. Spring Clean

a. This is a great time to go threw your house and find the things that you have been meaning to give away or throw away.  Decluttering also helps to rid your mind of excess stuff.  So, be it physical, emails or mental things you need to get rid of take this downtime and get at it.

3. Garden Indoors/outdoors

a. Creating a garden is not an easy thing for some.  I am one of those.  Just trying to find where to put something in my back yard gives me anxiety.  However, I love playing in the dirt.  It is something about getting my hands dirty that reminds me of being a kid.  Children are free and welcome play.  Gardening can bring joy to you as well, try it.

4. Write a letter to your younger self

a. So, I did not think this really mattered, but guess what you are so much wiser than that darn 14-year-old.  You see, you have survived good or bad years of things that you never thought you could.  You may have also made some turns that you would tell him/her to not go there.  I just want you to know that you have a lot to offer them now.  Who knows you may be able to even tell another kid on there way to adulthood.

5. Make a Monthly Meal Plan

a. Having a meal plan keeps us from binge eating.  It also takes pressure off of our brain to have to come up with what’s for dinner today.  Everyone has to eat.  Not only is it healthier to cook your own meals at home it is also cost effective.  Unless you are cooking lobster daily.

6. Make a budget

a. So, if you are not big on budgeting, no worries, you are not alone.  The average American lives paycheck to paycheck.  This is not just for those making $24,000 a year but also for those making $224,000 a year.  The bigger the bag the bigger the bill.  Making a needs budget, instead of a wants budget can help put priorities in place. It can also alleviate stress.

7. Read a book

a. So, some people are speed readers and can go threw books like water.  I am not one of them.  I must sit down and absorb what is in the book.  I sometimes place myself in the characters stead or try to be Sherlock Holmes and solve the mystery.  This is the perfect time to catch up on an otherwise too busy and too many other things to tend to reading fest.

8. Make your favorite playlist

a. Music calms the average beast.  Lots of music will help you from going AWOL on the government.  Get your favorite oldies but goodies and your new tunes and great that perfect list for you.

9. Take a walk

a. Walking can help on so many levels.  It can decrease stress, increase metabolism, help you sleep better and keep your bodily functions regulated just to name a few.  You are not in competition with anyone, so go at your own pace and for how long you desire.

10. Stream your favorite movies

a. Daydreaming or streaming is not bad, just not recommended on a regular basis. For one it is unproductive and can cause stress looking at how other people can create havoc in their lives. But if it is a relatively good movie, it can cause a lot of excess calorie retention from all that popcorn and no burn. So, I suggest you make this a last and limited activity.