Mindful and Productive Activities to do During Lockdown

    *Sigh*…the year 2020…we haven’t been off to a good start have we? While life hasn’t changed too much for me and my family at home, it has changed so much for many other families. My boyfriend and I still leave the house to go to work as we both work at grocery stores (it is considered an “essential business”), and then we come back home pretty much to our normal routines. But so many other people do not have it that way. They have lost their jobs temporarily and are not having an income, have to delve into the foreign concept of homeschooling the kids as school’s are shut down, and in some areas are forced to stay at home at all costs or will be jailed or fined. Basically, life for so many people right now is pretty stressful and hectic, and sometimes, it can be hard to cope and come to terms with.

    We’re all living in a time of a global pandemic and have to self-quarantine. While others are loving this time away from work, school, and being home overall, it is sending others into extreme boredom and stir craziness. That is why I’ve come up with a list of some things I like to do on my free time, and that others may enjoy as well, to help beat the boredom and to take my mind off of things. Of course the list could go on and on of things you could do, but I wanted to make this a list of mindful activities that will lift your mood, boost your spirit, and leave you feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and productive.

✦ Go on a walk. Where I live in Tennessee, we can still go outside, we just can’t be too close to other people (keeping a 6 foot distance or more) and all the parks are shut down. But taking a walk around the neighborhood is doable and enjoyable especially in the afternoon when the weather has cooled down and the sun is setting.

✦ Do some art. This can be paint-by-numbers, adult coloring book, learn to draw or paint by watching tutorials on youtube, etc.

✦ Learn a new language. I like to use Duolingo for online language learning.

✦ Pamper yourself. Taking a relaxing bath with a face mask on and soft music in the background in a candle lit bathroom is an idea, but only you know what makes you feel pampered, so whatever it is, go for it!

✦ Couples massage. This can be a hand and foot massage, shoulder massage, back massage, whatever your partner likes! Set the mood with oriental spa music and turn the lights off and have the room lit with candles. Take turns making each other feel good!

✦ Have a game night with family or roommates

✦ Watch an inspiring or educational documentary

✦ Make a bucket list of all the places you would like to visit or the goals you would like to accomplish in your lifetime

✦ Try a new recipe

✦ Complete a puzzle

✦ Exercise. This can be yoga, HIIT, crossfit, cardio, whatever you like!

✦ Pray or meditate

✦ Declutter and organize your home:

•         Throw out all your expired products. This goes for food and makeup!

•          Declutter your wardrobe and toss out clothes and shoes you no longer fit into, like, or wear.

•          Get rid of excess towels and blankets

•          Go through paper piles, folders, and files and toss what you no longer need

•          Go through kitchen cupboards and drawers and get rid of duplicate appliances or anything you don’t use

✦ Deep clean your home:

•          Dust

•          Mop

•          Sweep

•          Clean counter tops, windows, fan blades, etc.

•          Wash and fold laundry

•          Clean the inside of your microwave, oven, and fridge

✦ Clean out and wash your car. Our cars can often be overlooked as something that needs decluttering/cleaning.

✦ Digital clean:

•          Clean out your inbox

•          Organize your computer files

• ·        Delete old contacts from your phone

•          Unfollow any accounts that don’t inspire you on social media

✦ Quit an unhealthy habit (smoking, drinking, caffeine, biting nails, eating junk food, surrounding yourself with and radiating negativity, etc.). Some of these are obviously harder to do as these are lifestyle changes and take extra inner work and willpower, but they are so worth it in the long run, and why not get started now?

✦ Get to that pile of books you’ve been meaning to read

✦ Take an online course in something you’ve been wanting to learn

✦ Plan and start saving for a future vacation. I find travelling to be a very enriching experience.

✦ Create family rituals and traditions

✦ Rearrange your furniture

✦ Update your resume

✦ Do anything that you’ve been putting off or have been wanting to do and just “never had the time”. No more procrastinating. The time is now.