40 Things to Do: Staying Productive & Content at Home
Day 1 working from home (check). Finding new ways of working, adjusting to an at-home routine, and trying to be as flexible as possible with all of the constant changes around us (check). The past few weeks (or even months) have taught us all that the “rainy day” people talk about can truly show up in the most unexpected ways and times. The news cycles are constantly circulating updates about COVID-19, and with that, new rules and regulations are being put in place by state and federal officials to mandate many citizens to start working from home for the time being. Since things like “social distancing” and “self-quarantine” have quickly become part of our lexicon, I thought it would be a good idea to pull together some ideas to help you plan things to do in your new-found free time alone or in small groups in the days to come.
One thing I heard that really struck a chord with me was around setting a routine and making time controls for yourself. The thought was that, although many of us are working from home, we should still get up at the same time, work out, make breakfast, get dressed (or whatever your morning routine normally consists of). On top of that, set more of a schedule for yourself, particularly on the weekends, to help feel a greater sense of control over the 24 hours in your day. Set a phone call to a friend at noon, make brunch at 1pm, read a book at 4pm and so on. I thought this was great inspiration, and I hope it helps you too!
Here are several ideas you can use to fill in your schedule after work and on the weekends while we’re all spending a little more time at home and around the ones we love.
if you’re a Party of 1
Let’s start with the obvious: self-care! Use all of these extra minutes to do whatever it is that makes YOU feel good.
Revisit your New Year’s resolutions. See what you’ve already accomplished and what you can start working on with this extra time.
Have a little Spring Cleaning party. Set time for yourself, crank up your favorite tunes, even set aside one of your favorite snacks. Once you’ve cleaned out your closet, set those items aside to donate once you’re able to do so.
Pull out those kits, puzzles, and new gadgets you received over the holidays and give them a go! I received a bath bomb making kit that I’ll finally have the time to put together.
Learn to shake up a new cocktail with ingredients in your kitchen.
Take a night after work to do your taxes (instead of heading out to dinner with your friends). If you have extra time, even consider starting a financial planning app or budget tracker to set yourself up well for the rest of 2020.
Plan a trip. Yes, you heard me! Although traveling isn’t encouraged right now, it doesn’t mean you can’t start researching and planning the itinerary of your dreams. You’ll be all set by the time travel restrictions start to clear up.
Start collecting podcast recommendations from your friends, and pick some options to help you learn something new.
Spend some time relaxing and taking in an e-book or regular book. If you like to read but feel like you don’t normally have time, set aside some time for yourself on the weekend to dig back into a good book.
Start a movie series. Spread the episodes out over a Saturday and Sunday. This gives you something to look forward to over the weekend.
Now is a great time to subscribe or try out Lynda.com or that Masterclass you’ve been wanting to do.
Opt for a volunteer hour over the weekend. While you should be cautious and follow government rules and regulations, there are some organizations looking for volunteers to work in small groups to help others out during this unprecedented time.
Offer to help out someone in your building or a neighbor. You could potentially dog walk for the elderly or do virtual tutoring.
Do a small personal accomplishment each day. This could be as simple as cleaning your makeup brushes, dusting, or tackling that sock drawer.
Make a gratitude list.
Work out. You knew this one was coming! It’s a basic activity that you should definitely find ways to keep doing in your house/apartment to keep your energy up. There are an abundance of apps and videos online to help make this possible.
Set FaceTime calls with friends and family. Remember the tip about “time controls,” and make these scheduled times in your evenings or weekends.
Do an old school 3-way call with your friends, or even a Google Hangout. Plan to read the same book or watch a movie throughout the week and then talk about it with each other the next day on your planned call. You can even try a virtual Sunday brunch via FaceTime together and see what you all cooked up!
Write a letter. Spend some time reconnecting with those you love the old fashioned way.
Plan a party. And save your plans for when the time comes for all of us to get back together!
if you’re a Party of 2+
It’s really helpful to do things with a crew of 2+ that helps foster a sense of accomplishment in the group. As you think about things to do with those you’re with, find ways to collaborate or work together to create something. The first part of this list is dedicated to these type of things.
Date sticks. This is a classic, but fun one! Take an hour with good music and snacks, and brainstorm fun day or night dates with your partner or friends
Deep cleaning. Tackle sections of your house throughout the week or on the weekend. Since you’ll have to spend more time in your house, it will feel really great to have a clean space.
Make dinner together. It’s simple, but creating a meal together definitely creates a sense of accomplishment.
DIY together. Go ahead, build that cabinet or shelf that’s been sitting in your closet or garage.
Plan a trip together. Split up different days of your proposed itinerary and have each person plan a day. Come together after an hour, and share your ideas with your partner or roommates! When it’s safe to travel, press go on your itinerary.
Think about a shared goal. Sit down together and make a savings plan for that goal.
Feng Shui your place! Map out a new design & work together to move furniture around and create a new, refreshed look for your space.
Do a work out class together. Switch it up though, and try one you don’t normally do like Zumba or Kick Boxing.
Set up a wine & canvas night at home.
Take turns making up new rules to your favorite card games.
Plan a tourist day in your own city. Do research and learn about new spots in your hometown. Once the time is right, you can head out to see everything in person.
Pull out the old board games and set aside specific time to have a game night. Make it special by cooking up some fun treats to have while playing!
Collaborate on a menu for the week. Take a look at the groceries you have, and challenge each other to come up with creative dishes. This will help make mealtime more exciting, since you’ll likely be eating at home more often.
Take a fun personality test. Talk about your results over dinner, and use this time to learn more about each other.
Start watching a new miniseries together.
Pick a fun theme (early 90s, 2000s hip-hop, or even pop songs of 2010) & make a new playlist to jam out to on the weekend.
Goal setting. Have a sit-down session together and talk about your goals for the remainder of the year and how you can help hold each other accountable.
Watch a documentary together.
Have a grooming day for your furry friends. Show your pet some love with special bath time, brushing, and top it off with some treats.
Surprise the people you live with. Bake cookies or make something homemade that they weren’t expecting!
Let me know how you’re planning for your days at home and weekend!