How to Be Happy & Productive in Quarantine
I think it is safe to say that we are all feeling the effects of social distancing at this point. As an entrepreneur, I am focused on still getting sh*t done but also taking advantage of this forced slow down because let’s be honest, Matt and I typically run about 100 mph every day.
So if you’re out of things to watch and need to shake up your daily routine in this temporary new normal, we hope you find a little inspiration below! Enjoy!
1 Take a Shower
No, I am not saying you smell but I am saying that it’s time to stop doing the bare minimum each day and give yourself a little TLC/sense of normalcy. I found myself scrounging around our bathroom cabinets the other day and found an ENTIRE BAG of eucalyptus Epsom Salt so I etched some time out of my day to soak in a hot bath with a face mask on and spa music playing softly in the background.
Would I have done this sans quarantine? Absolutely not. I run two businesses and spearhead the marketing for others' businesses so a bath is not on my priority list. Did I enjoy it? You better believe it! In these uncertain times, it was so helpful to take some quiet time and just breathe.
2 Master a New Recipe
As we were preparing for quarantine, I dug out my cookbooks and found a couple of recipes that I wanted to try out. While we typically eat dinner at home, we’ve gotten into a routine of what we know we can cook quickly or prep for at the beginning of the week. Now? I have the time to master a couple of new healthy recipes that we can add to our go-to list and it has been both fun and relaxing. This is also a great activity to do as a couple of even a family! So whip out the cookbooks, place a grocery delivery order, and channel your inner Ina Garten.
Oh, and while you’re at it, clean out your fridge. You wouldn’t believe how many open bottles of BBQ sauce we had in ours!!
Links: Oh She Glows Cookbook; Dr. Libby Real Food Chef; Siete Jalapeno Margarita; Mediterranean Salad with Crispy Garbanzo Beans & Tzatziki
3 Creatively Connect
As an innate introvert, I find it easy and energizing to spend time alone but even I am missing grabbing coffee or cocktails with friends. I am so thankful to have a community that I have been able to virtually remain in contact with. As the rumors of gyms and fitness studios were spreading, the owners of CycleBar organized a way for members to rent the studio’s bikes and live stream classes! This has not only allowed me to see and spend time with those I was used to seeing every week, it has also kept me active (to balance out the increased snacking)! I was always thankful to be a member of this community but now I hold it even more dearly.
In need of a community to virtually connect with? So many fitness studios are live streaming their classes at a discounted cost so if you’ve been wanting to try barre or yoga, now is a great time! I took a Tai Chi class for the first time over the weekend and fell in love! If you’re looking for a community outside of fitness, search for a Facebook group related to something you love (hobby, interest, etc.) and join in the conversations! Everyone is looking for a connection right now so don’t be afraid to initiate it!
Links: CycleBar Naples (Virtual Classes); Honor Yoga (Virtual Classes);
4 Develop a New Habit
Prior to social distancing, I was in the midst of creating a more consistent workout routine. Thankfully, I have been able to continue thanks to CycleBar delivering one of their studio bikes to me! That got me thinking that now is a perfect time to develop a new habit because let’s be honest, we have the time! I chose two things that I have been saying “I need to get better about doing that!” (1) reading and (2) taking my vitamins. I have always been a huge proponent of personal development but I’ve never been good at taking a little time every day to read so now I’ve incorporated 20 minutes of reading into my morning routine and have loved how I feel from starting my day with a little motivation. This virus naturally jump started my desire to become more consistent in taking my vitamins but to help me even more, I took my vitamins out of the cabinet and put them on the counter so that I see them throughout the day. While I’ve still missed a time or two, I have definitely gotten more consistent and have already begun to feel more energized and healthy.
So what habits could you start to form? Juicing? Daily walks? Meditating? Whatever you choose, don’t overwhelm yourself and don’t beat yourself up when you a miss a time! Developing new habits is a process and often the journey is more beneficial than the habit itself!
5 Take a Personal Hour
I saw a Instagram Story from Julia of Lemon Stripes the other day and thought it was a brilliant way to ensure the quarantine is not negatively impacting your marriage or family relationships. Her suggestion? Each person has one hour a day to do something that makes them happy. Whether it’s cleaning out a junk drawer or going for a bike ride, I think it is imperative to have alone time ESPECIALLY if you’re not use to being around each other 24/7.
Now, don’t just take off without saying anything! Sit down with your significant other, talk about the importance of this idea, and create a plan so that everyone is on the same page and doesn’t feel like this is because they are driving you crazy (Even if they are!).
6 Play Games
Again, we’re busy so I can’t recall the last time we sat down and played a game together so we’ve been passing the time with a little poker or a round of Unstable Unicorns along with a glass of wine and some snacks and it has been such a special way to connect! Oh, and if you’re a puzzle lover, I found these AMAZING puzzles from Piecework Puzzles!
Links: TableTopics; Unstable Unicorns; Piecework Puzzles (Champagne Problems); Speak Out
7 Call Your Grandma
We’re all lonely and frightened but those part of the “vulnerable population” are even more so as they have been quarantined longer and more strictly than most of us. In the past it has always been easy to say “I’ll call tomorrow. Today is just so busy” and then weeks go by so take an hour or two out of your day and connect with family members that you haven’t reached out to in a while.
8 Organize. Organize. Organize.
Because, it’s nearly time for Spring Cleaning and what else do you have to do? Clean out that junk drawer, purge that closet, and organize your bathroom cabinets. An organize home will make you feel refreshed now and later so make a list and get to work!
9 Work on a Passion Project
Been toeing the line of starting a business? A blog? A podcast? Now is a great time to begin mapping out your vision and working on the top skills needed in order to get started and be successful. When we are starting a new business/idea, we list every single thing needed to launch and to grow it. For example, if you’re starting a blog, what is the title? What makes your blog unique or what niche are going for? How do I create a blog/website? What will I write about? Et cetera, et cetera…
Now don’t let this first step scare you! Once you have this giant list, organize it and break down the tasks by month, week, and day so you will always know exactly what you need to be working on at any given time saving yourself from being easily distracted or overwhelmed.
Once your road map is complete, research who are the experts at the skills you need to learn and then read their blog posts, listen to their podcast episodes, and follow them on social media. You will be surprised at how industry leaders will share their tips and tricks for free or for a very nominal fee.
Finally, find an accountability partner! Whether it’s your mom, your best friend, or your significant other, tell them what you’re doing so that they can hold you accountable! When you share your dreams with someone and know they will be checking in with you, you’re much more likely to stay on task!
Favorite Mentors: Brendon Burchard; Amy Porterfield; Jenna Kutcher
10 Rest
Because when else are you going to be able to consistently get 8 hours of sleep? Enjoy it!
So how are you choosing to pass the time? I would love to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly!
Cheers!
Megan