50 Ways to Spend Your Time While Social Distancing

In the wake of COVID-19, we are faced with what can either be viewed as restriction or as freedom.  Yes, we are being asked to socially distance ourselves to help limit the spread of the virus; and that may seem like a request to isolate. But we are also being given this beautiful gift of time with family and time to perhaps engage socially in a way that can indeed strengthen relationships.

So, I’ve compiled a list of 50 things you can do to help continue to cultivate health, harmony and happiness during this time of uncertainty. Of course this is not all-inclusive, but perhaps it will get you thinking creatively and give you permission to nurture yourself and others during this time that we are being asked by not only government, but also by God and the universe to care for ourselves and our loved ones.

This could be an incredible time to build each other up rather than spread fear and animosity.  From what we’ve seen in other parts of the world, this is not just a gentle nudge from God to do something, but a big giant PUSH to leap into a little different way of living.

I’ve created a handy print-out for you to hang on your fridge (that one that is mentioned below) and refer back to as needed.  More detail below on some of the ideas.  Enjoy!

1. BREATHE – notice your breath and meditate on it; practice various breathing techniques to calm nervous energy (Inhale 2:Exhale 2, I2:E4, I3:E6, I4:E4, I4:E8, I2:Pause2:E2, or I2:P2:E4) Experiment with it, a longer exhale will help you relax more.
2. Read – Catch up on what you been wanting to read, but have been putting off
3. Finish household projects you’ve started
4. Create your kids’ photo books that you’ve been meaning to get to
   
5. PRAY — Ask God to protect our communities, friends and family members. Ask that our leadership receives guidance and that our medical community receives the support it needs. Ask that the researchers receive the wisdom they need to create a vaccine or treatment to help contain this virus.
   
6. Do crafts – by yourself or with your kids!
7. Do your Spring Cleaning – wash windows, bedding, floors
8. Move more – Go for a walk, even if it’s around your back yard
9. Color. Draw. Paint. Knit.
   
10. PRACTICE YOGA – Use this time of uncertainty to discover more about yourself and calm anxiety
11. Watch a movie – A Harry Potter marathon could be in order!
12. Learn something new – a new language, a musical instrument, yoga…
13. Declutter – Start in 1 room & work your way through the house. Ask yourself why each item in the room is important for you to have.  If it’s not, then put in a donate or sell pile.  Clearing the clutter helps your mental clarity as well.
14. Practice Adamantine® Yoga in our virtual GSP
15. REST— your body needs sleep and rest to fight off illness and to stay healthy, use this time as the God’s way of giving you the opportunity to rest
16. Catch up on some podcasts
17. Look at past photo books/scrapbooks
18. Make a tent with blankets and pillows
19. READ TO A CHILD – your own or to grandkids, nieces, or nephews via Skype or Facetime; Being read a story is something that is enjoyable at any age, and with schools being out of session, reading is an easy way to help kids continue to learn
20. Skype/Zoom/Facetime with family members
21. Play games
22. Have a paper airplane contest
23. Paint something — a picture, a wall, your house
    
24. Do a puzzle
25. TEACH YOUR CHILDREN – make learning fun with simple science experiments, flashcard games, and real-life experiences
26. Clean out your inbox(es)
27. Paint your nails
28. Give yourself a facial
29. Take a bath
30. CONSUME NUTRITIOUS FOODS – Avoid treating this time as a vacation or holiday by consuming sweets or unhealthy junk food. Your body will be better able to fight off illness if it is being nourished with nutrient-dense foods.
31. Clean out your closet
32. Clean out your car
33. Call a friend from college
    
34. Write/Journal about this experience
35. WATCH THE SUNRISE – starting your day with the sun is inspiring
36. Play with sidewalk chalk
37. Clean out your refrigerator…clean behind your refrigerator
38. Have a balloon contest – see how long you can keep a balloon in the air
39. Teach your kids to bake or cook
40. WATCH THE SUNSET – equally rewarding to watch the day end
    
41. Jump on a trampoline
42. Do your mending
43. Blow bubbles
44. Direct and produce a play with your children – act out a story, find costumes throughout the house and perform for other family members
45. LISTEN TO MUSIC & DANCE – Turn on your favorite station or playlist or pull out your old mix CD’s or tapes and start moving. Dancing is a great stress reliever.
46. Play dress-up – imaginative play is easy for kids, but often challenging for adults…remember your childhoodJ
47. Practice new hair-do’s
48. Explore nature – climb a tree, go on a hike, look under rocks, walk in the tall grass
49. Have a tea party
50. SIT – Be still, watch nature, and listen for God

Schedule your FREE WEEK of class at Cairn Yoga & Wellness Studio to experience Adamantine® Yoga in Knoxville, Iowa.