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For many of you, I’m sure this week has been a lot. So many things are changing around us (unless you’re one of those in Florida who have been planning a trip for weeks and still went… if you get it, you get it). If you haven’t read last week’s post, check it out here and come back. But I know all these changes have probably affected each one of you personally & differently.

That’s okay.

If you’re reading this from California, then you know about the shelter in place mandate that was put in place two days ago by Governor Newsom. Ultimately, this means that you should avoid unnecessary public interaction whenever possible and maintain 6 feet of social distance when around others.

Unfortunately, life still has to go on around all this chaos and teachers still need to teach, students to learn, parents to be parents… You know how it is. But if people feel they’re stuck in their homes and can’t go anywhere, what else is there to do?

Well, it just so happens that I’ve decided to compile a small list for you, because well… I’m stuck too and I figured, why not. So, check this out.

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For fun:

Read a book. If you’re anything like me, there are a lot of unread books sitting on a shelf or a desk somewhere. Why not set aside some time every day to get through some of those?

Do a face mask (the other kind). Now is the perfect time for a little self-care. If you don’t like face masks, give yourself a massage, do your nails, try out new hairstyles or makeup, try on some outfits you haven’t seen in a while… Do whatever works for you, but have a little fun with it.

Catch up on sleep. Need I say more? Just don’t sleep too much either.

Paint/draw. Even if you’re no good, maybe you’ve been wanting to try out a little creativity. Not into this form of art? Try some baking, music, knitting, pillow fort making… You get the idea. Think outside the box.

Check out a new video game, the newest Animal Crossing just came out. Got an old DS or Wii or PS3/4? Maybe see if the old tricks still work, bring a little nostalgia into the mix while you’re at it.

Marathon movies. Harry Potter anyone? Some services and channels are streaming for free or very discounted rates and some new movies are also being released for at home watching now too, try it out. Here are some options.

For social:

Again, marathon movies or shows, streaming services seem to be a must right now. 

Card games (6 feet apart). As long as you keep a solid social distance and keep your hands away from your face, why not play some card games while you’re at it? And if you’re not into cards, try a puzzle.

Skype/FaceTime friends and loved ones. I’ve got a date with my old soccer team tomorrow night and lucky for us, online video chatting makes that possible. Just because we have social distancing going on doesn’t mean we can’t virtually see our family and friends. Check in with the people you love.

Video games. If you challenge me to a game of Smash, I almost guarantee you’ll win.

Social media. If you’ve been on the outs with Twitter or tik tok lately, now is your chance to catch up. 

For productivity:

Start that novel you’ve been thinking about. I know I have some serious work to put in and now almost no excuses not to.

Taxes. Yeah, those still need to get done, BUT they’re now due on the 15th of July. That being said, why not start chipping away at it if you haven’t already.

Gardening. Need a little positive energy? Cultivating the growth of plants and just using your hands might help keep your spirits up and yard looking gorgeous, so try it out.

Clean your room or house. If you’re stuck inside, might as well make it look nice. Spring cleaning anyone?

Learn something new through LinkedIn learning and plenty other sites like these. Teach yourself a foreign language, coding, anything really. I’ve been trying to learn more about SEO or business tactics and so many other random things; now is a pretty good time do a little learning for fun.

For exercise:

Try out some new yoga routines. Now I’m no yoga gal but I might give it a shot anyway. My flexibility could use some work.

Run up and down your stairs (if you’ve got some), just don’t slip and maybe don’t do it with socks on.

Pinterest has plenty of at home workouts that might require weights or just your own body. In my case, living with my brother means that he has plenty of ideas on ways to make me exercise these days. I’ll be in great shape after this, so I say now.

Go on a hike or a walk around the block at least once a day, after all, the outdoors is not off limits. A little sunshine and vitamin D are actually quite good for you, so don’t forget to get out of the house a little bit.

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Now that I’ve covered some of the things you can do for yourself, what about others in need?

For others:

More than anything else, please don’t go out and wander around in public or touch a bunch of things with a lot of people around… Now isn’t the time for you or anyone else to be doing that. In order for this mandate to keep people safe, everyone needs to be on the same page.

Foster an animal. There are a lot of shelters that now have very few volunteers or workers around to help care for the pets within. If you’re willing and financially/physically/mentally able, consider fostering a pet just for a little while. It could bring a little color into this whole situation and it would definitely benefit the pet too. And a side note, animals are safe to be around if you’re worried. Here’s more info on that with pets.

Don’t take what you don’t need. Again, there’s still a lot of toilet paper and water and many basic things missing from shelves. I get it to a certain point; you want to be able to stock up for what you need. But there is a difference between needs and excess… don’t overdo it, as someone else might genuinely need what you take too.

Be kind. Try to be nice to those around you as no one is winning in this situation. Everyone is affected by this in some way whether they’re a nurse, a grocery store worker, a single mom, a student… So much is happening, be kind to yourself and others while it does.

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I understand that a lot of people feel like they’re off kilter and scrambling a bit right now, me too. As of now, Cal Poly has gone online for the entirety of Spring quarter, many students are now home for this and the subsequent summer, goodbyes didn’t happen as this has been our finals week for winter quarter, and graduation is postponed. For now, I’m missing some closure on the last 4 years of my life but I’m making the best of whatever happens with job applications, missing friends, and changing circumstances. We all are.

While you all go about whatever your daily lives look like now, remember to take care of yourselves. Maybe the kids are home and you weren’t ready for it, or you’re working from home and dinner isn’t quite the way it used to be… You’re doing your best to adjust but drink water, sleep enough, and spend some time connecting to people you care about while you’re at it. 

Isolation can be an issue in the long run, so take care to balance things out where you need to. If you need more ways to manage your stress or anxiety, because I know I do, here’s a resource for you too.

As the fourth Tuesday of the month, I’ll see you all next week for a Book Worms post (maybe I’ll share some bonus sites you can get some free books from) and in the meantime, I’m sending good thoughts to each of you.

If you need more ideas of what to do, check out this site and maybe you’ll find something fun. Happy Friday everyone, until next week.