10 Fantastic Ideas When You Are Stuck At Home 

You may have longed for a break from your busy schedule.  Moreover, you pictured your ideal escape … sitting on a beach sipping a virgin colada at an all-inclusive hotel; screaming your lungs out at the Sand Castle Waterslide at Disney World or shopping till you dropped in New York City.

However, your current reality bears no resemblance to your dream.  You are stuck at home with nowhere to go … except the supermarket and the pharmacy.  This lock down has come upon you unexpectedly and from such an unlikely source … a pandemic!

Every day, you find yourself being pulled into an unending supply of virus news from Whatsapp videos; news updates; and social media news feeds.  Before you know it, another day has ended and you’re filled with more anxiety about the future than the day before.

Ladies, this pandemic will come and go and you are very likely to survive if you follow precautions and remain stuck at home.  So how can you pass this time well and make the best use of being stuck at home?

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV

“Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.” Viktor Frankl 
(Man’s Search For Meaning)

Here are 10 fantastic ideas when you are stuck at home:

1) Get some rest.

You don’t know when you’ll have another opportunity like this of being stuck at home. Take advantage of this slow period and get your much needed rest.  Experts recommend 7-8 hours sleep nightly. 

When your body gets sufficient rest, you are less susceptible to viruses.  I tried this out and for years, I did not contract any virus until I resorted to my former bad habits:(. But I’m trying again!

2) Create something … anything!

It’s in your human nature to create since you are made in the image and likeness of God, our Creator.  Take this time of being stuck at home to get in touch with your creative side. 

Here are some ideas to create:

• Try new recipes.
• Paint on a canvas, your walls, your nails, etc.
• Draw yourself, an object or scenery.
• Build a bookshelf. (I long to do this! Lol)
• Make homemade hand sanitizers, hair products, and cleaning supplies. 
• Crochet a hat.
• Knit a blanket.
• Design thank you cards.
• Write a song, poem or a book.
• Record a video.

Embark on a creative project.  If you have an idea and you don’t know how to get it done, I’m sure there is at least one YouTube tutorial to guide you. Creating can be very therapeutic and enjoyable!  The options are limitless!

3) Play.

When was the last time you spent time playing a game?  If you have housemates or you live with relatives, start a family-friendly game competition using a variety of games.  

For those of you who live alone, you don’t have to be left out of the fun.  Get out your crossword puzzles, sudoku, fill-in puzzles and compete with yourself.  If you don’t have any, you can search online.

You can even build or rebuild a puzzle.  Also, in our tech savvy world, you can play online games with your friends who live elsewhere.

4) Refresh your soul.

During these days, you can spend unhurried time with God.  

Some suggestions:

• Sing songs to your heart’s content.
• Dance like nobody’s watching.
• Memorize scripture by singing or acting them out. (Get your free “How to Memorize an Entire Book of the Bible” guide.)  
• Meditate on a verse until it sinks deep down into your soul.
• Listen to the stories of the Bible (check out a dramatized version).
• Journal to God sharing all the emotions that you’re experiencing.
• Read and ask the Holy Spirit to bring light to the scripture passages.
• Choose a portion of scripture and go deeper into it by studying it in more detail.
• Pray for others and yourself.
• Make a record of at least three things for which you’re grateful daily.
• Take a walk in nature and praise God for His handiwork.
• Spend time reflecting about your life.
  

Related articles:

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Doing This Changed My Life

5) Connect with others.

You may not be able to hangout with your friends at the moment, but you can connect with them via calls and messages.  Also, if you live with others like your family members or housemates, make it a point to share (at least) one meal every day. 

Moreover, this is a good time to build friendships with your neighbors.  It has become quite common that our neighbors are practically strangers to us.  But disasters have a way of bringing people together. Reach out to them. You never know … a great friendship might blossom out of this time.

If you live alone, try to connect with someone every day. Isolation is generally not healthy since we are made for relationships with God and with others. On the other hand, if you know someone who lives alone, make a special effort to contact them regularly.

6) Be active.

This is not the time to become a “couch potato” by being tuned into every virus update or binging on movies or series.  Instead, put on your exercise shoes (or dancing shoes) and shake that body.  After this pandemic, not only will you feel good, but you’ll be looking healthier too!

7) Learn something new.

Sit and think about who you would like to become within the next five years.  If you’re lacking any skill or knowledge that poses a barrier, get cracking during this time.  Fill that gap and build your capacity!

Furthermore, is there a skill that you’ve always wanted to develop?  What about systematically learning a diverse body of knowledge to become a better conservationist?  Have people taken advantage of you because you were ignorant in an area (like your car)?  Do you need to have another income source?

Other skills to acquire:

• Learn a language.
• Start a garden.
• Understand investments.
• Develop as a public speaker.
• Start a podcast.
• Learn to change a tire and understand your vehicle better.
• Master a particular software program in your field.
• Gain knowledge in a variety of areas – flowers, animals, cars, yachts …the sky’s the limit!
• Learn how to run a business online.

8) Clean, declutter and organize.

Now, you have the time to tackle that “hide-everything” cupboard; the extra bedroom; your bookshelf, etc.  Sort, give away, throw away and organize every cupboard and room in your house.  A home feels so much better when it is clean, orderly and not overcrowded.

9) Be entertained and laugh daily.

Take time to relax and enjoy a good movie or series, but not for the entire day regardless of how tempting that might be.  As such, it would be wise to select movies that will uplift you and not make you fall.  

Additionally, in these somber times, you need to laugh.  Who are those people in your life that make you smile or laugh?  Make time to call a friend or relative who has a positive attitude and/or an incredible sense of humor.  

Watch your favorite YouTuber or rewatch movies that make you laugh until you cry.  Did you know that laughter boosts the immune system and helps to reduce stress?

“All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.” Proverbs 15:15 ESV

10) Be a blessing to others.

Be on the lookout for opportunities to serve others.  I see a popular craft blogger asking her followers to make face masks to donate to a hospital that lacks masks.  That’s a great initiative and this pandemic will give rise to many opportunities to share the love of Jesus in word and in deed.

Also, ask God to give you opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.  No other message has the power to transform lives and give hope than the good news of Jesus Christ.

Related article:

7 Great Opportunities from This Pandemic 

Summary

Although you are now working from home and you have more free time, you are confined to the four corners of your home.  With no cinema, theme park, restaurant or theatre to help pass your time, the aforementioned ideas will help you to have a great time when you are stuck at home.

What have you been doing during this time being stuck at home?  What other ideas can you add? I’d love to hear from you so please give your comments.

I invite you to subscribe to Petals Bloom.  By subscribing, you will receive my weekly email tips to help you as you follow Jesus, along with your free “How to Memorize an Entire Book of the Bible” guide.  

I know that this time might be a struggle for you.  Therefore, feel free to email me at any time. I’ll be glad to offer a listening ear and prayer.  Thanks for stopping by!

 #madeforlove

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With love,

Kimberly Garth

Recommended books:

“Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl

“Rhythms of Renewal: Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose” by Rebekah Lyons

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