Self-imposed partial quarantine is nothing new to me

10 things you can do to combat the blues, stress, or boredom when you are stuck at home

So as I write this I am just chilling at my home partially due to the virus pandemic because of having a “chemo-lite” treatment yesterday which makes my immune system lower so as much as I hate it, that makes me slightly more at risk so I am being extra careful. I often keep to myself though like this as much as possible especially after a preventative cancer treatment so it’s nothing new to me, but I know it’s new to a lot of people. Plus I don’t feel great for a few days after the treatment as it makes me achy. So here I am in partial self-imposed lockdown. My kids are with their Dad. I often take the weekends I am off from parenting to rest and reflect anyway, but now lots of people are doing it.

I know it sucks but I think as far as limiting the spread of this pandemic it’s probably best. Here are 10 things I do when I decide to stay home to relieve stress and feel better, especially if I am wanting to avoid the dreaded news feeds. Of course it’s different when the kids are here but maybe I’ll make another list then.

1. Clean the house and or work in yard

Yes I’ve been cleaning a lot as energy allows plus it’s a good thing to do. Wash sheets and towels, wipe off all surfaces. Work outside too. I learned yesterday I had a Vitamin D deficiency so I guess I need to go outside more too. We probably all do with all the rain and now being stuck inside potentially for awhile. So go outside! Soon it will be warm enough to plant a garden too plants can be delivered too, I highly recommend that as well. Also it’s a good time to clean out closets and organize the home too.

2. Organize desk

As a writer and since I work from home I like to clean my desk off from time to time. I did that today trying to prepare for next week when we start home schooling basically since school starts “virtually” on Monday so I wanted to have my space clear just because it clears my head too. Plus many people may be working from home that can, so do make sure you have some sort of dedicated workspace if you can.

3. Make some art

I like to create stuff, sometimes I just doodle but sometimes I make jewelry. Clay is fun and or painting too.

4. Watch a show or movie

That’s an easy one. I don’t have cable but I have a smart TV with lots of channels. Currently I am actually watching Dazed and Confused again as I write this because.. nostalgia.

5. Go for a walk

I’ve seen a lot of people out walking today as I did have to make one stop at the CVS drive through to get some medications, but it was nice to see kids out in their yards for a change.

6. Listen to music or make your own

This is a big one for me. If you know me you know I’m always listening to and posting music online. I can’t help it, it’s almost an obsession. Or maybe I’ll take up playing the piano again. I have my grandmother’s piano here.

7. Call friends, family and/or check on a neighbor

In these trying times, sometimes it doesn’t feel so good to be alone so don’t forget you can always call a friend or family member or check on a neighbor, make sure everyone is ok. Make someone laugh.

8. Take a nap or listen to meditations

I’m a huge fan of weekend naps to be honest but that’s just me. I don’t always want to watch tv or be online so I will often rest on weekends, and if I don’t sleep I like to listen to guided meditations on YouTube to rest and relax my body/mind/spirit and it helps me feel better. It’s a stressful time and as we all know stress lowers the immune system.

9. Play games

I like to play Words with Friends because I figure it stimulates the brain and I find it distracts me from my own thoughts. There are lots of online games.

10. Start a group chat

Sometimes it’s fun to talk to a group of friends online if you aren’t avoiding the online world, it’s like being in a room full of people without being in a room full of people and conversations can be amusing and or helpful.

So those are 10 things you could do while stuck at home. I might make another one when my kids are back, but this is all I have for now. We will get through this. Be well.