11 Things To Do When You're Stuck At Home

Not gonna lie, I absolutely know that I'm not being original writing this post but I thought I'd share my own ten things that I'd be doing if I was in total self-isolation anyway. I hope you don't mind. I thought I'd title it "stuck at home" too in the hopes that one day in the future when this is all over, someone may come across this when they are stuck at home for whatever reason and needed some ideas on what to get up to. Some of these will be obvious, but I hope I'm thinking of something different that you could do whilst spending more time at home than you may have expected to.

1. Finally, get round to sorting out that wardrobe!
   I cannot tell you how many times I've put this on my list and never got round to completing it. Sorting the wardrobe is such a big job for me but with a good chunk of time, this is something that can easily be done in a day (dependent on your wardrobe size ofc). On one of my self-isolation days, I'm definitely getting round to sorting my wardrobe out and Marie Kondo-ing the hell out of it.
2. Organise and clear out your computer files.
   It's only a matter of time before you begin to forget what's on your laptop and things get a little messy. Having some free time is a great opportunity to clear out your files, organise them properly and make your PC lovely again. I've done this a couple of times and it's like using the KonMari method on your computer. Not only do you feel more organised but sometimes it helps your computer run a little better. Actually, while you're there you could run a few diagnostic tests and see if there's any computer health clean-ups you could do while you're at it.
3. Make some art.
   This might be an obvious one but if you're a creative soul, this is the perfect time to get creative. I have already started drawing during some of my free time and tried out some new creative styles too. I'm really keen to get the sketchbook out again and after seeing Leah from Devoted To Pink creating, I've been inspired to get some canvases and make some big paintings myself!
4. Get creative with your workout routine.
   With gyms closed worldwide, it forces gym-goers to get creative with their workouts. My John is one of those people and we decided to do a couple's workout for the first time the other day. We used water bottles, a 16kg kettlebell and a 25kg sack of potatoes as weights for our workout. I really enjoyed it and it did the job for what John needed for his workout considering he's used to quite large weights. I usually do the Ring Fit Adventure on the Switch or Just Dance 2020 too but it's nice to do something different every now and then.
5. Read. That. Book!
   Whether you're a reader or not, read something. I've got to get through my list of books that I have for this year. I have 12 books I need to read this year and I'm still only on book two. With all this time, I've now got time to put aside or dedicate to reading. Read that book, you've got the time to!
6. Watch the series everyone keeps telling you to watch on Netflix.
   There's always a series you've been meaning to watch but haven't started or got round to watching. For me its Stranger Things and American Horror Stories. I really want to but they're not my usual thing so I haven't been tempted to start. I've also recently added Black Mirror and How To Get Away With Murder on my list. As you can see, the ones I've been recommended are all a little on the thriller/drama side which isn't my thing but I do enjoy some thriller/dramas. I've run out of things to watch at the mo so I think I'll be onto some of these next!
7. Engage on Instagram.
   Over the last few days, I've got used to engaging a little more on Instagram using that extra time I have and I'm loving it. I'm learning more about how to be a more active person on Instagram and I've gained more followers from it. Take some time to engage a little more than you normally would on Instagram and see where it takes you. I've learnt that I do really enjoy being on Instagram from engaging more and you might too.
8. Get that to-do list done.
   Everyone has that to-do list that never gets done. Well, this is a perfect time to tackle it. Whether it's a list of household jobs, a work to-do list or a blogging to-do list: get it done! I'm currently working on my blogging to-do list and I've got a good few blog posts scheduled because I've had time to take the photos, edit and write them.
9. Make a start on a project/blog/idea.If there's something that you need or want to get done, get motivated to start that project. I think it's easy to fall into a trap of having an idea and wondering when you're going to get it done but if you have a big chunk of time that you could be using to get it started, maybe stop watching that Netflix series and get to it! For me, I want to finally upcycle the dining room table and chairs. It's been something I want to do for a while now and I have all I need to do it so I just need to make a start on it. 
10. Meditate.
    It's a really hard time for a lot of people right now. I know so many people who feel "cooped" up in their own homes and are struggling with their mental health because of the worries around the Coronavirus. It's really hard to be told you can't go somewhere or do normal things and that your usual way of life isn't possible right now so it's important for us to do what we can to keep our mental wellbeing healthy. I recently downloaded Headspace which has done wonders for my sleep. I love listening to nature like waves and wind when I sleep and I like listening to the sound of someone's voice too. I also want to start using some of their other features and meditate every now and then, especially with everything that's going on at the moment. Meditation is a powerful tool and something I feel more people should practise.
11. Sleep or nap.
    Sometimes, the best thing for our wellbeing is to sleep. Catch up on that sleep you might not have had if you were working, or because you were working. The Spanish take siestas, why not join them and have yourself one each afternoon too? Sleep can be all we need sometimes, so maybe enjoy a little more of it.

If you didn't know, I'm a teacher full time and so I'm currently going to work every day and can't self-isolate completely. If I could, I'd be all over my list of things to do as they're things that I really would like to get on with if I was self-isolating properly.

If you are in a position to self-isolate, please, please, please do. It's so unbelievably important that you stay at home so that we're able to survive this pandemic and keep as many people safe from the virus as possible. It saddens me to see so many people ignore advice and I hope that some of those people will realise the severity of this virus and start to take things seriously.

Whatever you're doing and wherever you are in the world, stay safe and remember that your self-isolation is the absolute best thing you could be doing for everyone right now!