By Sofia Lockhart
It’s impossible to escape the news of how vastly coronavirus, or COVID19, has taken hold on the world. Everyday life has been turned on its head as people are directed to stay clear of one another in social settings and self-isolate for a minimum of two weeks if there is a chance they could be carrying the disease. Such drastic measures will likely strike fear into the minds of many, but there is a silver lining here – just think how much you’ll be able to get done in those two weeks.
You’ll finally have time to deep-clean the house
It’s easy to let cleaning become one of those jobs you struggle to get around to, but in this time of schedule-clearing social isolation and growing concerns around germs, few things could be more productive or just simply, necessary. You might start with your regular cleaning routine to get your home looking tidy (even though you aren’t having visitors), and then go a little deeper and do the things you don’t often get around to, like scrubbing the grout from the tiles or dusting the ceiling fans. That way, when your time in solitude is up, you’ll be proud to invite your friends and family around for a gathering in your spotless abode.
The garden needs some love
As activities go, gardening tends to be the domain of those with plenty of free time, and fortunately for plants and lawns everywhere, that qualifier now includes many more of us. You may not have devoted much energy to keeping your grass looking green or your plants perky over the past few months, but if you’re a regular backyard user, you may find yourself facing problems with packed down soil or patchy, brown grass. Whatever your green-thumb grievance, chances are there’s a fairly simple fix for your lawn, and although you might struggle to enlist professional help over the next few weeks, it’s a great time to read up on the plants in your garden and how best to care for them.
It’s a great time for feng shui
You could be forgiven for feeling a little tense over the constant stream of news updates about panic buying and the spread of the virus, but the good news is that small things can make some other things that little bit easier. You may have heard of feng shui, the practice centered around harmonizing the energies in your home, but its ancient theories have been endorsed by so many that it must be worth a try. Based on a handful of basic, sensible principles, like decluttering the entry to your home and incorporating curves into your backyard to imitate the flow of nature, this ancient art is a perfectly simple way to create a sense of calm in your immediate environment and promote overall well being.
There’s no excuse not to start that book…
The world is full of brilliant, entertaining, and insightful literature waiting to be consumed; the trouble is that most people are so slammed with work and social obligations that they never quite get around to it. Now is the perfect time to start that chapter (or any other life-admin task you might have been putting off) because you’re far less likely than usual to have other competing tasks occupying space in your mind.
…or finish the TV series you’ve been watching
It’s no secret that Netflix has become a favorite hang out for just about anyone with an internet connection and a stubborn to-do list. The only difference is that for the next two weeks, and maybe even longer, procrastination will be deemed totally acceptable as an effective coping mechanism. Besides, as long as you’re watching your favorite movie on Netflix, you can’t be soaking up too many of the bad news stories coming out of the TV.
Spa days are just as great at home
Anyone who has been for a day at the spa knows that there’s nothing quite like the bliss that comes from nourishing your physical body. Even if you aren’t usually interested in the modern art of self-care, you might be surprised at just how much better you feel after treating yourself to some relaxation time. Spa days have no gender, so there’s no reason not to show yourself some love – brush and floss your teeth, clean your face, and chuck some cucumber slices over your eyelids. Before you know it, you’ll be feeling brand new.
Suffering FOMO? Make your own celebration
Festivals and parties may not be on the menu right now, but if you’re fortunate enough to have maintained good health over the past several weeks, a celebration is in order. All you need is a playlist of your favorite tunes and something delicious to drink, and you’re ready to party. Dance around your kitchen, blow up some balloons or whip out a few party games from the recesses of your cupboard, and your troubles will seem miles away in no time.
The notion of an infectious illness spreading is enough to worry anyone, and it can be tempting to dwell in despair, but you’ll find that the time passes more easily if you find ways to occupy your mind and be positive about what’s just around the corner. As is always the case during such dire situations, the most important thing you can do is to be kind to yourself and others.
About the Author
Sofia is a passionate writer from Sydney. She also enjoys decorating houses and engaging in home renovation projects. That is why she loves sharing her experience and advice with other people through her writing. Besides this, she loves technology and gadgets which can help us get through a busy workday. You can find her on Twitter.
