We've all seen the memes circulating about introverts' declaration that they've been preparing for self-quarantining their whole lives. They're pretty funny and I would say most definitely true. I am a self-proclaimed [outgoing] introvert whom upon hearing of a possible multi-week shut-in began dreaming of all the projects around the house that would be accomplished. Being married to a very non-introverted outgoing extrovert, I quickly saw how being a homebody doesn't necessarily come as second nature to all.
Learning New Music
With many hours in the day spent at home, this presents a great opportunity to learn that piece you've been putting off for a while. I've also started looking into new artists that have much of their music available on Musescore, which offered a 30-day free trial. Additionally, I've started picking up my guitar again (which my fingers do not appreciate) and it's comforting to have the house filled with music.
Organizing
As I mentioned above, I dream of having extra hours to organize. Throughout the year, I like to go through cabinets, closets, drawers, etc. that have become overloaded and disorganized. During our current stint at home, I've cleaned up the laundry room (and brought it back to its former glory shown here) and cleaned out all of our island drawers (containing flatware, cooking utensils, cooking tools, plastic containers, and the children's plastic dishes). We also made a drop-off at Goodwill (which was surprisingly still opened) of donation items crowding our guest room and downstairs TV room. Still left to complete include:
- My clothing drawers (I've accumulated about a million and a half t-shirts over the past few years of running in races)
- The children's dresser drawers (because they're both in a growth spurt and definitely will not be fitting into their current school uniforms when school resumes in the fall)
- The art cabinets (lesbihonest... I'll probably save this one for last)
- The game/puzzle cabinet
- The linen closet (I've done this fairly recently but feel it needs some tidying)
Two books that have really helped encourage me with organizing over the years are Emily's Ley's Simplified Life and Marie Kondo's Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.
Two sisters turned me on to this service a few weeks before schools and such closed their doors. It's a clothing rental service that offers different packages of clothing to borrow. Once you're done with the clothes (either after a day or after a month), simply place in the large envelope (shipping's already included!) and stick it in the mailbox. You do have the option of purchasing items you can't bear to send back. This has been a little luxury that it's been fun to look forwards to every week or so. New clothes (without having to leave the house) can definitely lift your spirits and keep you from falling into a "bla" mood.
Zoom Happy Hours
You've received your first Le Tote shipment, which encouraged you to actually style your hair! All dressed up with nowhere to go? Nonsense. Set up a free Zoom conference with a few friends and catch up over a glass of wine while safely remaining distanced. I thought this was going to be super lame the first time around, but it was actually really fun to catch up with a group while each of us enjoyed the beautiful weather. This will never take the place on live-action happy hours but is a great substitute while remaining socially responsible.
Book Club
As I mentioned in yesterday's post, there seems to be so much more time to actually read for pleasure these days. While reading in and of itself is entertaining, why not get a few friends together to read the same book then set a date to meet over video-conferencing to discuss it? Most people would love the chance to join a book club but don't generally have the time to get the reading completed. Use our extra time to set goals to complete books and make it extra fun by conversing with some pals upon the completion of each book.
Photo by Wendy van Zyl from Pexels
Bible Study
Another activity that I easily put off are Bible studies. I'll very ambitiously purchase one while attending a conference but (full disclosure) most likely not complete it on my own. When Chris and I were first married and many of my friends were having their first babies, I suggested a "book club" which focused on completing Bible studies and weekly meetings at each other's homes to discuss chapters over brunch. It was such a fun time and a great way to stay involved with friends. As we had more and more children, it became less and less simple to schedule times that worked for everyone. I've recently started talking about getting together the old group to complete a study together over the next 6 weeks. These studies will not only provide daily activities to complete but also added anticipation of weekly virtual gatherings.
I hope this list has provided you with additional means to stay entertained during this unprecedented time upon us. While I realize most of these items listed are introverted in nature, I do hope some of them provide means to engage with others through the vast means of technology that is accessible!
FTC: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. Links may be affiliate.
