GAB Studio

Boredom has struck at a whole new level. What are we supposed to do in the comfort of our own homes? It sounds so backwards to be bored in the presence of so much stuff, but we still find ways to be bored and wishing for something fun to come along. Normally I would run to the store and look for a new shirt or call one of my friends and have a movie night, both of which simply aren’t a reasonable activity in this time of quarantine and isolation. I have found a few things that capture my attention for at least a few hours before I move along to something else. Here are some ideas for you to go off of as well:

1. Clean your house! I am a big fan of cleaning and organizing while getting rid of stuff that just makes clutter in your living space. For most people now, your home is your workplace as well and a clean area bodes for a more productive environment. Get rid of garbage that you never use, make a pile of clothes and other knick-knacks in good condition to take to a shelter or to a donation store such as Goodwill, go through the pantry and get rid of expired food that is taking up space, actually clean bathrooms and floors and all other surfaces, and light yourself a candle or so in your newly cleaned space! (If you have kids, I know this one can seem far fetched, but find a corner they can’t mess up and do it for yourself!)
2. Go for a walk. I myself am guilty of living a lot of my life inside and on the computer. I do go on walks and runs often but it is to get exercise in and I always have music and my phone with me to keep company. This week, I have gone on long walks to get out of the house and left my phone at home (gasp!) and it has made me cherish the small things in my little hometown that I loved as a kid. The walk around the pond with newly built bridges, the hum of birds on the warm spring days, and the abundance of neighbors and dogs I haven’t seen or talked to in so long (from a social distance, of course). It gives me genuine peace of mind to not have any distractions and just be with myself and the outdoors, which I often forget to take advantage of.
3. Do some crafts. I’m a big craft girl so I don’t have a problem coming up with crafts to do, but there are also so many DIY crafts and projects you can do with basic utensils that are around anyones house if you don’t want to or can’t go out and buy art supplies. Personally, I love a good trip to Michael’s and spending way too much money on art supplies for many activities I end up forgetting to do! Currently, my go to projects are crocheting and making polymer clay earrings. I enjoy both of these activities and find they can really help pass the time. I am working on a pink and white chevron crocheted blanket that I have finished more of in the last 3 days than I did in the last 6 months. Many different templates and tutorials can be found on Pinterest or Youtube, which is what I always use! Polymer clay earrings can be even more fun because you can really let your artistic and creative side shine. There is no right or wrong way to create them (to cook them there is a wrong way but not to design them) and you can really customize them to what you enjoy. Look up some fun crafts!
4. FaceTime friends and family. I have found this to be the best way to keep up with my friends and family who I can’t see on a regular basis anymore. FaceTime allows me to see their faces and hear their voices and it makes me so happy to be able to check up on people. With a new baby in the family, it is especially special to be able to see her face and baby babble with her. Along with that, I was abruptly taken away from my friends in college as we were on spring break and the University simply told us not to come back to the town our school is in. I didn’t get to say goodbye to my out of state friends and I didn’t get to chat with 2 of my favorite professors I have ever had and probably won’t have again.
5. Try a new dish. Try something you’ve never tried before! With stuff you already have at home! Look in the back of the pantry for something you have never known what to do with, and whip something new up! My favorite website for recipes is Yummly, but there are literally millions of ways to find new recipes. Jump out of your comfort zone, and if you don’t like it, just don’t make it again!
6. Do a lil at home workout. I see many of these on Pinterest but have never done them. That vision board of at home workouts is finally a lot of help figuring out leg and ab workouts to do on my yoga mat in my room. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy or elaborate, just something to get you off a chair and away from a computer/TV. Even if it’s just walking up the stairs a few times, you’ll still get that heart rate up!

This is just a small list of a handful of activities I’ve done that you can also do during this crazy period of history. There are obviously other things such as playing video games, doing work, taking a nap, and watching Netflix, but those don’t need much explanation. All we can do is be there for each other by not being there. Stay inside, wash your hands, and stay healthy for your community.

In the meantime, what are y’all doing to stay motivated and engaged during this time of isolation?