For many of us, the momentous task of self-isolation and physical distancing is certainly a difficult one. As evidenced by the large amount of people still out and about despite stay at home orders, the requirement of social distancing at home is scarier than actually contracting coronavirus for many.
This makes sense, evolutionarily speaking, humans have thrived because we live in groups; we are naturally social beings. However, this behavior is actually counterintuitive in the current atmosphere we are living in. If you are one of the people who have turned the grocery store into your new hangout spot because the idea of social distancing makes you cringe, read on, this is for you!
It’s easy to get tunnel vision and find all the negative in the world right now, but that’s only going to make this whole situation tougher. Instead, why not use your new-found alone time for internal growth? Learn some new hobbies and explore the inner workings of who you are. You may never find a better time to get to know yourself, so you might as well take advantage of the time you have now.
Below are a few ideas of ways you can use the next few weeks to expand and strengthen your mental roots.
Pick Up Writing or Start Journaling
Did you know that writing has been used in therapy for decades? There is a good reason too! Writing helps you to creatively express yourself and acts as a channel for you to funnel your emotions.
You could start a blog, write a book or even your own biography! The ways to work writing into your daily life are endless! And, if you’re not a great writer, have no fear, the more you do it the better you will get at it! So, what are you waiting for? Pick up and pen and paper and let your ideas flow!
Read a Book Everyday
Whether you want to fill your brain with knowledge or just escape into a great novel, there is a book out there for you! Reading is a great way to pass your time alone and has so many benefits along with entertainment.
Did you know that reading can improve your writing skills and expand your vocabulary? If you’re on the fence about this, dust off an old book you have lying around a give reading a try!
Learn a New Language
Have you always wanted to learn a new language but never felt like you had the time? Well, now just might be the time to dive into expanding your brain and learning something new. Rosetta Stone is currently offering a free three-month subscription to their services and you can choose from twenty-two different languages!
Not sure what language to pick up? Spanish, Chinese, and French are all widely spoken and useful languages to learn!
Expand Your Skills
Let’s be honest, adulting is tough. Once you’re done with high school or college, there isn’t a lot of the time after work and family to learn all of the skills you would like. So, we challenge you with all of your new-found personal time to learn something new and expand your skill base!
New skills to pick up could be anything you can wrap your head around. On the brainy side, you could learn anything from computer coding, to calculus, to exploring the world of quantum mechanics. If that makes your stomach turn, you could try more hands-on skills such as home improvement tasks or the wide world of indoor plants.
Try a New Hobby
Hobbies are a great therapeutic way to pass your time and expand your set of coping skills. The options are endless, you could draw, learn origami, become a house plant expert, explore soap making, or even learn to blow glass!
Wondering how you will get the materials to launch your new hobby? Many stores are still open as essential businesses and you can find almost anything on Amazon and have it delivered right to your doorstep!
Music Anyone?
Who hasn’t always wanted to learn a new instrument but just never had the time! Well, the time is now! Bust out your dusty recorder from grammar school, or consider learning a wide range on new instruments, including the violin, piano (if you have one), or guitar.
If you don’t know how to read music and are not sure where to start, there are tons of free resources online to help!
Redecorate Your Space
Let’s be honest, over the next few weeks you are going to be spending a lot of time at home! Make the most of it and make your home your own personal oasis! Move around your furniture, repaint, put up some new art and experiment with new color or accessories in your house!
A redecorating project will help you stay productive and help to pass the time! So, don’t hesitate, get cracking on your space today!
Looking for more great ideas on how to live a happy and healthy life? Check out our blog and follow us at People of Youth Dynamics and Youth Dynamics of Montana on Facebook.
