5 Ways To Spend Your Free Time More Productively

For many of us, having a ton of free time isn’t the norm. And now that we need to practice self-isolation as a result of the current crisis, we may feel a little lost.

You may want to catch up on a Netflix series or whip up a batch of cookies, but it’s essential to still be a little productive around the house, as well.

With that in mind, here are a few suggestions so that you can use your quarantine time wisely.

1. Learn a New Skill

When did you last take up a new hobby? Whether you want to learn how to paint or master a new language, there’s a ton of fun ways to stay occupied. Many teachers and gurus have moved to online classrooms so that they can continue to host workshops.

Or, you can research instructional YouTube videos. You could even start a workout routine and challenge your friends to participate. Lunge squats count as a talent, too!

If you prefer to listen and learn, there’s a lot of educational podcasts that address engaging topics. You can hear straight from experts as they talk about history, science, philosophy and more. Even a personal story or narrative can enhance our minds and perspectives.

2. Organize Items for Donation

Let’s face it – the majority of the world owns too much stuff. From antique trinkets to old clothes, we could go through our homes and purge dozens of items. So, why not go ahead and do so? After all, it is spring cleaning season.

You can use your free time to gather up donations for thrift stores. Plus, when you’re done, you’ll be able to conduct a proper deep clean. If you’re out of cleaner, make some homemade solutions instead.

Go through each room’s closets and collect unworn shirts and pants. Remember to label each bag so that you know what’s what. Do the same for various decorations and tidbits. You can store your items until you’re able to donate them.

3. Update Home Security

Because you’re stuck indoors, you may want to take an afternoon to reinforce your home’s security. You could install outdoor cameras, smart locks or home assistants. It may also be time to update your garage door opener or fix that broken windowpane.

A few DIY projects can provide a simple distraction – and the results allow for a safer space. Then, you won’t have to worry about these updates when you’re busy later on.

Who said that self-quarantine couldn’t turn you into a jack-of-all-trades?

4. Create a Virtual Book Club

These days, it’s incredibly important to stay connected to your loved ones. Since we’re unable to hang out with friends and family physically, we need to make an effort to do so virtually.

Thankfully, there’s a ton of video chat platforms that we can use. But why not take your meetups a step further and host an online book club? Call up a group of friends and vote on potential reads. You could start with some of the best novels of 2019, or settle on a specific genre or author. Then, set aside a week or two to digest the book and take some notes.

Use Google Hangouts or Zoom to have a few cocktails and discuss your thoughts. You’ll learn a lot of new information and connect with your loved ones at the same time. Plus, you can switch to in-person hangouts when social distancing ends.

5. Exercise Mindfulness

Right now, meditation should be a part of your self-care routine. When we practice mindfulness, we’re able to release stress and anxiety – and that’s useful throughout a global pandemic. So, do your best to set aside a few moments every day to reflect and recharge. You’ll become a kinder, more thoughtful person as you create a positive mindset. If you can, ask your household to join, too.

It’s easy to feel sad or discouraged as we navigate our current issues. But if you’re able to centre yourself through meditation, you’ll enjoy a new outlook on life. Whether you want to meditate when you wake up or before you go to sleep, it can help make self-isolation a breeze.