There’s no denying that public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have caused big changes to the people’s lifestyles. To minimize the risk of infection, everyone is highly encouraged to practice social distancing and to spend the majority of their waking hours inside their homes.
However, even though many are staying in the comfort of their humble abodes, it’s no secret that spending countless days cooped up at home also comes with its own set of challenges.
During this period, it’s incredibly easy to just go with the flow and embrace disorder. While a pandemic is a circumstance that is not under your control, you still have the power to make the quarantine period more pleasant and productive.
The guide below will discuss several things you can do to spice up your routine during self-quarantine.

10 Ways to Spice Up Your Self-Quarantine Routine

1. Give structure to your day

Being under lockdown doesn’t mean that you should stop following a routine. Even though you don’t have to get up extra early to prepare and commute to work, you should still wake up at the same time and push through with your daily rituals. Following a schedule allows you to stay in control of time, handle your priorities, and remain productive during this challenging period.

2. Make time for exercise

Making your fitness a priority is a must during the lockdown. Not only does it keep you in good shape, but it can also do wonders for your mental health by giving your week some structure. Since it’s easy to lose track of time during quarantine, something as simple as following a 3-day program can make a massive difference in how you handle the period.
Luckily, there are tons of free content online to help you develop a tailor-fit program. Ranging from healthy eating to home workouts, taking steps to a healthier life can be easily done with a quick Google search.

3. Cook and try out different recipes

Cooking doesn’t only keep you busy; it can also be a fun bonding experience. If you’re living with your family or roommates, make it a bonding experience, and explore and try out different recipes with the time you have with them. To help you get started, here are some easy recipes you can make during the quarantine.

4. Clean and reorganize

If you’ve been pushing cleaning duties aside, now’s the best time to get back on track. To keep yourself productive, you can use the free time to sort out your clothes, clear your closet, and reorganize your belongings. The cleanliness of your space can influence your mood, and decluttering is a proven way to brighten up your home’s atmosphere.

5. Catch up on your favorite shows

Staying productive during quarantine is essential, but you should never forget to take breaks. If you’re lucky enough to work from home, you might end up working extra hours since the boundary between your professional and personal life is blurred.
To keep yourself busy while avoiding burnout, you should definitely make the most out of your Netflix or any streaming account. You can set a few hours of your day to catch up on your favorite shows or cross out a couple of movies from your watch list.
Sometimes, a good laugh from your favorite sitcom can be all you need to brighten up your day. In case binge-watching isn’t really your thing, buying an e-book or two can also keep you entertained.
Note: Watch the movie Contagion to have a better understanding of the pandemic’s effects.

6. Work on your artistic craft

Do you have an artistic hobby? You should use the extra time for practice. If you’re a guitar player, you can take this opportunity to learn a new song and boost your repertoire. If you like sketching, you can refine your technique or brainstorm for new ideas.
In case you feel like it’s too late to nourish the artist in you, don’t get discouraged. Know that Vincent Van Gogh began painting at the age of 27, so don’t be afraid to try new things. Times may be challenging, but inspiration comes when you least expect it. Allow your creativity to flourish, and you might even end up creating a masterpiece!

7. Invest in an online class

During the Great Plague of London back in 1665, Isaac Newton discovered the theory of universal gravitation. While discovering a scientific breakthrough isn’t a realistic goal for most people, learning about new things or developing your skillset is one of the best things you can do.
If you’ve always wanted to learn how to code, you should know that there are a lot of online classes you can choose from. Learning a new skill doesn’t only keep you busy; it can also improve your employability down the line.

8. Do a financial detox

Other than your daily routine, it’s clear that the pandemic is also affecting the way you manage your finances. Due to the economic consequences of the virus, everyone must practice frugality and undergo a financial detox.
Deleting your shopping apps, going on a no-spend challenge, and being more disciplined with saving will allow you to be financially comfortable during and after the quarantine.

9. Check up on your friends and family

It’s easy to feel lonely if you’re living alone. In case things become too tough to handle, always remember that your friends and family are just a phone call away. Setting a definite time each day to call your loved ones can make things a lot easier to handle.

10. Journal before you go to bed

When faced with an extremely stressful situation, the best course of action is to slow things down. One proven way you can stay in control of your emotions is to make journaling a habit.
People that journal regularly can organize their thoughts and are more mindful of their actions. It’s an incredibly powerful tool for self-reflection, and making it a point to write every few days can help you realign your priorities and allow you to become a better version of yourself.
Stay in Control of your Routine
Times may be challenging, but you should never lose hope. Even though the effects of COVID-19 may feel very overwhelming, remember that you have the power to make the period more bearable. Including all these activities within your daily routine won’t just give your day structure; it will help you maintain your wellbeing during this crisis.
In case your finances take a turn for the worst, don’t worry. Do know that there are several pawnshops in the Philippines that can help you address your cash needs. Get a free estimate for your item today!