Due to the COVID-19 all of us travel bloggers have had to adapt to staying at home and not traveling. I live in Virginia, so there has been a stay at home order since April 1st. Unless you are an essential worker, you are required to stay at home, unless you have to go to the grocery store, pharmacy, exercise outdoors, or emergency situations. It has been difficult for people who struggle with their mental health of staying cooped up inside all day. However, there are some things that you can do to not be bored in the house and ease your mind off of all this mess going on around us.
Take a walk! I have been doing this every day since the lockdown has started. This is a great way to get some fresh air and some outdoor activity and exercise. The good thing about taking a walk is that you can do it just about anywhere! I have been taking walks by myself to clear my head and sometimes I will go with my family (whom I live with) because now is not the time to go with friends. I have been walking around the outdoor walking track near the recreation center in town as well as my neighborhood. Just make sure that if you see someone else walking to stay 6 feet away from them and to not shake hands or hug. Social distance people!!!
Hiking! This one also goes along with taking a walk. There are a lot of campgrounds closed; however, there are some hiking trails that are still open to go hiking on. Bring your dog out for some fresh air too and go hiking! Get some vitamin D on your skin.
Golfing. The golf course where I live is still open; however, I have heard that many are closed during this time. I have learned to enjoy not only just playing a round of golf, but also practicing hitting golf balls and working on putting. You can do this by yourself or with a family member (someone you live with.) A lot of people think you need a large group to enjoy golfing, but it is nice to go out and play a round by yourself. As long as you walk the course (to prevent spreading germs in a golf cart) and use your own golf equipment, then you are causing no exposure to anyone else and it is safe!
Fishing. Fishing is fun to do to get out of the house and relax. I have my VA Fishing license, so I like to go to the local pond and go fishing. I mostly catch and release but if where you go fishing allows you to keep the fish then cook it for dinner. It will save you a trip to the grocery store!
Outdoor Yoga. Finding inner peace and clarity during this time is essential. Destress yourself by doing some outdoor or even indoor yoga. Focus on your personal wellbeing. Also meditating is a good way to start.
Art Project. A big way to help manage my stress is doing an anti-stress coloring book. Those help me get my mind off the craziness and everything going on.
Do a home project. This one is a great idea! What better time to do home improvements when you’re stuck in your home? I have been watching HGTV like crazy, so I had some fire under me to fix up something. If you’re in need of supplies, instead of going to the store, order them online. I ordered supplies online to refinish a bookshelf and it turned out great!
Cook/Bake something new. Now that a lot of restaurants are closed, I figured this is the perfect time to polish up my cooking skills. I have been watching youtube tutorials on easy things to bake and I made a pretty darn good Banana Nut bread if I say so myself. I have also been cooking healthier and watching what I eat more so I don’t gain the Quarantine-15!
Game night. My family and I have been playing cards, board games, and the wii. This has helped us bond a little more and have fun while doing so. You’re never to old to play monopoly right?
Read a book. I honestly have to admit, I am not a big reader. But this is on my to-do list this quarantine is to read and finish a novel. A lot of people (myself included) have only been watching movies, so I need to switch it up and read some more.
Facetime loved ones. The hardest part of all of this is that I can’t go visit my grandparents or my dad. My dad is a Nurse Practitioner and could potentially be exposed to someone with the coronavirus. He has been putting his life on the line to help other people. Even the military has reached out to him for his help (he is a retired Lieutenant Colonel Nurse in the Army) during this time in states where the outbreak is bad. I can’t thank all the essential employees enough. I also have been FaceTiming my grandparents so I am able to see them. I have been wanting to visit them but I am too scared because I know their immune systems are not as strong as mine. FaceTime and Zoom are great technology to use during this time! Check up on your loved ones.
Support Small Businesses. This is so important!!! A lot of smaller businesses are struggling during this time so make sure to support them. Order take out or curbside delivery from small businesses or shop online from small businesses. Even if you do not feel comfortable doing those things, you can buy a virtual gift certificate and use it when this mess is over. Also, go and like their page on Facebook, or share their page, or even leave an encouraging comment. The smallest things help. #Supportlocal not just during this time, but every day!
Hopefully, you can use some of these tips into your ‘new’ daily routine. Even doing something as simple as watering your plants outside can help boost your mood. We are all in this together. Keep your faith and this will all be over soon. Just remember to wash your hands!!
-Lauren Miller
Travelogy 