Hi everyone! With all of the craziness happening right now because of COVID-19 many of us are working from home, taking our classes online, and probably will have a lot more free time. Today is my first day of online classes and I’m just starting to learn how to adjust to the change. One major way I’ve seen to contain the spread of the virus is social distancing. I read this article about the do’s and don’ts and definitely think it is worth a read! In today’s post, I’m sharing 10 things I will be doing to keep myself busy during my extra free time. 

My thoughts and prayers are with anyone impacted by the virus and I hope all of you stay safe throughout this time. Don’t forget to wash your hands and practice other habits to keep yourself clean!

1. Checking in with loved ones 

The past week was unlike anything I’ve experienced in my lifetime. Rumors about the virus filled almost every conversation and one event after another was being canceled. Our day to day lives are being altered, and because of that many of us have to stop doing things we enjoy. Some have been losing their jobs and having major life changes. Checking in with a FaceTime call and being there for your friends is so important. My school ended all face-to-face classes for the rest of the semester. We have to be moved out by March 20th and just like that my senior year is practically over. I know this is for the best, but I cannot help but be sad. A few of my closest friends are college athletes and had their seasons completely canceled. If you’ve ever played a sport, you know how much of your time and energy is poured into it. To be a senior and suddenly be done with school or a sport that has been such a large part of your life is heartbreaking. I’m sure there are many other circumstances like this, and I am going to be sure to do what I can to be there for my friends and family experiencing things like this. I want to use this time to slow down, be together and support everyone during this break in our busy lives. 

2.  Setting a Schedule 

Today was my first day of remote classes and it honestly felt pretty normal. It definitely will be important for me to create a schedule for myself and get into a new routine. Since my classes got moved online,  I will be home for the next few months with my family. A lot of times when I’m home I tend to sleep in and don’t have any sort of routine. During this time at home, I want to create a strict schedule for myself so that I remain productive. Not only do I want to get all of my schoolwork done thoroughly, but I want to try to accomplish things I have been putting off like taxes, cleaning out my closet, and working on my home office.

3. Focus on work

While not being at school and having as many distractions, I really want to take my time to focus on work. I love blogging, but sometimes feel like it takes the back burner sometimes. I’m looking forward to getting my office ready at home and creating content that I’ve had on my to-do list forever. Let me know if there’s anything you guys would like to see! 

4. Read more

Am I the only one who constantly buys a book that looks intriguing, starts reading it for a few days, and then puts it down only to pick it up weeks later? I hope I’m not the only one. I’d love to start reading more while I’m home and make it a habit for myself. Right now I’m in a horrible habit of watching the Office and scrolling through TikTok every night so I’d like to change that.

5. New Hobbies

One of my favorite blogger gals, Ashley Brooke, wrote a wonderful post all about hobbies. I’ve been seeing so many people picking up needle pointing lately and decided to pick up a project when I was in Palm Beach! I was SO crafty as a kid- every day I would come home from school and make something. A few of my favorite hobbies as a young girl were making duct tape wallets, painting, sewing, and baking. I’d spend hours crafting and it was always such a happy time for me. With life getting so busy I feel like my crafty side has been slipping away, but I’d love to get back into it.

6. Shopping Small (Online!) 

During a pandemic, the economy takes a major hit. Many small businesses will be impacted and I am going to do my best to support them in any way possible. Whether that’s picking up a to-go lunch somewhere, shopping at a local grocery store, buying gift cards, or shopping small businesses online it’s very important to show support during these difficult times.

7. Get Outside

My mom takes our dog Scout for a walk on the beach almost every day, and I love the days that I’m able to join her. I think it is so important to get out of the house for some fresh air. It’s important for your body and your mind.

8. Working Out

This is something that I think will be particularly hard for me since I love to do workout classes and have a hard time staying motivated to workout without a class. There are so many ways to get classes online, so I’m going to try and find something I love and get myself into a workout routine. A lot of local fitness studios have been creating online classes so I encourage you to support your local gyms. If that is not an option here are a few websites that have online classes- a lot of which have free trials! If you have any other recommendations let me know.

Obe Fitness,  Daily Burn, Alo Moves

9.  Catch Up on New Shows and Movies

I’m sure there are some shows or movies on your list that you’ve been wanting to watch but haven’t had time. I was dying to see Little Women and finally was able to watch it last night! Next on my list is Love is Blind since everyone has been talking about it. This is the perfect time to relax and catch up on something you’ve been wanting to watch!

10.  Get Organized

Now that I will be moving everything home from school, I am going to need to get rid of a lot and organize everything at home. I need to consolidate two closets to one and get rid of a lot of clothes. I’m sure many of us have that organization we’ve been waiting to tackle and nows the time!

I just want to thank you all for your continued support and let you know that if there’s any way I can be there for you during all of this to reach out to me. Stay safe!