Oh, quarantine! Who would have thought we would be in our homes for over a month now? I mean, I work from home on a daily basis, but even I’m going a little stir crazy at this point. This season is a balance of finding perspective, being grateful for the little things, and picking up some new hobbies to distract me from the overwhelming amount of negativity found on the news. If you’re looking for some ideas on how you can fill your time in this unique season, look no further! I’m sharing 7 ways I’m spending my time during this quarantine in hopes that it will give you some new ideas for how to spend your time. Let’s dive in!
LEARNING TO COOK NEW RECIPES
If there is one thing I have loved doing during quarantine its eating. I was in such a rut and didn’t want to cook anything before all of this started, but I am pleasantly surprised by my newfound excitement. We’ve been making all sorts of foods and trying out new recipes that I’ll definitely be sharing on the blog soon. In the meantime, if you want a sneak peek and some easy recipes, head over to my Instagram story highlights and look for “foodie” and “recipes”.
WORKING ON MY FITNESS GOALS
First off, let me just say that working out from home is NOT MY THING! I need the accountability of group fitness and miss going to Crossfit with Tim more than anything. But despite that, I feel so much worse when I don’t workout so I’ve had to find new ways to get active from home. A great one has been running with a friend who lives nearby. Within a week I hit one of my goals for the year and ran my first 5k! Now we’re running 3x per week, I’m stretching with other friends via video call 2x per week and hosting video workouts Saturday mornings using the Crossfit home workouts our gym is still sharing with us. I’ve found a new way to build accountability into my workout routine and I’m loving it.
GIVING MYSELF GRACE
Trust me, you can only be so productive! I am the worst at trying to push myself to go, go, go and it just isn’t possible in this season. I’ve had to learn to balance and give myself a little grace. Sometimes that means watching an entire season of Netflix or taking a mid-day nap and I try not to beat myself up about it. I’m listening to my body, resting when I need it, and also trying to turn off my screens every once in awhile.
GROWING A GARDEN
About a month before this whole pandemic happened, Tim and I rented a plot in our nearby community garden. We had been on the waitlist for over 6 months and finally made it to the top of the list. Just in time if you ask me! We’ve really enjoyed having the excuse to get out of the house and work in our plot. Weeding, watering, and just taking in the growth that happens each day. It’s such a sweet reminder of God’s promise:
Isaiah 58:11: “The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
LISTENING TO PODCASTS + AUDIOBOOKS
As I mentioned before, I try to be very intentional about the content I consume and even more so during this time. Anything that instills fear or worry, is not helpful to anyone so I turn it off. Instead, I’ve been listening to podcasts and audiobooks while I cook, clean, and do other things around the house. I’m currently listening to Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs in hopes that I will love my husband better during this time haha. Quarantine is a great stretcher of marriage!
CONNECTING WITH FRIENDS + FAMILY
It’s hard not being around loved ones during this season! I celebrated my birthday in quarantine, and we’ve missed out on other special dates too. As much as it sucks, I’m trying to be extra intentional to connect from afar. FaceTiming, having virtual dinner, having game nights over video or anything else to connect and build relationship while we are apart.
SPENDING TIME WITH JESUS
For me, the best use of time during this season is to spend time reading my Bible, doing my devotions, and praying. Its the only thing that keeps my perspective where it should be and allows me to have joy amidst a chaotic and scary time. I love taking out my guitar, singing worship songs, and allowing God’s Word to recenter and refocus me.
Those are just a few ways I’m using my time during quarantine. Let me know how you’re spending your time in the comments below! Thank you so much for reading!
Looking for other ways to spend your time? Check out these posts!
Love to hear about what you have been doing in the midst of this weird quarantine/virus situation. I have been enjoying listening to Andrew Peterson read his Wingfeather Saga series via Facebook LIVE. It is the 30-40 minutes each day when I try to travel to a far-away land via listening to the story. I already had the habit of exercising at home, so it has been good to keep that up. I, too, have been trying a few new recipes and this week treated myself to a little torch (going to try making creme brulee), and a meat thermometer. I figure I am saving so much money not eating out, why not?!
Author
Love that! You are definitely saving money from not eating out and it’s so fun to try new recipes. Also what a cool idea to escape to a new place through a LIVE series.