Most of us have experienced being stuck at home for one reason or another. It doesn’t take long before we feel the walls begin to close in, especially if the days start to add up. There are dozens of projects around your house crying out for your attention. Stuck at home? Here are 9 Creative Ways to Feel More Content.
Become a Canned-Food Culinary Genius
Yes, those cans. The cans of food with the expiration date so far in the future, you’re sure you’ll be jetpacking to work by the time they expire. Those reliable cans that stock your cupboards like soldiers. Year after year, they remain steadfast and true, always there to provide comfort and stability to your diet. What better time to bring those tried and true staples to the foreground of your diet?
According to Cans Get You Cooking, those of us who consume “six or more canned foods per week are more likely to have diets higher in 17 essential nutrients, including potassium, calcium, and fiber.”
Grab your can opener and get cooking creative dishes like BBQ Chickpea Pizza, Pea & Corn Risotto, and Clam Chowder Pasta Bake. Consider it a culinary challenge. Give those humble cans the respect they deserve.
Indulge Your Inner Celebrity
While you’re stuck at home, you may find yourself sitting idly about binging on Netflix. Why not improve your complexion at the same time? We uncovered a few homemade face mask recipes that are simple to create, and fun to use. Whether your skin is Dry, Dull, or Acne-Prone, there’s a mask in your kitchen we’re sure is a perfect fit.
Whip up a face mask recipe of your choice during Season 1, Episode 1, and by the time things heat up in Episode 3, your skin will feel calm and refreshed. Unlike you, by the end of Episode 4.
Start a Podcast
Your friends and family might not appreciate your infinite insight and endless conversations on Post-Apocalyptic Fiction, but you know there must be others like you out there, just as passionate about the subject. Admit it. You’ve been dreaming of having your own podcast for a while now.
From The Great Outdoors to Great Books to Great Books to Read Outdoors, there’s a podcast for us all. Podcast experts suggest you choose a subject near and dear to you. All you need to get started is:
- An iPhone
- A computer
- Editing software
- A Podcast hosting service
Do you paint? Weld? Flip houses? Repair Cars? Garden? Are you a self-proclaimed expert on every episode of the Star Wars saga? Let the world finally hear how knowledgeable you are. Your friends and family will thank you for it.
3 Real Estate Podcasts That Caught Our Ear
Complete That “Honey-(Did Not)-Do” List
Many little projects surround you this very minute. You may have grown so accustomed to seeing them you scarcely notice them. Maybe the chair you’re sitting in wobbles. Or perhaps you’ve meant to reupholster it since your cat (who’s been gone since you had a pager) used the arms as a scratching post.
Take a look around your house with a critical eye. Now is a great time to tackle some DIY projects like painting a room, updating your cabinet hardware, or organizing your garage.
Return Some Unconditional Love
No, not from your family. From your family pet. Your dog doesn’t care how significant the problems are that are keeping you housebound. Your dog is just happy you’re home. Take him or her out for long walks, if possible. Sit and watch a movie with your cat and let them pretend they don’t care about you. They secretly do. It’s a perfect time to cuddle with those creatures who bring so much adoration to your life every day.
Call a Family Member You Typically Avoid
We know you love them, but just the thought of chatting with some family members can raise your blood pressure. It has become so easy to text that you may have successfully dodged an actual conversation for several months. Now that you have a little time on your hands consider taking the time to sit down and talk with them. There’s no substitute for the sound of a family member’s voice or laughter, no matter how nutty they are. Skip the touchy subjects like politics, religion, and the Family’s Will.
Show Your Car Some TLC
Can your kids dig french fries out from the upholstery in the backseat at will? Do your wipers drag grime across the windshield? Maybe it’s time to give your car a little TLC. Take on some small projects like changing out those wiper blades, washing your car, or, better yet, detail it.
If you would like a little inspiration, here’s an instructional video on detailing a car’s interior that looks as if it belonged to Bigfoot before he kicked his addiction to fast food and cigarettes. This informative video offers tips and tricks on cleaning even the dirtiest of cars’ interiors.
Make a Photo Album or #FunwithAntiques
Remember all those rolls of film you developed at Costco or Walgreens 15 years ago? They are still hiding out in those photo envelopes. There are tons of memories waiting to be wistfully shared. The problem is, it’s pretty tough to find photo albums these days. Save yourself lots of running around and order a few photo albums online.
Once they arrive, take a couple of days to fill your albums and get ready to share the joy with your family. We guarantee a group will gather, especially if it means they can look at themselves as babies and poke fun at each other. Don’t be surprised if one of them asks you how you got those pics out of your phone.
Make and Share a Video
Use the iMovie app on your smartphone to make a video with photos and videos from your photo gallery. You can edit your movie and even add a soundtrack. Make it goofy and keep your family laughing. Make it sappy, and there won’t be a dry eye in the house. It’s fun, addictive, and a great way to store and share memories of time well spent with those you love.
The time you will spend stuck at home will be over before you know it. You will soon be back to your daily grind, running short of time for your many endeavors, both tedious and indulgent. If possible, allow yourself to coax your life’s lower priorities from the shadows and let them bask in the sun for a bit. You might be surprised to find they secure a place in your: new life rearranged.