Phew, what a rollercoaster! The pages of the calendar are just flipping by. If you are like me, an extrovert-turned-homebody, you are probably hunting for new things to do at home!
It has been a year since the world stepped into this dystopian sci-fi reality that we are all living in. Life has become one lazy cycle of blurry weekdays and weekends. But the truth is, for most of us, these are the rare few months of adult life when we are not on the freeway in rush-hour traffic at 8am, downing that large cup of coffee.
The world has collectively lived through several phases of this lockdown together. We’ve all been through the banana bread joyride, cut-your-own-bangs makeovers (extremely guilty of it!) and embarrassing TikToks! 😄
Given the uncertainty of the pandemic, I realized that I had two options in front of me. I could either spend my days on Netflix and Instagram OR I could look upon this time with gratitude and come out of this a happier and well rounded person. So that is what I chose to do!
It was with this mindset that Meg and Dhruv conceived the idea for this blog, and I decided to third-wheel them as always! So here are some wholesome things to do at home to spice things up!
(Disclaimer: The ideas mentioned below are general advice, please keep your local government rules in mind!)
1. Get yourself a fitness goal
If exercising sounds like a daunting chore, I feel you! But wouldn’t it be cool to step out of this lockdown with a healthier body than before?
Go for an early evening walk in your neighborhood, even if it is just in your parking lot. While it may not have the most breath-taking views, it’s still a breath of fresh air. And you might just spot some cute doggos to wave at!
There are plenty of body weight exercises that can get your heart pumping and your muscles toned! Or you can try yoga asanas for beginners.
2. Shake things up in the kitchen
Baking was always an intimidating endeavor for me. But I decided to give it a shot and bake blueberry muffins. Best decision ever! 😊
Meanwhile, Meg and Dhruv have been experimenting with dishes from all over the world like pad see ew, chicken quesadillas, Thai basil fried rice and chicken tikka masala! I really miss being the clumsy sous-chef in their kitchen!
Get your FREE copy of the 60+ recipes of the world! Watch out for a delicious new recipe every week on the blog!
3. Experiment with mixology
If cooking is not your thing and you are a certified kitchen hazard, no worries! Level up your mixology game with some of these amazing cocktail recipes!
I have been loving grapefruit-based cocktails, they are so summery and yum!
4. Try an online course
Before the pandemic upended all our plans, I was waiting for summer so that I could finally take yoga and dance classes. But I didn’t give up on that idea!
I enrolled in an online belly dancing course and I’m so glad that I took that step! Online courses are an amazing opportunity to challenge yourself and pick up a new skill or to master an existing one! 🤩
5. Pick up a new passion project or hobby
Dhruv has taken a deep dive into the world of blogging and website design. He is the technical brains behind this blog. While Meg went on a creative arc and is designing jewelry and trying her hand at DIY home projects!
Go ahead, think of a crazy hobby you’ve always wanted to learn or that passion project you put on the back burner and make it happen!
6. Create your own visual journal
A simple trick to stir in a little creativity and motivation to your day. Every evening, I upload a picture of a simple moment or thing from that day to Instagram.
It helps me focus on the good parts of my day. There is no social validation attached to this because it is a private account, not shared with anyone.
It’s therapeutic and an exercise in gratitude! ❤️ Create your own personal gallery, use it as a visual journal to document the happy moments of your day.
7. Write a journal
If you are more of a pen and paper kind of person, spend a few minutes in the evening to reflect and write about the highlights of your day. This exercise has helped me relieve stress and develop a more positive outlook in life.
To help you get started and get your thoughts flowing, here is a free gratitude journal printable!
8. Jump in on the stocks buzz
I know! What an adult thing to say! I used this time to learn about investing and reconsider my personal finances.
Learn some basic concepts about financial independence and about how you can manage your money better. It is not as intimidating as it appears!
9. Golden hour musings
Open your windows and take some time out to catch the sunset and unwind. I love that hour in the evening, when the sun shines a deep golden hue.
I write my journal at this time or listen to relaxing music!
10. Self reflection
This pandemic has given us a pause that we all needed, especially our planet. It has forced me to think about what we consume and the hidden costs behind them.
For example, the carbon footprint associated with shipping products unnecessarily purchased online.
I have taken this time to reflect on my lifestyle and think of ways in which I can reduce my consumption and be nicer to our environment. 💚
Lastly,
It is important to acknowledge that we are better off than most to have a chance to enjoy this time. Let’s be grateful and make the best of this uncertain phase in our lives.
Take your pick or share your list of interesting things to do at home this year!