A FIT GAL’S GUIDE TO 10 THINGS TO DO WHILE YOU ARE SOCIAL DISTANCING
With all the social distancing, mandatory quarantines, and lockdowns taking place, I understand it can be a hard time for everyone mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially. I myself have started to go a tad bit stir crazy! I wanted to share with you some ideas of things to do during this difficult time stuck at home with limited access to the outside world. Most of these activities are free or require very little spending too!
1. FOSTER AN ANIMAL (S)
One of my favorite cat cafes Crumbs & Whiskers announced they will need to close their establishment for the time being. With that being said there are so many kittens and cats that are looking for a temporary safe, warm, living space. What many people do not know is that these organizations will provide you with all the tools and food you need in exchange for you providing them with shelter! You are not obligated to adopt these animals, so in my opinion there is no better time than now to foster! Kittens especially make such good company and will occupy your mind during this difficult time! For more information visit the Stray Cat Alliance’s Website and be sure to fill out their foster application if you are interested! They are affiliated with the cat cafe Crumbs & Whiskers and are the organization I fostered and adopted Eric and Franklin from (pictured above)!
2. ORGANIZE SOMETHING
What better time to organize different spaces in your house or apartment than during a quarantine? I organized my walk-in closet, bedroom, kitchen closet, kitchen pantry, and bathroom all this week. Next I am going to tackle my hallway closet which has definitely gotten a little out of hand. Nothing like some spring cleaning!
3. RESELL STUFF ONLINE
After organizing various living spaces in my apartment I took the time to post some items in my Poshmark Closet. People are stuck at home with not much to do so you better believe online shopping has become an extra popular activity! It is only week 1 of this quarantine and I have made an extra $100 selling clothes, shoes, and unopened beauty items I no longer wear or use. Another popular selling site is Mercari. Posting items on these sites can feel repetitive and tedious but once you have your closet set up and running it'll be worth the extra cash…especially if you have nothing but time right now!
4. START A CREATIVE PROJECT
A few years ago when one of my shows was on a hiatus I decided to take all my free time and teach myself how to create a website. After a few months my blog was up and running which I clearly still use to this day! My blog is my creative outlet and escape! If you have been thinking of writing a book, starting a podcast, launching a website, writing a screenplay, or anything else… get off social media and off the news and instead of just talking, take action, and start doing! Maybe your creative project is painting, doing a puzzle, learning a new language, or redecorating your living space. Use this time to get creative!
5. READ A BOOK, LISTEN TO A PODCAST, OR EDUCATE YOURSELF
Lucky for me I was fully stocked in the book department because I was supposed to take a trip to Argentina which has since been cancelled due to the coronavirus and travel bans. Some of my current reads and recent reads include: Open Book by Jessica Simpson, Little Fires Everywhere (coming out on Hulu mid March 2020), and The Last Mrs. Parrish. My go-to site for purchasing books is Amazon. A fun idea could be to text a friend and choose two books you each want to read, each purchase one, then trade! Another suggestion I have for book ideas is Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club! When it comes to podcasts I am not the biggest fan simply because I love to read so much and turn the page of a physical book, but there are so many podcasts readily available and I can guarantee there is something for everyone! In addition to reading and podcasts Ivy League Schools are offering over 450 free online courses for you to take part in at this time.
6. MAKE A VISION BOARD
Last month I posted that I finally completed my vision board! Even though it was February, my theory is better late than never! All you need is a couple old magazines, newspapers, or you can even get creative with writing out your goals and visions and making them in list form! Sit down and set new goals, jot down ideas, visions, or make a new bucket list! Check out my vision board here and my blog post on more reasons to create a vision board!
7. GET OUT IN NATURE (IF POSSIBLE)
I know everyone’s situation is a little different right now depending on where in the world you are BUT doing your best to get out in nature isn’t a crime. Walk around the block, sneak a hike in, sit on your porch, walk on the beach. Most gyms are closed for the time being so instead of making excuses do your best with the resources in front of you like nature! We all could use some fresh air during this time. ***As of 3/25/20 most trails, parks, and beaches in Los Angeles have been closed indefinitely.***
8. COOK
I feel like I have so many friends who always say they don’t have time to cook. Well here you go! I am sure by now most of us are stocked up on our favorite foods and non perishable items. How about trying that pasta recipe you saved on Instagram or new recipe that is book marked on your computer? Cooking for me is so therapeutic and also very rewarding. Cook yourself a nice meal and maybe pour yourself a glass of wine or reach for your white claw. Sit back and enjoy the small rewards in life because right now you can and you have the time to.
9. JOURNAL
Are you feeling some type of way about all of this? We all should be because we are human. You don’t have to have a website to have a voice. Jot down your thoughts about how you are feeling. Pick up a notebook or journal and document this time in your life. You may find some relief in getting your feelings out on paper! Also think about this…this event is once in a lifetime…our children will learn about this in their history classes! Start writing!
10. WORKOUT OR MEDITATE AT HOME
No gym? No problem! Many apps, websites, and trainers are offering free online workouts, discounts or waived fees for workouts, and it doesn’t cost to google a meditation or workout online. Use the resources you have in front of you wisely. I have seen several trainers from various gyms posting workouts LIVE on Instagram and Facebook. There are ways to break a sweat from home, again, we just have to put our creative thinking caps on! YMCA is offering 60 free online classes and Peloton is offering a free 90-day subscription trial for it’s at-home workout app.
Hopefully this will inspire you to keep busy with your time during this pandemic! There should be no such thing as boredom because the possibilities are endless!
Stay Safe and Healthy Fit Friends,
XoXo,
Brittney
