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Monday, March 16, 2020

Creative Ideas: How to Fill Your Time in Self-Isolation


Schools have been locked down as of last Wednesday here and this is day 6 as we are all in self-isolation due to the Covid-19 or simply known as the corona virus. Following the prescribed measures of the government, only pharmacies and supermarkets work here with reduced operating hours. 

We are bound and united together by a grave global experience, which I hope will make us even stronger. I pray for a good outcome.

Staying isolated for longer periods has a negative effect on both mental and physical health. Social isolation impairs the  immune function and boosts inflammation which can lead to a number of diseases. But how do you deal with it when you must isolate yourself  faced with a virus outbreak? 

I have read so much on the topic, I feel my head is going to explode. I am sure you have too. Hence, today I am focusing on the brighter side of self-isolation and sharing ideas how to fill your time.
 
1) Start and / or finish crochet, knit, embroidery, craft projects. Plan and design new ones.
This past week I managed to sort out my UFOs and decide which one will be finished and which ones have to be abandoned as an idea altogether. Keeping the list ordered I even managed to finish my flower baby blanket that has been waiting half-finished for maybe 2-3 years and write the pattern for it. Also I started a new project I am not going to spill the beans about yet, but I can show you a glimpse of the flowers I made so far. 


You have the free pattern for the roses here


I recently purchased Alisa Burke's Paper Textiles tutorial and this week I am going to finally start with it. She has a ton of her tutorials marked down for the current situation, so do drop her a visit. Will update on that one. 
2)  Try a new recipe or make one yourself
I haven't been rather inventive when it comes to meals and I've mainly cooked my kids' favourite meals, but I am eager to try this red kidney beans salad. Do you have a fave recipe to share?
3 - 4) Read books and watch films
Reading books and watching films have always been an immense creative booster for me. A real spring-board for ideas. Thus my Little Women collection sparked re-watching the new release of the film. 
We re-watched Contagion again, with the kids this time so that they can try and comprehend the gravity and the seriousness of the current situation. Yesterday we saw 1917. A beautiful film. I recommend it if you haven't seen it yet.

 

During the past year, I enriched my library with tons of books. The top 2 shelves contain my new books and half of them are still not read. I am currently reading Do No Harm by Carol Toplski and because I cannot settle for anything less, I recently became more active on an online book club where I read and reviewed Hallowed Ground by Cindy Ziperman.

4) Spring-clean your closet
De-clutter and sort out clothes. I am slowly going through this one. I selected pieces I am going to use in textile projects and washed / prepared the others to be taken to the Red Cross, when the situation gets to normal.There's still a heap to be decided on. 
5) Re-arrange craft supplies
This will probably take me ages and more storage space that I can imagine. But I am working on new ideas for organizing my shelves and bringing under control my yarn and bead collection. 

6) Exercise and pamper yourself
Being stuck at home doesn't mean you have to abandon your exercising practices. There are a lot of youtube videos you can watch and exercise along with. Being humped over a crochet project I regularly do my stretching exercises, crunches and planks. This is the time to dedicate yourself to a little self-care. Maybe try on a new face wash or body butter? I have a board on pinterest where I pin organic homemade products you may want to check out.
7) Play card-board games - especially if you are with kids because of the enormous health benefits these games have. Read more here.

What is the current situation like in your corner of the world? How are you dealing with it? Any tips to add to my list? 


Trivia: Did you know the origin of the "Keep calm and..." posters? Well, I didn't. Learn more about it in this beautiful video here.

Disclaimer: none of the links I have in this post are affiliated. All opinions I have given are my personal ones. 

16 comments:

  1. Thank you for your ideas. The situation is the same here. Nobody knows how long this will last and we should definitely organise our time in such a way so we 'benefit' from self isolation . I do lots of little crafts with my boy , we use old cardboard boxes to make little houses, a garage etc . we have made little toys using paper and fabric . I check the instagram daily for new ideas so that the little one doesn't get bored. I am planning to do some sewing and crocheting , decorate the house for Easter and make some gifts for relatives and friends. I will also paint some small wooden items with chalk paint and add some decoupage and stencils to complete the look. Anyway, the list can be very long. But the most important thing is to stay positive and optimistic.This will also pass. Take care . Tina xx

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    1. They are in the midst of preparing an e-platform for students to learn at home which is scaring me tbh, because it can mean we are to stay isolated for even more... Thank you for sharing your crafts with your boy Tina!

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  2. Thank you for sharing these. I usually live in a self-isolation state and for me it is just natural to stay home and spend my time alone crafting or reading books, but for most people these are difficult times.
    Stay safe! <3

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    1. Thank you Alhana! Yes, difficult timea but we have to endure! Stay safe!

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  3. No clue what will happen here in Germany, nor at day job. We'll have to wait and see. But in case we'd have to stay at home, I have plenty of things I could do: dye wool, crochet, finally write a pattern (or two)...

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    1. A crafter always has something to do, right Marjan :)
      Stay safe!

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  4. Yes! Stay home and crochet!! Love it. Thanks so much for linking up with me at my #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 10, open March 1 to 26. All entries shared on social media if share buttons installed. My party Bottle – 65 Words Writing Prompt Linkup is open March 10 to 20 for fun and creativity! Won’t you join me? And I’d like to invite you to my Themed Linkup 13 for Vegan Recipes open March 15 to 25 if you have any appropriate posts.

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    1. Thank you for dropping by Dee! Would love to meet some new bloggers to me!

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  5. These are unprecedented times and we all have to be sensible and do what we can to protect one another, especially consider those who have compromised health situations. We just have to try to make the most of a dreadful situation. Sitting here in my pretty family room looking at the bucolic scene outside my window it is hard for me to think that the world is in a dreadful state....but it is. As for me it means more time to enjoy playing with all my pretties, reading my favourite books and watching those special movies of old. My family were going to all meet together next week, from all corners of the globe and celebrate a special holiday, but of course that has been put on hold for another time. That is okay as it is just one of those things. I will just stay within the safety of my sweet home and garden and enjoy those blessings that do come my way. Enjoy all those sweet activities you are going to partake in, lovely Maya. I can just imagine the gorgeous crochet that you will dream up whilst you are in self isolation. Take care, beautiful lady♥

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    1. I agree Kim. We all have older people to take care of as they are the most vulnerable in this situation. It's kind if strange amd a little bit scary to see empty streets and the deafening silence. Like a scene from a dystopian movie. Gatherings here are not allowed and penalties are orescribed for those who do not adhere to them, so at home we stay isolated. I am sure you too will be productive during this time. Wish you all the best to you and yours! Stay safe! Hugs!

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  6. This is a great list of ideas to do at home. I have a full house now but I plan on working on a crochet scarf I started. I have been trying to cook healthy dinner with a lot of veggies. I hope we all get through this situation with the virus. Stay safe and be well.

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    1. Thank youbfor stopping by Julie! Cannot wait to see your scarf! Stay safe!

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  7. Thanks for sharing your ideas with us at the Snickerdoodle Link Party! This will be one of my features this Saturday!

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    1. That would be delightful Roseann! Thank you so much!

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  8. Just stopping by to say I hope you are staying safe and to let you know that your post is part of the Friday Features on Oh My Heartsie Girls Linkup this week!
    Stay safe!
    Hugs
    Karen

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I love your comments! Thank you for taking the time to talk to me!