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.