“Stuck at home” or “safe at home” – it’s all in how you look at it. With all the uncertainty in our world today, I’m sharing how I’m making the most of this extra time at home.
Whether you’re busier than ever working from home, learning from home, or you’re looking for all the ideas to fill your time, we’re all finding ourselves with more hours at home than ever before. Sure, there’s so much to miss about the old normal we’d grown used to – travel plans, sports, visits with friends + family – it can feel very overwhelming when you let yourself really think about how much things have changed and why. But friends, there’s a lot of good to find through all of this too, if you look hard enough. Here we are, forced to slow down, spend some extra time at home with our family, and really reflect on what’s most important. The entire world is walking this journey together, what could be more powerful than that? Really, when you think about it, there are so many lessons to be learned here and I truly think a new normal will emerge as we come out the other side of this.
I know this time has been so difficult and I’m sure we’ve all had moments (or days) of struggle with the enormity of everything going on and how different our lives look right now, but it’s really helped me to focus on some of the good right now (because there IS good right now). So today, I thought I’d share some of the ways I’m making the most of this extra time at home right now with the hopes that it helps you to find some ways to make the most of it too.
How I’m making the most of ths extra time at home
one
Starting my day off on the right foot.
For me, this means getting up an hour or two before the rest of the house so I can enjoy a quiet coffee (feeling SO thankful for this right about now), reflect on what I’m grateful for, and curl up with something that brings me joy, whether that be catching up with my favourite blogs or my latest read. I’ve also really enjoyed tuning in to Facebook Lives (or on Instagram) with this amazing soul – not only is she a brilliant resource on the importance of connection and how to navigate life’s challenges, but she’s just so real about things, you can’t help but relate to what she’s saying. Honestly, watching her each morning has been a highlight of my day!
two
Embroidery.
I’ve only just discovered the art of embroidery, but I’ve already fallen head-over-heels in love. There’s something so peaceful + relaxing about curling up on the couch with an embroidery hoop on your lap, watching your own creation take shape. And learning the ropes has been so much easier than I’d expected (check out my first projects here & here).
three
Watercolour Painting.
Speaking of learning a new art, Carson and I have really been enjoying learning to watercolour paint together. I’ve always admired watercolour paintings – there’s just something about the softness of them that I’ve always been drawn to. So, armed with a set of brushes, a palette of paint and some watercolour paper, Carson and I have been sitting down a few afternoons a week to work our way through some watercolour lessons together – we’ve been especially loving the daily lessons in this book, as well as these video lessons on Instagram. You can find all the details about how we’re learning to watercolour paint at home here.
four
Puzzles + Games.
I swear, our dining table has seen more fun + games in the last month than in the entire year that came before it. Though we’ve always been big fans of puzzles and board games, they’ve become and everyday staple for us lately. I don’t think there’s been one single moment since this all started that we haven’t had a puzzle laid out across our table. Honestly, I’ve always loved that cozy feeling of gathering around a puzzle or board game with my family, and I have to say that quality time together has brought me so much comfort through this.
five
Running (or some other form of exercise).
Moving my body every single day has always been important to me. Not only does getting my butt off the couch help keep me fit, but it does wonders for my emotional health too. Running has long been a way for me to relax and recharge emotionally, and now that the weather is warming up, I’ve been getting out for a run 3 or 4 times a week – aside from my weekly grocery trip, it’s been my only real alone time and I’ve been relishing in every quiet minute of it! Another favourite way to get active is my b. class (you can catch them online here) – moving to the most empowering songs and slowing down with some stretches and savasana is just what I need right now.
six
Curling up with a book.
There’s nothing I love more than curling up with a good book. It’s my absolute favourite way to relax and unwind. I’ve really been enjoying finding a few extra minutes to read lately (it sure beats squeezing in a few pages before I just can’t keep my eyes open at the end of a long day!). Find a few of my favourites below…
seven
Cooking up new recipes.
I’ve always loved trying new recipes and all this extra time at home has given me even more opportunity than usual to work through all those recipes I’d been pinning and a few of those cookbooks I’ve collected over the years (find some of my favourites below).
eight
Baking all the things.
My favourite way to spend time in the kitchen is baking up yummy treats, especially when I’ve got a little helper in there with me. Carson and I have been working through some of these yummy pins I’ve been saving up, baking up a new yummy treat every few days. We’ve been gifting most of it, delivering it to the doorsteps of our friends and family, which has helped us to not over-indulge too much, but we’ve definitely been enjoying more than a few bites ourselves too.
ZUCCHINI BREAD | LEMON DONUTS | FAVOURITE LEMON RECIPES | HEALTHY APPLE CRISP
HEALTHY BREAKFAST COOKIES | HEALTHY STRAWBERRY OAT BARS | GRANOLA | BAKED OATMEAL CUPS
nine
Tackling a few projects around the house.
I’ve been putting some of those stock piles of supplies to work, tackling a few projects around the house these past few weeks. I’ve taken on a few small painting projects like our piano bench and the faux fireplace in our bedroom (swing by instagram to see how it turned out). I hope to make a few more changes in our bedroom space too, so you’ll have to stay tuned to see what I’m up to there.
I’ve also been taking part in a weekly #stayhomeandDIY challenge on Instagram, creating a new DIY project with supplies from around the house. Follow along with my Insta stories each Wednesday to see what I’m up to.
ten
Walking through nature.
Because breathing in some fresh air and sunshine just does wonders for us all.
I’d love to hear how you’re making the most of all this extra time at home too! Please share in the comments below!
Wishing you SUCH a lovely day!
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I’m working my way through the exact same watercolor lesson a day book! Enjoying it so much – I’m about halfway through. It’s become one of my little “me” pockets during the day.
I couldn’t agree more Deb, it’s been a great way to makes some quiet time to create. Thanks so much for sharing!
Great ideas! It’s kind of fun to balance out creativity with work around the house projects to keep from getting burned out!
Thanks so much Ariana! I totally agree!