There’s no denying that most of us are feeling a bit more stressed, anxious, and fearful of the future these days. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought our normal way of life to an abrupt stop and we’ve basically all been sent home.
It’s like an adult time-out but we’re still allowed to have our electronic devices.
While we all stay home more, it’s very easy to spend the extra time working, binging Netflix, continuously watching the news, or scrolling through social media. But, I have another idea – you can escape the current hardships of adulting by getting back in touch with your inner child.
The following ideas will help you relieve some stress and feel more connected; and let’s face it – they’re just more fun!
1. Play outside.
This is the obvious one, but I mean more than just go for a walk outside – play outside. Think about what you used to do as a child when you went outside. Lay on the ground looking up at the clouds looking for shapes/animals. Build tiny obstacle courses for earth worms. Make mini log cabins out of sticks. Rearrange rocks in a stream and watch how the water flow changes. Just play!
2. Have a phone date.
We have so many ways to connect these days. We constantly text, snap, and check each other’s stories. But when’s the last time you talked to a friend on the phone for hours about everything, nothing, and all things in between? This is a great time to bring some friends from online to phone line.
3. Play video games.
You don’t have to be a gamer to enjoy video games these days. Whether your childhood jam was Super Mario, Donkey Kong, Tetris, or Sonic, chances are you can play it online. Close out your email and travel back in time with some childhood video games.
4. Make a couch fort.
If you are going to watch the news or deep dive into some Netflix, might as well do so in style. Bust out all your pillows and blankets and make a fort that five-year-old you would be proud of. Pro tip – you’re allowed to bring a fun snack into your fort.
5. Do arts and crafts.
This is where the internet can be a gold mine. Google or Pinterest arts and crafts for kids and pick one that speaks to you. Ask any parent and they’ll confirm how much fun these can be for adults too. Don’t have any art supplies? Find some paper and learn how to origami.
6. Color.
Coloring has proven to be a very calming, meditative activity for adults. Even if you don’t have crayons or markers, you can play around with different shading using simply a pencil. Draw something you see outside your window and color it. Hey, maybe even get crazy and color outside the lines!
There is no reason to feel any level of boredom while social distancing.
Simply get more creative with how you spend your time.
Search deep into your closets and dust off those board games, bottles of bubbles, and puzzles. Just reconnect with your inner child and I guarantee you he/she will find something fun to do!
Happy Slacking,
