21 Ways To Stay Inspired + Motivated in Quarantine

It’s unbelievable to think how quickly our world has shifted within a matter of weeks. But I’m very much so a glass half full kind of girl. And when it comes down to it, whether you’re feeling cooped up inside with your kids or a bit lonely with yourself , we’re all in it together. And will get through it together! I think we’ve all probably experienced days filled with joy + happiness, followed by a day or two of sadness, disappointment and mixed emotions. And THAT’S OK! So whatever you may be feeling today or tomorrow, here are a few ideas to stay inspired + motivated in quarantine!

WAYS TO STAY INSPIRED + MOTIVATED IN QUARANTINE

• Create a routine for yourself. I’ve always found this to be helpful when working from home, but especially now with a nonexistent social schedule. Things like, making the bed, taking a shower and actually get dressed will go a long way for setting yourself up for a great day.
• Maintain ‘date night’ with your significant other! Pull yourself together, set the table and order take-out from your favorite local restaurant. Such a sweet sentiment of normalcy, plus something to look forward to.
• Polish up on a crafting hobby you’ve neglected. Needlepoint, sewing, scrapbooking, etc.
• Pick up a new hobby! No time like the present to get the hang of sewing, needlepoint, etc.
• Get creative with your cooking. I’m not typically the most confident in the kitchen {nor is it something I particularly enjoy}, but all this down time, paired with less eating out, has me getting more creative with meals at home. And shockingly, kind of enjoying it!
• Read a book {or several}. I’m not a big book girl myself, but I have a couple friends that have amazing bookclubs! Check out @JilliansBookClub + @enw_reads by Emily Wilkinson.
• Get in some exercise! You never regret a workout, and it’s good to get your muscles moving. Plus, you can take advantage of tons of free streaming services right now.
• Create a quarantine ‘bucket list’ of sorts. Doesn’t have to be anything MAJOR, but fun little things you can do by yourself, with your spouse and/or kids, and check off a list!
• Pin point something you can do to improve your business, and make it happen. Maybe you’ve been wanting to re-vamp your newsletter design or make updates to your website.

HOUSE PROJECTS TO STAY BUSY

• Tackle home projects. I’m sure many of you can relate, but I’ve been constantly tinkering around the house these days. Hanging this and that, rearranging bookshelves, you name it.
• Explore gardening. Even if you think you can’t squeeze one more pot on your porch, there’s always something that can be planted somewhere in or around your home! The other day, I decided I didn’t like some plants in our front yard, so we ripped them out and planted roses!
• Do a major closet purge.
• Paint a room.
• Paint a piece of furniture. Sounds easy enough, right?
• Take a stab at some DIY art.

KEEP IT FUN

• Step up your snail mail game! Everyone loves a handwritten note. I know I get a little extra cheery when I spot a friend’s script on the outside of an envelope in my mailbox. Dust off the letterpress stationary and drop a line of encouragement to a few of your besties.
• Practice some self care. Treat yourself to an at-home mani – for me this is torture haha, but some people love them. Long baths with a yummy bath bomb or a soothing mask will do the trick too.
• Come up with a new series or ‘check list’ of movies for you and your family to watch through. Think – the Marvel movies in chronological order, Harry Potter series, etc.
• Sift through and catalogue {considering scanning and organizing digitally} old photos. Should make for some good laughs!
• Bake some goodies for your neighbors. Or, order some from a local bakery {like The Blue Root or Sugar Bakeshop in Charleston } to hand deliver with a sweet note.
• Create an ongoing virtual happy hour or dinner party with friends and/or family!

And there you have it! What are some things y’all are doing to stay motivated in quarantine?

Photos by Marni Rothschild Durlach