Helpful Tips to Avoid Feeling Cooped Up at Home

Spending more time at home comes with perks and benefits – enjoying more time with pets and loved ones, feeling less stressed about meeting social obligations, and perhaps baking grandma’s famous cookie recipe – though sometimes, we may find that we have more “free time” than we bargained for and need some help making good use of our time instead of binge-watching Season 2 of The Office… again.

Here, we share some fun, relaxing and productive ways to help you and your loved ones avoid feeling cooped up at home. 

1. Be Productive

More time at home makes it the perfect time to tackle your spring cleaning list, begin the home organization project you’ve been putting off, or refresh your landscaping. Make a list of tasks you want to accomplish, prioritize your list, and watch your home beautify as you accomplish your goals. Ticking off the items that have been bothering you around the house will not only make you feel productive but make your surroundings more enjoyable.

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Or, take this as an opportunity to learn a new skill! Maybe you’ve thought about mastering a new language, going back to school online, or getting a certification to advance your career – there is no better time than the present to seize the day and use your spare time to improve yourself!  

2. Get Crafty

When you want to stay busy but perhaps not with things that feel like chores, try out some fun or creative activities: 

• Channel your inner chef and try out new recipes
• Do a puzzle or enjoy a family game night to keep everyone occupied while also spending quality time together
• Start a scrapbook of your favorite memories, or a goal board of what you look forward to in the future
• Create a photo wall in your home
• Do an art project

Many craft or paint studios, and social media personalities, are offering kits and classes to get your creativity going! For example, we’ve seen a donut shop offering a DIY donut decorating kit complete with pre-made donuts and a variety of icings and toppings. Local paint-by-instruction and ceramics studios may offer supplies and paints for pickup so you can paint at home – get with your friends and set up a virtual paint party! Depending on where you live, different offerings may be available, so check with your local bakeries and creative businesses to see what's offered in your local area.

3. Stay Active

It’s important to stay physically active. Prolonged sitting can increase stress and negativity while being physically active releases endorphins, your happy hormones! Even if it’s just 10 minutes of continuous movement, you’ll sleep better, concentrate easier, and be more productive with your day. 

To help stay active and keep up a physical fitness routine at home:

• Many yoga studios and traditional gyms are providing free online classes or instructions for at-home workouts. If you’re a member of a local studio or gym, check-in with them to see what virtual resources they’re offering. 
• YouTube provides a wide world of instructional fitness videos – just search for your desired workout!
• Have a pool? Take a swim!
• Go back to the exercises we used to do in PE – push-ups, sit-ups or crunches, squats, and lunges – all provide effective, no-equipment-needed exercise.

And, it’s still OK to go outside! A little bit of Florida sunshine may be just the thing to beat the bummin’ around the house blues. Whether it’s taking your workout to the backyard, going for a stroll around the neighborhood or on a walking trail, or dusting off your bicycle, mix some outdoor activities into your schedule, too. Since local regulations may vary, check what’s allowed in your area and remember to practice social distancing techniques.

4. Connect with Loved Ones

Staying connected with others helps prevent feelings of isolation. Tools like Zoom and Facetime are a great way to virtually hangout with friends and family. Schedule regular calls with those important people in your life – you can even have a group hang-out or happy hour from home!

While we tend to pick up the phone for texting, the sound of someone’s voice might make all the difference in your day, and with theirs. Pick up the phone and have an actual conversation – you’ll be glad you did.

If you have a loved one who has an upcoming birthday, or perhaps just want to let someone know you are thinking of them, you may even send a piece of “snail mail.” For the kiddos, writing a letter to a pen pal, classmate, or friends can be both a fun and educational activity.

5. Limit Screen Time

We’ve probably figured this out by now, but reading or watching too much news can be stressful. To help keep your stress levels low, limit the time you spend in front of a screen.

• Grant yourself one time per day to check what’s going on in the outside world from news sources you trust, and outside of that allotted time, stay away from news.
• Consider limiting the amount of time binge-watching shows on Netflix or your favorite streaming services, in favor of physical activity or a project which provides a feeling of accomplishment.
• Use social media to stay in touch with friends and family, but limit the time you spend reading news or articles on these sites. Try to pick social platforms with more comforting and positive content when you need your social media fix – we’re looking at you, cat videos!

6. Relax

It’s important to remember that you don’t have to be busy all the time. Instead, find something that calms you or helps you to breathe deeply and let go. For you, this might mean reading, listening to music, keeping a journal, or even just remembering to periodically stop and take a deep breath. You might practice meditation, stretch for an extended period of time, or have a cup of coffee or tea while sitting on your porch or lanai and enjoying the sounds of nature.

Bonus tip!

If the reason you are feeling cooped up is because you are feeling cramped in your current living situation, this should go to the top of your to-do list – Shop for a new home in Florida!! With convenient online tools such as 360 virtual tours, financing pre-qualification, and virtual appointments with our New Home Specialists, it’s never been easier or more convenient to find the new home of your dreams. Browse communities, home plans, and quick move-in homes, and connect with our Florida New Home Specialists by emailing us or calling or texting 863-797-4999.