10 Simple Ways to Make the Most of #STAYHOME

10 Simple Ways to Make the Most of #STAYHOME: 4 min read by Chris Rea

Watch our Vlog of this post here

 

How are you doing at home?

Based on the daily scroll through my social feed, some of you look bored. Some of you look chill. Some of you look like you’re inventing new ways to have fun with your family. And some of you look like you’ll never go back to wearing real pants again.

Whatever category you may be falling in today, we want to give you 10 creative, but SIMPLE (because Lord knows we do not need complicated right now) ways to make the most of this time at home.

 

1. Cook A New Recipe

Whether you are single, married, or have a house full of kiddos, you have time to cook. I know that grocery stores don’t have every single thing in stock, but you can find almost everything. “But Chris… I don’t know how to cook.” There has never been a better time to learn, friend! My grandfather, who is turning 91 this May, just started cooking. If Pops can do it, you can do it too. So go on YouTube. Actually, make a recipe from your Pinterest board. Or, if you’re feeling even more adventurous check out one of the many free online cooking classes! Meg & I definitely have our eye on a few. (P.S. you can check out some of our healthy & simple recipes here.)

 

2. Church Online

Just about every single Church out there are finding creative ways to stream their Sunday services and do online small groups and bible studies. Why not join in?! With all of the chaos in the world, our families need peace, hope, and community more than ever. And good news, technology is making that possible. Our Church has a live stream every Sunday at 10 AM at cccsterling.org or Facebook. We even have lessons for the kiddos. Take advantage of going to church in your PJ’s for a little while.

P.S. Check out this funny video I made about church online. You’re welcome.

 

3. Tackle a Home Project

There is no better time to tackle a home project than right now. I’m getting emails from multiple online stores having epic online sales right now. Paint that room, replace that carpet, patch that drywall, clean out your messy basement, rearrange your storage rooms, clean. out. the. garage. You will feel so much more peaceful in a clean and organized home. Want some easy DIY ideas? Check out these posts.

4. Read a Fiction Book

This coming from the guy who, confession, has never read an entire fiction book, no not one time in his life. Sorry mom, I totally skimmed the “Hardy Boys” during our “Summer reading time.” HOWEVER, it is my goal to read one over the next couple of weeks. I usually read with the intention of education over entertainment but, right now, I think escaping reality and getting lost in a fiction book could be just what the doctor ordered. Plus, reading fiction is proven to make your brain healthier and put you in a better mood. And we can all use a little of that right now. Any recommendations?

5. Laugh

Recently, I read that 1 minute of straight laughter boosts your immune system for up to 24 hours! Conversely, 1 minute of anger actually weakens your immune system for up to 5-6 hours. Whomp whomp.

There’s never been a better time to pull out that board game or order a new one online. You could Watch a clean comedian, comedy or a sitcom. Have some fun with your family all being at home and together. Here are a few more ideas to get you started.

 

6. Go On A Double Date

How you ask… utilize technology! Facetime, zoom, and google hangouts are a few platforms that let you have face to face live conversations with people. We’re pretty much all using them for work meetings, why not use them for a date night?

Here’s a fun idea, what if both couples cooked the same meal and ate it together over facetime. And if you’re not up for cooking, coffee is ALWAYS a good idea. It is so important not to isolate during this time. And even though it has to look different for a while, we can still keep our relationships moving forward. P.S. Here are a few conversation starters to get you going

 

7. Start an Online Venture

It has never been easier than now to start an online venture. So many people are surfing the web and social media right now. Start an encouraging blog that could bring those people hope. Start an online store, podcast, or Youtube channel. There is so much free information online on how to start any one of these ventures. You’re just a Google away from knowing how to start just about anything.

8. Take Care of Your Soul

Stress, worry, and frustration are in the air. You can cut the tension with a knife. Now’s the time to shut off the TV and do some soul care. Read God’s word, spend time in worship, pick up a book on inner healing, journal, have a heart to hearts with your spouse or kids. Taking care of your soul will enable you to be positive and be an agent of peace in your home instead of perpetually producing fear.

 

9. Help Someone Else

This is not the time to be selfish. We have an opportunity to show the world the light of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:4 says,

“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”

Another version says it this way, “Care about them as much as you care about yourselves.”

 It’s one thing to say you’re a Christ-follower, it is another thing to be a Christ-follower. Times of crisis are the perfect opportunity to take our eyes off of ourselves and put them on others. Your life is not too small to make an impact.

 

10. Stay Calm

Can I tell you something you want to hear: We are going to get through this!

One year from now, we will be gathering around tables talking about of course how difficult this was on every level, but also, how we got through it. God built us to be tenacious and resilient. This isn’t the thing that is going to end life as we know it. This isn’t going to permanently damage our economy or our relationships. We will get through this and we will have a great life on the other side of this. Fear is a terrible leader! Be patient with your loved ones. Be calm and agents of peace. Don’t make foolish decisions based on fear. Stay calm, take a few deep breaths, and give assurance to your family that we will get through this, together. Always together.

 

There you have it guys. 10 things you can do while sheltering in place, during #stayhome, quarantine or whatever else the kids are calling it these days.

Take the challenge. Try one of these things out per day for the next 10 days.  Let us know how it goes!

And by all means, give us your ideas! We’d love to hear book recommendations, the game your family loves to play or what’s helping you find laughter and joy during this season!

Until next time,

Chris

We’ve got more ideas coming your way!

SUBSCRIBE HERE

 

Want more? Check out our vlog of this post

 

Pin me for later