The last in our series of “quick hit” organizing strategies is focused on activities related to self-care and personal development, and things you can do to tap into your creative side or nurture others.
Some days you may need more rest. Some days you many only have the energy for what is non-negotiable in your work or life, and some days you may want to engage in something new, different or meaningful to lift your spirits and feel particularly accomplished or valuable. Honor your energy. Honor your needs.
During times of increased stress and uncertainty, it is more important than ever to take good care of yourself. Take the time to do things that feel good, help you to feel grounded, take care of your body and mind, learn something or develop a new skill.
Self-care and personal development:
- Apply a facial mask (yes, men can do this too!)
- Practice learning a new language
- Read a book
- Trim/file your nails, shave, or otherwise groom
- Do an at-home manicure or pedicure
- Take a relaxing bubble bath
- Journal
- Meditate
- Go for a walk or run
- Practice yoga
- Exercise
- Stretch
- Listen to music or make some music (play an instrument, sing a song, compose something, or learn a new instrument with free online courses)
- Watch a TV show, movie or documentary
- Take a nap
- Deep condition your hair
- Take advantage of free courses or offerings (Like this one from Yale: https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being)
Nurturing relationships, creativity and connections:
- Make a list of those closest to you and those you haven’t connected with in a while but that you’d like to catch up with – call one from each of these two lists each day
- Start a puzzle or play a board or card game
- Have a dance party or virtual game party with family or friends via Zoom, WhatsApp, HouseParty, Facetime, FB Messenger Video, etc.
- Write and mail a letter, birthday card or hand-written note
- Make a list of birthdays you want to recognize in the coming year and schedule reminders on your calendar to order/send gifts or cards for each
- Take some basic ingredients you have on hand, plug them into a recipe finder and try a new creation using what you have
- Reach out to someone in your life and ask how you could help them today
- Host or participate in a virtual coffee or happy hour with a group using Zoom, HouseParty, Facetime, FB Messenger video, or WhatsApp, Skype or other video conferencing/meeting tool
- Draw, paint, sew, crochet, knit, sculpt or otherwise create arts or crafts
- Take digital photos and learn to edit them
If you have the energy and inclination, spend and invest time this week on self-care and personal development. Your future self will thank you!
We hope our series of posts has helped you with a few ideas of ways you can productively use this “stay home, stay healthy” time. If we can help support you with other organizing or productivity-related needs from our past posts (see below), please contact us. We’d be honored to be a virtual resource to you!
