I had outlined this blog post before we all started hunkering down and self isolating. But at a time when so much of our lives and daily routines have changed in negative ways, it still seems like a good idea to share this adage: Change is as good as a rest.
Consider how the change in seasons often makes us feel more energetic or more peaceful. When we start a new job or project or move into a new home, we feel more hopeful. Now, when we're feeling off-kilter and maybe anxious, is exactly the time when making small, positive changes in our routines and homes can bring a welcome sense of calm and positive energy.
Think about what you always mean to get around to enjoying and never quite manage to do. It can be anything satisfying --
Completing the crossword in the New York Times
Taking a bath before bed or developing a new relaxing bedtime routine
Starting to bake and share some of those many cake recipes you've saved on Pinterest
Finding a new podcast and listening to one episode at a time, no binging allowed
Calling someone you're been missing
Carving out time each evening to read before bed instead of scrolling or Netflixing
Trying a meditation app
Making time to work on a project you've been neglecting -- a pleasant one, like knitting a hat or working on your novel
Practicing a musical instrument you've let gather dust
Starting a new hobby. I saw a great post on Twitter about a couple building a model tiny house together after ordering a kit on Amazon, for example.
Making a healthy eating change, like starting dinner with a salad or tracking your water intake
Mastering a game of strategy like Backgammon or Cribbage. Order new board or card games and add game night to your weekly rituals.
Painting a wall or adding removable wallpaper or decals
Curating your spring wardrobe using the Project 333 method or developing a capsule wardrobe
Learning a new language. Download an app and practice your new language every evening or over your lunch break.
Honing a skill or learning a new art form via Skillshare
Keeping a journal. Set a specific purpose or structure, such as a gratitude journal or using a single sentence to record each day's highlight or mood.
Adding a tea or coffee ritual to your day, and make it a real break from your work. Borrow Fika from Swedish culture, a habit of taking time mid-morning to socialize and enjoy coffee and a bite to eat, or afternoon tea from the British.
Sorting through your photographs. Consider making a photobook or creating a new display of photos.
Discovering new music. Explore outside of your usual genres and add a song a day to a new playlist.
How can you refresh your routine to add a little joy, love, or peace to your life?
Organizing and tidying can be immensely satisfying and has been proven over and over to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Before the cabin fever sets in, tackle a disorganized spot that's been bothering you. Reorganize your books or redesign a shelf display.
If you haven't mastered the Konmari folding methods for your t-shirts, towels, or fitted sheets, watch a video or two on YouTube and transform a few drawers or your linen closet. You can also find helpful diagrams on our "Tricks" board on Pinterest. (The link is on the bottom of our homepage.)
You can check out our Pinterest for organizing and design inspiration and links to directions for making hikidashi boxes for organizing your drawers and making storage baskets.
Now is the time of year when we're tired of our winter wardrobes and ready to move on to spring. It's also going to be in the 70s this week, so it's a good time to give your spring clothes a good hard look.
Maybe you could pull together a reading nook or make over your desk or work area.
Social media seems to be chock full of lists like these, offering ways to curb your boredom and stave off cabin fever. Try instituting the Minimalists' habit of observing Screenless Saturdays after a week of obsessively keeping up with news and everyone else.
If you're interested in help with organizing, you can schedule an appointment for virtual help from a professional organizer. It might be just the distraction and breath of fresh air you need.
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