15 productive things to do during self-isolation

Being productive is simply working hard and spending your time wisely. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could do this every day?

Many people strive to perform at their best and be the most productive, which they can do. Yet they still lack the motivation and will to do so. The only way to inspire yourself to do your best is to focus on your goal and focus on it.

During this current time, hard work is essential to be your most productive self. It is essential to do this because it allows you to live a creative and fruitful life. Isn’t that something you would like to achieve?

Here are 15 productive things to do during self-isolation:

1. Learn a musical instrument.

Playing an instrument is a great skill that everyone should know. I recently started playing guitar and although it took some getting used to, it has been so rewarding!

Not only does playing a musical instrument put an end to boredom, but it also increases your brain’s productivity as well as its memory.

2. Read

Books are a work of art. There are hundreds of thousands of authors – and millions of books to read. The opportunities are endless! Books are an essential element to improve literature. They expand vocabulary along with your knowledge – and like musical instruments, they also help sharpen your memory.

3. Bake

Baking is amazing: you mix a few ingredients, put the mixture in the oven – and you’re done! You have a tasty treat. From just sugar, butter, flour, and eggs (and any additional ingredients, depending on the dessert), you’ve created a masterpiece!

Baking is also beneficial for mental health by being very therapeutic and calming the brain. Numerous studies show that it is an excellent stress reliever and can make you happier and more positive.

4. Study

Study, study, study, then study again! Studying is essential to doing well. Independent learning can be a challenge at first, however, once you overcome the mountain of excuses and procrastination, it can be so rewarding and worthwhile. Studying and revising are key to getting good grades. These A’s are not going to make themselves!

5. Exercise

Exercise has countless benefits, some of which involve the mind and some of which involve the body. There are a myriad of ways to train. These ways can be as simple as going around the block, going for a run, or doing a workout video at home.

In addition, exercise releases endorphins which are commonly referred to as the “happiness hormone”. These chemicals interact with the brain, triggering positive feelings. What’s better than looking and feeling great?

6. Learn a new language

If you want to try a more challenging activity that will benefit you immensely, learn a new language! Learning a new language is scientifically proven to make you smarter as it benefits and helps develop cognitive abilities.

It also strengthens listening skills, problem solving and multitasking. Additionally, it is suggested to help prevent the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. There are many apps to help learn a language. These include: Duolingo, Babbel and Memrise.

7. Learn a new skill/hobby

We have a lot of overtime ahead of us, and now is a great time to learn a new skill or try a new hobby.

There are a multitude of skills and hobbies that you can pick up. From calligraphy, dressmaking and creative writing to photography, pottery and painting. There are countless ideas of what to learn. The opportunities are endless!

8. Spend a day taking care of yourself

Self-care is extremely important to your mental state. Designate a day to relax and indulge yourself.

There are an abundance of activities you can do for a self-care day. These can range from a long, relaxing bubble bath to cuddling with a book you’ve been meaning to read. There are countless things you can do to keep yourself occupied. At the end of the day, you should feel calm, comfortable, and satisfied.

9. Make DIY projects

Pinterest has a plethora of DIY ideas. There are many creative activities you can occupy your time with.

It’s easy to find lots of projects, with lots of different looks, for a variety of people. There are complex tasks, such as knitting and decor making, 5-minute crafts, and simple snack recipes. If you’re a little bored, a craft will not only be an effective way to pass your time, but also stimulate your creativity.

10. Start a journal

Journals are very beneficial for self-care and mental health. Most of us think too much from time to time, and a journal is an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety.

By writing in a journal a few times a week, or whenever you’re feeling particularly down, you can improve your handwriting while keeping your thoughts organized. If you want to feel more motivated and have more free time, a bullet journal is a great alternative. It has the same benefits as keeping a regular journal, except it can be much more inspiring and can increase your creativity.

11. Make a scrapbook

A scrapbook is similar to a journal in many ways. But instead of writing down your thoughts and daily life, you show it in pictures and memories. It is a calming activity, which can reduce your stress level. Collect all your photos, letters, tickets and memories and display them in the album.

12. Do yoga/meditation

Or anything spiritually active. It is essential to escape the stress and chaos of reality for a few minutes a day. The most effective way to do this is either meditation or yoga.

Although they calm the mind and reduce stress, yoga is effective for body, soul and spirit. It increases flexibility and muscle strength, reduces weight and improves breathing, vitality and energy. Additionally, meditation focuses on self-awareness, reducing memory loss and stress, lengthens attention span, and can generate kindness.

13. Start a side hustle

Side hustles are an effective way to stay busy, productive, and could most likely start earning money.

By starting a side hustle, you are able to encounter the mindset of the entrepreneur. It will allow you to gain confidence, self-development and a sense of purpose. Some ideas are; sell items on eBay or clothes on Depop; running a small business social media site; or create a blog for yourself.

14. Learn to knit/sew

Knitting and sewing are two valuable skills to learn. It is necessary to master the basics, but once you master them, it is an advantageous talent to possess.

By only knowing the fundamentals of knitting and sewing, you can create a myriad of things. These range from scarves and skirts to mending jeans and making stuffed animals. Sewing and knitting can boost your brain growth as it requires creativity. It also helps develop hand-eye coordination, essential for improving handwriting and balance.

15. Plan and set goals

By planning daily, you will decrease the risk of being bored, unmotivated and unproductive. Having a regular plan can improve many aspects of your daily life. Your days will be much more organized and you will be able to do things much more efficiently. Plus, your time will be well spent and can include fun and engaging activities.

Setting goals is related to planning because they both focus on productivity and becoming the best version of yourself. Try to integrate your objectives and your means that bring you closer to their achievement. There are different types of goals to set for yourself. Think about all the things you would like to improve and base your goal around that. These can be: educational, social, financial, physical and spiritual.

Goals are very beneficial because they give you a long-term view, keep you busy and motivate you. Working towards goals is also a great way to pass time and can lead to bettering yourself.