Make the Most of it: 10 Quarantine Ideas for Personal Growth
Okay. Everyone is sick of being in quarantine. I’m dying to go out and dance and grab a beer at a bar with some random people I’ve never met before. As much as I’m looking forward to this, I’m also trying to take advantage of the unique opportunity that quarantine has offered and focus on my personal growth.
I’ve never had so much free time in my adult life. It is tempting to sit and watch Netflix all day, but I don’t want to walk out of quarantine and think “Damn, I could have spent that time learning to do X”.
In this time of isolation, try to find the silver lining and take advantage of this great opportunity to grow as an individual. Here is a list of 10 things you can do while in quarantine to grow as an individual.:
Mental and Physical Development
1. Start Online Therapy
I think this time in isolation has given many people ample time to reflect and think about their lives. Personally, it dragged up a lot of negative memories and feelings. There is no better time than the present to start seeing a therapist. I started seeing a therapist and it has changed my life. If you don’t feel comfortable seeing someone in person, Better Help is a great alternative. Use this link and get a free week.
2. Learn how to Meditate
I started meditating in India (classic) and I’ve incorporated it into my daily routine. When I first started learning about meditation, I thought it was something that always took hours and hours and you had to dedicate your life to it. I was so wrong. You can meditate for as little as five minutes a day to get results. Meditating has helped me stay focused on my personal growth when I feel discouraged or I lack motivation. If you are just starting out, I would recommend the app Insight Timer – it has great guided meditations.
3. Get Fit
You don’t need to have a gym to be fit; there are a ton of internet profiles that are focusing on body weight workouts. For example, I follow @frasierwilsonfit on Instagram. He posts killer body weight circuits that give a great workout in just 10-15 minutes. Imani has started doing online yoga everyday and she has loved that experience.
Side note – If you have a favorite resource for body weight workouts, let me know in the comments below. I’m always looking for new workouts!
4. Journal
I’m a big advocate for journaling. Journaling is a great way to reflect and track how you feel. Even if you can’t or don’t want to do it every day, it can always provide the opportunity to be in touch with your feelings, thoughts, and ideas. Additionally, reflecting on old journal entries is a great way to track your personal growth. Seeing how much you have accomplished is a powerful motivator.
5. Come up with a Plan for the Future
Personal growth is about your future and what you want it to look like. Quarantine is a great time to come up with your next move. Spend some time thinking about what you want your future to look like or what your dream job is. Then, create a plan to turn that dream into a reality.
Imani and I had a dream three years ago to quit our jobs and travel. We came up with actionable steps and took them. You can realize your dreams too, but you have to have a plan. Use this time to make it!
Expansion of Hobbies
Not everything in life has to be so serious, and the unfortunate reality is that so many people stop pursuing their hobbies once they get a job. Quarantine is a great opportunity to get back in touch with the fun things you used to do or the things you want to learn for fun!
6. Learn a Language
Like many people, I took languages in high school and college and have lost most of my facility in them. I’m currently spending half an hour each day learning German on Duolingo. It’s been great to learn something for fun and speak German to my German friends.
7. Start Playing an Instrument
Pick up that dusty violin or guitar that you haven’t touched in years. Shake off the rust or learn or re-learn how to play. There are so many great apps that can teach you how to play if you have no prior experience.
I’m jealous of all the people who can play right now. I grew up playing the piano and would love to start playing again but I haven’t found a piano here in Bali.
8. Teach/Learn Something with your Partner
If you are quartining with someone, teach them something and ask them to teach you something as well. This can literally be anything one of you has experience in. For example, I am teaching Imani how to play chess and she is teaching me how to dance!
Here are more things you can do with each other during quarantine.
9. Learn how to Cook something New
There is no better feeling than eating something delicious that you’ve made. Take the time to learn how to cook your favorite dish, or something completely new and out of the ordinary for you.
This can also be a group activity. I have a friend who picks a recipe with his brother each week and then they both make it. It seems like a great way to have a shared experience even though they are apart.
10. Read…yup, for fun!
I used to be a voracious reader but high school and college temporarily ruined reading for pleasure. I’ve recently started reading again, and recapturing that desire has been great. Plus it’s a nice way to get a break from your screen.
This can also be a collaborative activity. Start a virtual book club with some friends and share your thoughts each week.
How has your quarantine experience been in terms of learning new things or self-development? Do you have at-home personal growth ideas to add to this list?
Let me know in the comments below!
If you are interested in some sex-specific ideas to try our during quarantine. Check out article on spicing up your quarantine sex life!
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If you liked this post, I also recommend checking out my Dating Redefined program in which you can overcome overthinking, reshape unfounded beliefs around relationships, and create a “Personal Dating Framework” to ultimately transform your love life – on your own terms.
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Loving the old; exploring the new,
John
