I’m sure at this point, you’ve been to the store for a grocery run or you’ve seen the news about the toilet paper and hand sanitizer hoarders. And while having toilet paper and hand soap is important right now, this list includes items that will make your time in Coronavirus isolation a little more entertaining.
Here are things to buy and use to stay sane during the COVID-19 quarantine!
Order Takeout + Delivery
While many restaurants are closing down and this is a wonderful time to brush up on your cooking skills, sometimes ordering takeout helps you feel a little bit more…well, normal!
Support your favorite local restaurant by placing a to-go order or use apps like Postmates or UberEats to have your favorite food delivered right to your doorstep.
Another way to support your fave coffee shop—if they sell their own beans, you can snag a bag or two right now.
Tushy Bidet
I did say this list wasn’t going to include toilet paper, didn’t I?
Isolation is definitely showing me how reliable we are on paper products, especially now that they’re almost impossible to find. Luckily, you can still get a bidet to help you stay clean—check out Tushy’s bidet on Amazon!
Almond Cow “Milk” Maker
Another thing that many people rely on at the grocery stores is milk! I purchased my Almond Cow last year to cut down on waste in my house (all that waste and plastic used in milk packaging) but it’s also been a saving grace during this time because as long as I have some nuts or grains on hand, I can make my own milk in minutes.
You can use any nut, seed, or grain to make homemade plant-based milk — it makes 5-6 cups of fresh milk at the touch of a button and with no icky preservatives, chemicals or waste!
Use discount code ‘KIERSTEN’ for $15 off an Almond Cow.
Foot Peel Mask
In case you’re looking for something that offers serious satisfaction and is kind of gross? I swear by these foot peel masks. Definitely read the directions and prepare for baby-soft feel in a matter of days.
Thinx
Female products are also flying off the shelves these days—which can be quiet nervewracking for us ladies.
However, you can support female entrepreneurs and look into Thinx, a brand that has created underwear that can absorb menstruation. The best part is they look just like regular underwear and they prevent leaks!
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Support Local Businesses
Local businesses need your help now more than ever. Whether it’s a restaurant, a local boutique, or an online shop, there are a lot of different ways you can support them.
One great way is to buy a gift card that you can then use later on. If you would rather have something physical, buy their jewelry, art, photos, etc. If you’re looking for home goods, search on Etsy before going to the big department stores. Target and Walmart will stay around. Small shops may not be able to.
Kindle
The COVID-19 isolation is a great time to start reading more. Many libraries and book stores are shutting down but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your reading time. Whether you purchase a physical Kindle or you download the app onto your phone, the Kindle allows you to have every book you can imagine, at the palm of your hand.
Something For Your New Hobby
This is also a wonderful time to pick up a new hobby. What is something that you have always been interested in but haven’t quite had the time to explore?
Once you decide what this is, purchase something for this newfound hobby.
Whether it’s a musical instrument, a candle-making kit, a camera, a perfume kit, or jewelry making supplies, there are so many different outlets that you can express your creativity.
My friend Rachel is a super-talented artist and has beautiful coloring books as well as step-by-step floral drawing guides!
The Beginner’s Guide to Photographing in Manual Mode
Breaking It Down!
Trust me, it’s not as scary as it seems! You just have to take it step by step.
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A Journal
I absolutely love writing and a journal can be very therapeutic, especially during stressful times. There’s something very healing about documenting your thoughts and getting them out onto paper.
This will also be really interesting to look back on in years to come—think of it as reading a firsthand account of a major event in history.
Skillshare Subscription
Skillshare is an online platform that offers thousands of online classes on every topic that you can imagine. Explore your creativity with classes on photography, illustration, design, music, interior design, etc. While the basic membership is free, premium membership gives you access to over 20,000 more classes.
Join Skillshare Today and Get Two Weeks of Premium for Free!
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Workout Equipment
Just because you are stuck at home doesn’t mean that you should stop focusing on your health and well-being. Put some money into some workout equipment and make yourself a small at-home gym. A yoga mat, workout bands, and hand weights are a great place to start.
Board Games & Puzzles
What’s more entertaining than going down memory lane and playing board games, cards, and completing puzzles? They’re the perfect way to distract you from everything going on in the outside world while also keeping you laughing.
While this isn’t a board game—Meyer and I have been having a TON of fun singing into this karaoke microphone.
Upgrade Your Speakers
Have you wanted to add the “Alexa” feature throughout your home but didn’t want to invest in all the different speakers?
I hear you! I found this Echo Input which adds Alexa to an external speaker so you can stream music, ask Alexa to play a specific song, check the weather or the news, set timers, create a to-do list, and more!
All the Greenery
If you have the space to do so, create a small garden in your backyard or on your balcony. If space doesn’t permit, add a plant to your household collection. It’s fun to be able to take care of another living thing and watch it thrive when it gets the proper sunlight and water. Plus it’s one of the easiest ways to make a house feel like a home.
Calligraphy or Hand Lettering
Hop onto that Skillshare subscription and take a class or two on calligraphy or hand-lettering. Who knows, it could turn into a brand new hobby or a side business!
DIY Projects
If you have access to a garage, make room inside for DIY projects. A garage is a great workspace for things like building furniture, wood projects, and other crafts. It can become your personal haven during the quarantine.
Etsy
As I mentioned earlier, Etsy is one of the best places to online shop. Especially if you’re looking to get crafty during your time at home. You can get macrame supplies, embroidery, knitting supplies, sewing patterns, and more. This is the ideal time to start creating.
Styles for Summer
Even though we’re hanging out at home, planning out outfits and styles to rock later on is a good way to boost morale. And maybe a few new comfy sweat pant styles if you’re working from home—I know I’ve already had to wash the pairs I have!
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What things are keeping you sane during this time? Please share in the comments below!
This article is really amazing. All of the suggested things are really useful and important to boost our productivity. I had especially liked the idea of Coffee beans, Skillshare subscription to improve our skills and a Kindle.
You are acting as a ray of hope for all of us locked inside our houses.
Thank you so much for sharing such an important article.
Hey there! Definitely some of my favorite ways to stay positive and productive 🙂 Glad you found this!
Hi Kiersten,
I have been super lucky to still be employed and paid and I don’t have to go in to work! I have been doing a lot of sewing and planning future events. Even if these events don’t happen, it’s keeping me busy (and sane!) I have also been journaling.
These are all great ideas! I didn’t even know you could make your own milk out of nuts! Wow! I might have to get one of those machines. I think they would especially help those who are lactose intolerant but still want to drink milk.
Even though libraries are closed, many of them offer online services! You can download books to your kindle or tablet, and when the due date arrives, they go back automatically. This is great when your stash runs out or you’re low on cash. They also have magazines you can read online, and databases where you can take classes, all through your library card.
Hi Melody,
Finding a hobby or project like that is fantastic! And right? Nut milks are one of my fave alternatives. Great tip about the online library services. Thank you!!