Tips for Staying @ Home

Experts remind us that we’re social beings that need to be with each other.  Well, in today’s Stay At Home – Social Distancing world, we’re not able to do that – and for good reason.  But our Fun Is Good Team sorely misses the energy, laughter and fun that we get from audiences during our seminars and speeches.  We so look forward to being back with all of you for in-person sessions soon!

Until then, we want to share a few ideas we’ve gathered to help make the time we’re staying home as productive, healthy and happy as possible. 

1. Clean and De-Clutter – Marie Kondo is brilliant!  Research is showing us the physical and emotional value of cleaning our home and donating things we no longer use.  When our space is clear, our minds clear too and it makes room for creative thoughts to follow.  And what a wonderful benefit that the things we’re giving away will help others in need.   Benefits galore!
2. Practice Listening – We all “hear” things that people say, but we often don’t listen.  This time in our homes allows us to slow down and really listen to what our partners, children, even the news reporters are really saying.  Listening is a lost art that we can reclaim during this time of quarantine.
3. Organize – Something – Anything.  We’re in a time of immense uncertainty with little control over many things we used to manage daily.  Organizing a closet, a work station or a junk drawer will give us a sense of accomplishment (and control) and we’ll feel better when we see the end result.  A few victories like this and we’re better prepared to manage some of the temporary unknowns we’re facing. 
4. Take a tech lesson – If you’re home with someone more technically advanced than you (your kids),  ask them to share some computer tips that will help you.  Have them introduce you to a new app you’d like.  And if you’re on your own, reach out to family and friends for some remote tech training.  Learning new skills can be fun and may help a lot in the future.
5. Write Thank You Notes - Show gratitude to the important people in your life!  Take this time to reflect on those who have positively influenced you and write them a simple note of Thanks.  It would be wonderful if it’s handwritten and mailed.  This is a lost art and would be so cool for you and the recipient.  But however you do it, text, phone call, video chat or yell it over the backyard fence, you’ll soon see and feel the immense power in showing gratitude.
6. Chill For 10 Minutes Everyday - I guess we could use the word “meditate” here, but that can sound intimidating and something we need to “learn to do.”  Simply sit for ten minutes without speaking or moving.  Breathe deeply and just observe everything around you.  Things will slow down, creative ideas will surface, you’ll solve problems you have and you’ll feel rested.   
7. Make A List of Your Favorite Movies, Songs and Books – We recommend a top 10 list for each.  This exercise is healthy for a bunch of reasons.  Not only does it get us to focus on creative things we enjoy, but it also pushes us to think of why they’re our favorites.  Look for interesting themes in your selections and how they apply to what we’re going through right now.  Not to make this really come alive, ask family and friends to come up with their lists and then share them together over a group video chat. . . probably multiple chats. 
8. Re-Visit All Your Favorites – What better time than now to revisit your favorite movies, songs and books.  Do they still resonate with you?  Think through which family members and friends will appreciate which of your favs and reach out to them with recommendations.  Set a virtual date to talk about them.
9. Reflect On What You’ve Learned So Far and What You’ll Do Differently – We’re in such unprecedented times with things changing so rapidly, it’s healthy to reflect on how it’s impacting us and what we’ll take from it.  Find the time to pause, think about a few things you’ve learned so far and write them down.  No need for perfect language. . . just capture a few of these and note what you’ll do differently when we’re able to “socialize” again.