We are living in trying times; with the recent pandemic restrictions, threats to both our health and safety have many of us retreating inside our homes. Unfortunately, this can take a toll on mental and physical health.

With warmer weather approaching, it can be frustrating to be told it’s safer to stay at home. Many of us desire the outdoor bliss that accompanies summer, instead of staying inside. Many of us prefer to go on picnics, barbecue, outings with family and friends that allow us to soak up some sunshine and share fellowship. It is challenging to come up with creative ideas to stay motivated and upbeat, and even more challenging to have to entertain children and pets at this time. How can we find something to look forward to while spending so much time inside?

Rest assured, we have gone before and come up with some ways to spice up the mundane by providing strategies for giving yourself something to look forward to. Follow these simple tips for an elevated mood and a few more creative plans:

1. Learn Something New

With all of this extra time on your hands, what better time to acquire a new skill or learn something new? This can be done through books, Youtube videos, or even some hands-on experience as you discover some new interests and see where new passions point you. Have you always wanted to improve your cooking skills? Dig in! How about learning to sew or build a piece of furniture? There are plenty of online, free resources to get you going in the right direction. Start small with these newfound interests and see where they go during quarantine and beyond.

2. Practice the Art of Self-Care

Many of us lead such hectic lives, it’s difficult to justify taking some extra time for ourselves. A massage, a home kitchen facial, and some relaxing, centering meditation are all things that you can do to care for and love yourself. Make a date with yourself at the same time each day, and commit this time to you as fervently as you would to a loved one. You can even treat yourself to monthly care packages. You can do this by subscribing to makeup companies or even a champagne club. This will give you something to look forward to every month.

3. Create Quality Time With Loved Ones

It isn’t easy to be stuck at home with the same people day after day. We all have the potential to get on each other’s nerves. Reframe this gift of time. This is quality time. We should focus on relationship building and working together. Whether you go on walks, play board games, do puzzles or build a backyard chicken coop, you’ll be a stronger, tighter unit on the other side of this pandemic.

4. Spruce Up Your Home

One of the main reasons that people do not treasure time at home is that they live in chaos. What an incredible opportunity to dig deep, organize, and clean. Do some small home improvement projects that make it a more inviting space for everyone. You don’t have to do it all yourself, either. Have the family chip in. Get a contractor to come in and do that paint job that you’ve been wanting to do for months. Surround yourself with order and beauty, and you’ll feel better about being at home.

It is easy to get stuck thinking negatively about being stuck at home, but it is actually an opportunity–to improve yourself, to deepen relationships with others, and to create beauty around you. Start thinking about this time differently, and see what wonderful things come of your own personal transformation!