Seven Beneficial Things to Do NOW With Your Spare Time
In the throes of a worldwide pandemic, most of us find ourselves spending more time at home in a new reality that is far from the norm. Like everything else in life, we can choose to react to our circumstances with complaints and annoyance or we can embrace them and make a bad situation positive and beneficial. The latter is of course, the better way to go. Here are 7 suggestions that will help us make the best of our newly -found spare time.
1. Examine your financial circumstances and map out a plan
Many people have been hard hit by the pandemic. Unemployment is still a reality and underemployment a great concern in many sectors of our society. While it may seem counterintuitive, it may be the right time to set up a plan. After contacting creditors, exploring help from your municipality and other official organizations, you can take action to improve your long-term fiscal future. There are many resources to help in this endeavor. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling and the Foundation for Financial Planning provide free advice for consumers in need. We Florida Financial also gives members access to KOFE (Knowledge of Financial Education), a resource to help you build and maintain fiscal stability.
2. Organize your living and work areas, including your digital files
A clean space can boost your productivity, reduce stress and lead to clearer thinking. Research has shown that looking at too many things, overloads your visual cortex and interferes with the brain’s ability to process information. With everything in its place, you will be able to find the paper or digital files you need, complete your tasks and focus on future activities.
3. Donate unneeded clothes, eyeglasses and sneakers
With your unwanted items piled to the side, take the time to donate them to a worthy charity. These organizations include many that are not household names but are outstanding in their mission of giving to the needy in this country and in developing nations. They include Dress for Success, Lions Club International (collecting eyeglasses), Soles 4 Souls and Reuse a Shoe. A donation to any of these agencies will be a win-win for both you and them.
4. Write (yes, write)
Nowadays, it seems that we are all being encouraged to write a journal to set down our thoughts, hopes and dreams. I believe this is a good move and that the exercise of self- expression can only be positive and enlightening. But we can go one step further. While we have pen in hand, we can perform a practical function that can truly make a difference. We can write notes or letters to the many unseen seniors in nursing homes who often experience loneliness and social isolation. Consider supporting a group like Love for Our Elders which encourages communities to write letters or make cards for seniors in nursing homes all across the globe. The letters do make a tremendous difference to many and cost the writer nothing.
5. Reconnect with old friends
Studies have shown that in societies with the highest life expectancy, longevity is fostered in great part by long-standing friendships. With more time on our hands, this might be the right moment to reconnect with loved ones and friends whom we have not seen in years. Our minds and bodies will thank us.
6. Cook like the ancestors
As a nation of immigrants, most Americans can trace their roots to another country. Staying at home gives us an opportunity to connect to our heritage by making a traditional meal from a recipe passed down by an elder, and reflecting on the history of your family. The homemade food will probably be healthier and the shared experience invaluable.
7. Take time to exercise
In South Florida, we are fortunate to live in a climate where outdoor activities are possible for most of the year. A lunchtime walk or a stroll after dinner can do wonders for the mind and spirit.
In our hectic world, we often bemoan the lack of leisure time. Due to circumstances, we now have more of this rare commodity. Let’s put it to good use. Let’s reflect more, make a financial plan, seek out family and friends, develop healthy habits and contribute more to our community.
