How do you SEE yourself spending your quarantine time Wisely?

“Like too many of us, I mistook a busy life for a rich one.” ~ Anne D. LeClaire
 
In 2011, I read the book Listening Below the Noise: A Meditation on the Practice of Silence by Anne D. LeClaire and it impacted me greatly because she took time to be silent and go within.  When I was retired, I thought I would have to time to do everything I wanted, but I was wrong. I quickly realized that I was stressed running from one activity to the next.  I was just as busy, if not busier than when I worked full time and I realized it was not the ideal situation for leading a balanced life. So, I created a plan and took the month of April off from social engagements and activities. I used the time to get grounded, go slower, spend more time in silence, connect to nature and focused on answering the questions who I am and what do I want.  
 
During the month of April, I didn’t schedule any activities  – no yoga classes, no art classes, no lunches with friends, no meetings, no doctor’s appointments, no gatherings with friends, etc. It sounds just like what we are all having to do now, but I did it on purpose.  It usually takes me a week to decompress and mindfully accomplish the things on my to do list and then for the next 3 weeks I focus on getting centered, being creative, reading spiritually, and cleansing my body, mind and spirit. After the month, I am rejuvenated and ready to tackle the world again from a calmer and more peaceful mindset.
 
Each of us has to determine how to wisely spend our time in quarantine.  Here are the things that help me stay engaged and allow me to get grounded and at peace with myself.  These might not work for you, but may give you ideas for things you can do to make the most out of this time.

• Meditation 
• Exercise 
• Yoga 
• Journaling 
• Being creative – read books, watch tutorials, paint, take pictures, edit photographs
• Chores – each day I do one big chore that often gets neglected like washing windows, organizing and eliminating closets, filing, etc.  I do it mindfully, but only let it take an hour or two
• Read spiritual and motivational books, blogs, and articles.
• Listen to inspirational music or music to get me moving
• Eating Mindfully – don’t do anything else while I eat and taste and savor each bite
• Be mindful, pause between activities, focus on the positive and all I am grateful for in life
• Spend time in nature, observe nature in my back yard, garden, go on hikes (this year I will maintain social distancing) 
• Learn something new - I try things I have never done before because I don't have the time.  It may be learning a new app, a new medium of art or a new exercise routine.

How are you making the most of your time in quarantine?
 
Share ideas of things you are doing?