7 Ways You Can Embrace Your Home Sanctuary & Find Peace In Isolation

While introverts and self-confessed homebodies may be coping well with social distancing, some of you are probably finding that being confined to your home can be difficult.

What has struck me over the past few weeks though, are the small ways in which people are finding positivity in their situation. Personally, I have found a number of habits and practices which have helped me feel grounded, embrace slow living, and find peace and even joy in an ever-changing situation.

I hope some of these practices resonate with you and help you to do the same.

1. Practice gratitude

Put simply, not everyone has somewhere safe to be right now. If you’re reading this, chances are you live in a wealthy country and have somewhere safe to go. So, instead of just being irritated by being stuck inside, try and embrace it. Chances are, staying in your home is your best mode of self-protection at the moment, so take a few minutes each day to be grateful that you have a safe haven to seek refuge in.

2. Avoid the news

I’m someone who usually stays up to date with what is happening in the world but I’ve made a conscious choice not to read the news at the moment. While there is nothing at all wrong with staying informed, the sheer volume of news available is overwhelming, and for me at least, can have a negative impact on my mental health and daily mindset. If you’re feeling the same, you can stay up to date with key developments by going directly to government websites where you’ll get the facts you need without all the spin and padding added by the mainstream news outlets.

Go green in your home sanctuary

3. Help others

One of the best ways I have found to counter feelings of anxiety is to find a way to help someone else. Do you have a skill you could offer up for free to someone who has lost their income? Could you call and chat to someone who you think may be feeling lonely, or offer to pick up some supplies for a neighbour? Your small act of kindness will likely be a real bright spot in someone else’s day, and not only that, it will take your mind off your own worries and give you a sense of purpose in a situation where we’re all at risk of feeling helpless.

4. Declutter

 I admit, this isn’t a surprising one coming from me. When you’re stuck at home though, what better opportunity could you ask for? You may not be in the headspace for a full declutter, but you can still tackle small tasks, like turning out that miscellaneous kitchen drawer, or targeting one category such as photos, sentimental items, cosmetics, or your digital devices. Check out some of my tips for decluttering and simplifying your life here .

5. Make do and mend

Remember all those DIY jobs you never get around to because you’re usually too busy? Well, now might be a good time to turn your attention to them. Whether it’s sewing on a shirt button, making a birthday card, bleaching your whites, or fixing the tap in the bathroom, small achievable tasks are a great way to fill in a weekend spent at home.

6. Go Green

There’s nothing quite like gardening to make you feel more calm and grounded. While we’re not all lucky enough to have an actual garden (myself included), most of us at least have a balcony or windowsill where we can grow some herbs or a few plants. If you can get hold of some seeds or seedlings, planting some vegetables might be worthwhile. As we’re now discovering, many of us live our lives as if the only place we can get food is from stores, but it’s time to break that mindset. 

7. Start that thing you have been meaning to start

Whether it’s a book you’ve been meaning to read, a hobby you’re interested in, a boring administrative task you’ve been putting off, or even a small business idea that needs some research, having an unexpected stint at home might be just the opportunity you’ve been waiting for to finally get around to it. Personally, I am using my free time to kick-start my new podcast. This is something I have been meaning to start for a long time, and there is no better time than the present. Watch this space!

Remember, your home is your sanctuary. Even if it may not seem ‘perfect’, it is perfect for you right now. It is your safe haven and you are doing your bit by just staying at home. If you start with an open mindset each day and embrace this unexpected stint of isolation, you never know, you may look back on this time with fond memories. 

Check out Tips to Decluttering and Simplifying your Life  & learn how to  Sell Secondhand Clothes