Time to Stay Home and the Things You Can Do!

What did people do centuries ago when there was no television, no smartphones, no tablets, or technology? Well, sitting around the fireplace and read a book, did embroidery, knitting, teach children about something, or had a conversation. In today's world, it's much easier to stay entertained because of technology. So much so, that people are more kept to themselves with their smart devices.
​In Tennessee, we are dealing with two huge issues right now, recovering from the March 3rd devastating tornado and now the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. People need everything, and there is a shortage of tissues of all kinds. Yesterday, Nashville Mayor John Cooper declared a State of Emergency for Davidson County trying to contain the spread of the virus. What surprised me about what's happening around the city and the country is people being in panic mode and becoming hoarders. I know that the situation isn't easy, but by doing so, it becomes more difficult for everyone else. People need to purchase food and supplies that will last a week so everyone can have the chance to get what they need. My husband and I went to Whole Foods two days ago, and the produce section was almost empty. Today, we went to Costco, and there was no tissue of any kind (toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, and kleenex). 

What Can You Do?

• Let's go to the old fashion way... Instead of using paper tissue, use handkerchieves. It never goes out of style, and you can wash it and reuse it every day.
• Use microfiber cloths to clean surfaces and kitchen towels to dry your hands.
• Save money on tissue and save a tree at the same time. It's a win-win situation.
• As for the toilet paper, maybe it's time for you to use that bidet that you installed and never use ;-) Soap and water it's always a great solution!

I'm bored out of my mind... well, maybe not!
Here are some ideas of things you can do to keep yourself and your family entertained.

• You can never go wrong with watching that movie you had on your watch list. Amazon has a list of movies for under $5.00 that you can rent.
• Play games: board games, dominoes, video games, Karaoke, etc. The list is endless. Here are some ideas.
• Take that online course, you wanted to expand your knowledge. There are hundreds of classes online for just a few dollars on Udemy.com
• Study an instrument. There are tons of free lessons online
• Had on your schedule to go to the gym but never made it out? Well, this is your time to do it, but since gyms are closing too, there are hundreds of workout apps that you can use to help you achieve your goals at home. Some of them are a few dollars or free. I use FitOn, which all exercises are free and under 30 minutes. 
• You can also learn a new skill such as cooking, sewing, embroidering, knitting, painting, and so on. 
• Is someone celebrating a birthday? Have a live birthday party using Facebook live, YouTube, Zoom, or FaceTime.
• Do that home project you planned a long time ago.
• Spend time with your kid reviewing past lessons and homework from school or go ahead with future lessons.

Are you a business owner? Should you work from home as I do, there is always something to get done. For me, it is getting up to date with emails, organizing files, writing this blog, updating people about the Coronavirus, and so on. I thought that maybe during this time that people are canceling travel plans, I use it to do more training with some of our suppliers. For entrepreneurs out there in a similar situation like mine, here are a few things you could do:

• Review your business plan and to see if you are on track
• Update your marketing plan
• Stay up to date with trends and news about the COVID-19
• Work on future events, planning ahead is always an excellent strategy
• Watch that TED talk that you had on your bucket list
• Read that book you had on your desk for months. (I have a few on my desk myself)
• Promote your services on social media

It's going to be though but we are going to make it thrugh this hard times together. Just remember, wash your hands with soap and water for more than 20 seconds, use hand sanitizer while out and about and clean surfaces with alcohol. Should you have any questions about your upcoming trips? Feel free to call me and we'll figure it out together. Stay safe and healthy!