10 Productive Things To Do From Home
10 Productive Things To Do From Home.
“A year from now you’ll wish you had started today.” – Karen Lamb.
Many of us are spending more time at home. Whilst some of us are continuing to work from home, others have been stood down from their roles completely. Social media is being flooded by memes and comments on being bored at home.
Whilst this continues to be an unusual and challenging time for us, there is a bigger opportunity that lies within. We are often finding ourselves rushing, and racing against the clock. With self-isolation comes a slower pace. There is more time now than ever to work on your goals and your dreams, and to use this time as productively as possible. It is the perfect time to work on all those things you’ve been putting off for a while. Here are a 10 ideas on productive things to do from home.
1. DECLUTTER & ORGANISE
I love home organisation and knowing that everything has it’s place and everything is in order. Overpacked cupboards and draws can often lead to having a cluttered home, and living a cluttered life. Spend some time to reorganise your wardrobe, drawers, shelves, cupboards and pantries. If you are unsure of where to start, I highly recommend reading Marie Kondo’s best-selling book, The Life Changing Magic Of Tidying Up. You can also read a post on how I declutter and organise my life here.
2. REFRESH YOUR HOME
We are spending more time at home than ever before, and it is the perfect opportunity to restyle your home. Try some DIY projects, restyle your console, coffee table and bookshelves. Re-arrange your furniture to optimise your space and create better flow. Work on your garden and making it as pristine as possible. Whatever you need to do to your space, use this as an opportunity to take pride in your home and the way it is presented.
3. READ MORE BOOKS
Use this time to read more books, to educate and invest in yourself. As Warren Buffet said, “Read 500 pages every day. That’s how knowledge works. It builds up like compound interest.” Both Warren Buffet and Charlie Munger have said they insist on a lot of time being available to just sit and think. They have attributed much fo their success to this very practice of reading and thinking. There is a plethora of incredible books full of knowledge and information waiting to be read. If you are unsure of where to start, you can find a list of some of my favourite books here.
4. START A BLOG
One of the things I am frequently asked is how to start a blog. If you have been thinking of starting a blog and have not had the time to do it, now is the perfect opportunity. Here are a few simple steps on how to start your own blog:
- Come up with an idea for your blog.
- Give your blog a name.
- Check your name is available and register your domain via a site such as Crazy Domains or Go Daddy.
- Find a template and start building your site with WordPress or other platform.
- Start writing articles and publishing content.
5. LAUNCH A PODCAST
Similarly to starting a blog, if you have been thinking of launching a podcast, now is the time to do it. There are a couple of options when it comes to starting a podcast:
- A DIY, budget-friendly version which simply requires your mobile device and downloading a podcast recording app such as Anchor.
- Purchase podcast recording equipment and set up your own podcast studio from home. You can do this with good quality equipment for around $1000 depending on the type of equipment you choose.
- A professional podcast – there are companies who will record, edit and publish your podcast for a fee. Just a simple google search will help you to contact someone who can provide you with this service.
6. UPDATE YOUR RESUME
If you are currently out of work, or have been thinking about looking for a new role, now is the perfect time to update your resume. Ensure you use a professional template and include information that is relevant to the type of industry / job you are applying for. You can read one of my earlier articles on resume writing tips here.
7. BUILD YOUR PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS
Use this time to build your professional connections and increase your network. Use tools and sites such as LinkedIn to start a conversation or connect with people who you admire and who add value to your career. Update your LinkedIn profile and ensure all your career information is up to date and relevant.
8. LEARN A NEW SKILL
Now is the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill. Use this time to:
- Complete an online course (whether it is a professional course or something you feel passionate about e.g. interior design, coding, leadership etc).
- Research and book yourself into a future seminar or event.
- Watch How-To YouTube videos or read articles or books related to the new skill.
- Review research papers to educate yourself on a new topic.
- Carve out time to practice new skills in your own home, whether it is cooking, home maintenance or anything else.
9. START AN ONLINE BUSINESS
If you have been thinking about starting an online business, now is the time to do it. Use this time to conduct research, educate yourself and start taking action. Some ideas could include:
You can read my article on 5 side hustles to earn extra cash here.
10. BUILD MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS
Whilst we many not be able to spend time with our friends and families as much in person, technology allows us to reach out to people we love and care about. Pick up the phone, use FaceTime or Skype to call and see the faces of your loved ones. Check in with your parents, grandparents, siblings, extended family and friends. Let the people in your family know that you love and care about them. If you are lucky enough to still have grandparents, call them and put a smile on their face. Bring sunshine into the lives of others and bring a sense of meaning and depth into your relationships with others.
PRODUCTIVE THINGS TO DO FROM HOME
What are some of the ways you have been using your time productively at home? I would love to hear your ideas and experiences, please leave your comments below!
I have been learning to play piano for the first time along with my 9yr-old son. Lucky to belong to a gym group who have converted to zoom plus taking my kids for a long walk every day (almost). Reading a book to compare with my book club online next month. Sitting in the sun to knit and crochet from the front porch and saying hello to passers-by. I can feel myself mentally preparing to rehash the whole kitchen, trying to recruit my husband though!
Wow, thank you so much for sharing all your wonderful ideas and experiences, Sarah! It sounds like you have been using this time incredibly productively – well done! I especially love that you are learning to play the piano with your son – that is so wonderful. Good luck with the kitchen renovation – I hope all goes well!