What to do while you shelter at home
You might be filled with anxiety these days either trying to avoid Covid-19 or counting the income you are losing by not working since shows are cancelled. You might also be dealing with working from home with a houseful of kids. Unless you are an essential worker, you are likely housebound. You might be asking yourself, “What should I do?”
Well, we can’t reverse what is going on, but perhaps we can offer ideas to cope with these stressful times.
You know all that time you always complain about not having? If you have it now; it’s just a matter of making the most of it. Rather than practicing those couch potato skills, think of constructive things to do! Here are some ideas:
Business
- Take inventory of supplies and order what you need
- Sell off no longer wanted supplies
- Work on taxes
- Catch up on the books
- Catch up on production and labeling
- Work on formulating a new product
- Learn a new product
- Deep clean your workspace
- Work on your website
- Design business cards and other promotional materials
- Brainstorm income-producing options
- Promote soap as the perfect handwashing product and make sure people know you sell it
- Rethink packaging
- Work on your vision board/branding/target market
- Donate what you can. Make sure the donation is labeled and use the opportunity to make yourself known. It is OK to let generosity help your business.
Personal
- Learn a new skill—like cooking
- Get outside! Walk the dog, garden, take a run; just keep the proper social distance from others with the same idea.
- Spend quality time with the kids. Bake, do outdoor activities, craft projects, read books, the choices are endless
- Check on friends and neighbors and help where you can
- Give blood
- Exercise. Find some of the many online helps for an at-home program
- Put together a puzzle
- Teach the kids how to wash their hands properly
- Take on that home improvement project you’ve been meaning to complete
- Work on your favorite hobby
- Explore how to provide needed services or donations to your local community
- Deep clean the house and get rid of unneeded items. This is not the best time to sell or donate, but you can be ready as soon as things settle down
- Get a neighborhood group going on social media or by phone. Offer to pick up items for others when you visit the store.
What else can you think of? Tell us what you are doing.
May all your days be filled with bubbles and wax.
Beth Byrne, for Making Soap, Cosmetics & Candles Magazine