Quarantunities

Quarantine-Opportunities

10 cool things to do while you're stuck at home (and yes, I am doing ALL of these)

Our resident relaxation-guru, Amy Archer is sharing some of the activities she's been test driving during her self-directed home stay. 

1. Make some seriously healthy, immune boosting smoothies.

This beauty is packed with immune boosting vitamins and has ginger and turmeric sprinkled in - which is great for detoxifying and reducing inflammation. 

Here are the ingredients:

- 1 - 1.5 cups citrus fruit (oranges, tangerines, mandarines... etc)

- 1/2 large carrot cut into spears for easier blending

- 1/2 frozen banana optional - for sweetness and creaminess

- Juice of 1/2 key lime

- Small piece of fresh ginger

- 1/8 - 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric to taste

- Honey for sweetness to taste

- 1/2 - 1 cup water

Try it out yourself!

2. Get your green thumb on...

Now is the perfect time to order some seeds—yep, you have time—to begin growing your own herbs. 

It is so satisfying to watch something flourish in front of your eyes.

Here's a list of must-have herbs in your garden.

3. Fire up your diffuser 

(if you have one) or add a few drops in a spray bottle with water and spritz your space. 

Did you know that these 5 essential oils are primo for giving your lungs a little love. 

For the maximum benefit (aka Nature's Inhaler), add a few drops to a bowl of steaming hot water, drape a towel over your head and gently inhale. This is a great way to give your lungs an expansive lift.

• Rosemary
• Eucalyptus
• Peppermint
• Lemon
• Chamomile

Read more about the  Top 10 Essential Oils for Stress & Anxiety

4. Forego the hand weights

Deploy your quarantine-family to hoist the heaviest items in your house for their once-a-decade cleaning. 

Heads up, you'll likely find the spare remote and some petrified snacks

Note: It's way easier to pick up if you get off the sofa first. 

5. Reach out to your neighbors 

and offer to get them groceries or pick up their prescriptions.

Slide your name and number under their door so they'll have it.

It's amazing what an act of kindness can do.

6. Antidote to anxiousness:

No matter how big or small your house is – retreat to your territorial seating spot, put your feet up, and mellow out to some peace generating music. 

Lovin' this new song by Tina Turner: Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu (Peace Mantra)

7. Can't get to the gym right now? 

Check out online yoga workouts.

A little downward dog will untangle the day.

8. Ditch the handshake. 

A simple gesture packed with meaning. Namaste is a way of showing respect and gratitude. It literally translates to “I bow to you.”

Namaste all day.

Learn more about the meaning of Namaste

9. Who are the unsung heroes in your life? 

What do you admire most about them? Tell them.

This can be a super special reflective time to show someone how they matter to you.

And finally, 

10. You know the drill...

Clean your hands like you just made jalapeno nachos and are about to put in your contacts. 

Make it interesting and you'll never need perfect.

Amy Archer, the Barefooted Designer