7 BEST THINGS TO DO AT HOME: A Traveler’s Guide to Staying Sane
The world suddenly stops. As someone who is used to always being on the move, chasing the next sunset or finding a hidden coffee shop in a new city, staying at home feels so strange. Usually, my life is packed in a suitcase. But now, my four walls are my only destination, and “traveling” means moving from my bed to the kitchen. It’s a new thing for me to just… stay.
Even though the world outside feels heavy and scary right now, I’ve realized that maybe this is the breather we all needed. It’s a time to reflect, to find joy in the little things, and to prepare ourselves for the day we can finally step out into a brand-new world.
7 Best Things To Do At Home
If you’re feeling a bit lost at home, here are the simple, therapeutic things I’ve been doing to keep my heart full and my days productive.
Do Your Skincare Leisurely
When life is busy, I’m always in a rush. I used to splash some water on my face and run out the door. Now, I have all the time in the world to be gentle with myself. I’ve started a calm morning and evening routine. It feels like a small gift to myself every day.
- Cleanse (AM/PM): Remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser suited to your skin type.
- Toner (Optional – AM/PM): Balances skin pH and removes remaining impurities.
- Treatment/Serum (AM/PM): Apply targeted treatments like Vitamin C for brightness (morning) or retinol for anti-aging (night).
- Moisturize (AM/PM): Hydrates and seals in moisture. Use lighter creams for oily skin and thicker creams for dry skin.
- Sunscreen (AM): Non-negotiable daily step to prevent UV damage and premature aging.
- Exfoliation (2-3x per week): Removes dead skin cells for a brighter complexion.
- Eye Cream: Addresses the delicate eye area.
- Double Cleansing (PM): Uses an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one to deeply remove SPF and makeup.
The Secret Step. I always drink a glass of water the moment I wake up. It’s the best “skincare” there is.
Why You Should Invest More in Skincare Than Makeup
Declutter to Refresh Your Space
If you enjoy cleaning, there’s nothing more relaxing than seeing your room sparkling.
- Use the 3-Box Method: Set up boxes for Donate/Sell, Trash/Recycle, and Unsure.
- Sort by Category, Not Space: Tackle clothes first, then books, papers, and miscellaneous items.
- Be Ruthless: If you haven’t used it in 6 months, wouldn’t buy it again, or don’t love it, remove it.
- Try the “Penalty Box”: Place items you are unsure about in a box. If you don’t look for them in 3 months, donate the box without reopening it.
I’ve decided to build a capsule wardrobe. If I haven’t worn a piece of clothing in six months, I let it go. I’m leaning into a more minimalist, basic style. I use the “3-Box Method” (Donate, Trash, or Unsure) to keep things organized. It’s amazing how much lighter you feel when your space isn’t cluttered with things you don’t need.
Start your Fitness Journey Now
It’s easy to get lazy at home, but I’ve started a simple 20-minute daily workout. I’m not doing it to get a “beach body”—I’m doing it to keep my immune system strong. During a crisis, our health is our greatest wealth. No gym needed, just a bit of floor space and some determination.
No Gym Needed: My Simple 20-Minute Daily Workout & Diet Secrets
Learn How To Cook
I never really appreciated cooking when I was busy working. But now, I love the process of prepping a meal. Along with this, start to eat something healthy. This doesn’t have to be expensive. When you’re just starting, you can have at least one healthy meal every day until you get the hang of your food intake. I’ve been practicing OMAD (One Meal A Day), so I make sure that one meal is balanced and full of protein. I try to stick to 60% Protein, 20% Fiber, and 20% Carbs.
Then incorporate it with at least a glass of water every hour. You’d be surprised to see that one day your body is already craving a healthy meal and more water. Oh, and do not forget to take your vitamins.
Try Reading a Book
I used to love reading, and I’m finally getting back to it. I prefer printed books because I love the smell of the pages; it’s therapeutic for me. But if you love Kindle and reading on tablets for Wattpad stories, then go ahead. Reading is like traveling without moving your feet. My current reads are:
- Anything by John Green
- The Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi (my current favorites!)
Movie Marathon
Start watching a new series and go for a different movie genre this time. Korean series are popular now. As for me, I’ve been binge-watching Studio Ghibli films and short-series anime. If you haven’t seen Your Name yet, please do! It’s such a beautiful way to spend an afternoon when you just want to turn your brain off and be inspired.
Growing and Upskilling
I’ve always wanted to learn more, and now the internet is my classroom. Whether it’s painting, graphic design, or writing, there is so much to explore. For me, I’ve been pouring my heart into this blog. I’m dreaming of doing this full-time soon. I may not be able to go out and explore the world right now, but I can still grow from right here.
How to Start a Blog: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
I don’t know when the world will open up again, or when I’ll be able to pack my bags for my next adventure. But for now, I’m learning that “home” isn’t a place where I’m stuck—it’s a place where I’m growing.
Take this time to be kind to yourself. Drink your water, move your body, and don’t forget to dream about the places we will go when this is all over. By then, we won’t just be returning to the world; we’ll be entering it as brand-new versions of ourselves.
Janella Herrera
Looking back at my habits few months ago, I am doing better back then. Still tryng to figure out everything and self-care is the first step that I should learn once again.
Aaliziyah
I agree with you! I think one self-care tip that is really important is learning new hobbies. The thing is, we will never truly know what we are capable of doing if we don’t try and explore different hobbies.
Polly Amora
Before the quarantine, “occasional” cook lang talaga ako. Yung tipong pag may napanood sa TV tapos nakakatamad lumabas ng flat since may ingredients naman cge cook! Pero during, umuwi kame lahat kase sa bahay ng parents ko so mega volunteer ako mag luto kase… relaxing. Weird but true, nakaka lessen ng stress. Lalo na baking! ?
www.WanderWoMom.com
netflix lang din ako ng netflix eh. pero waah napapa cook din ako because of the projects na food related at napa bake dahil sa son ko nagkicrave hahaha
Fangirl Clang
Nagstart na ako gumawa ng journal kahapon lang, hopefully, magtuloy tuloy siya. Dami ko kasi kinakatamaran like exercise, cooking and reading. ?
Caren
Sa skin care lang ako nagiging consistent lately HAHAHA. Not related to the topic, legit ba yung tattoo mo?
Misskhae
Yes legit yung tattoo! HAHA Mahilig ako eh pero kino-control ko na dumami yung tattoos ko. Hahahaha 😀
The Little Binger
I need to remind myself to still work on my skincare routine this quarantine. ?
Misskhae
Hahaha kahit ako who wrote this is minsan di ko rin nagagawa yung skincare routine ko eh. Sa sobrang daming time, natamad na! 😀
Veeyah (Monique)
I’ve listed most of the things here on mine too (on my podcast)! Just because the usual stressors of work or life aren’t the same as before, doesn’t mean we’re all happy and relaxed at home. Self-care is vital to coming out of this still motivated and ready to rebuild a new normal. 🙂